Boys from both Third Form classes participated in the annual Oatlands 3rd Class Hurling Blitz this afternoon. History was made as the boys fielded a hurling team in Third Form for the first time in the Junior School's history. The boys have been training diligently under the watchful eyes of Mr. Brennan, Mr. Ruane and Mr. Stephens in recent weeks and they have made dramatic progress in this period. Some boys have progressed from picking a hurl up for the first time just a few short weeks ago to striking the sliotar on the run under pressure from opponents today.
There was lots of excitement as they boarded the bus for the 10 am start in Kilmacud Crokes GAA pitch. The blitz is attended annually by many other schools in our local area, Hollypark BNS, St. Laurence's BNS, Oatlands, Scoil San Treasa, St. Brigid's BNS Foxrock and St. Mary's, Booterstown. The boys played Hollypark BNS in their first game and lost narrowly. However, there were shouts of joy and jubilation in the second game when St. Michael's crashed the ball to the back of the net to take the lead versus St. Laurence's BNS. St. Michae's went on to win this game before suffering defeat to a strong Scoil San Treasa outfit in the final group game.
Following a break for food and refreshments, the finals series commenced. St. Michael's qualified for the shield final following a commanding semi-final performance against a committed Hollypark team. The final was a very tense affair against a talented St. Brigid's Foxrock team. The St.Michael's defence was resolute while our attack threatened with three shots just wide of the St.Brigid's goal. The game edged into extra time and it looked as if the teams would not be separated. Unfortunately, a free was awarded to Foxrock and their free taker struck the ball over the bar to seal the victory for them.
The boys were devastated to lose by the narrowest of margins and looked on through tears in their eyes as Foxrock were presented with the Shield Cup by Barraí from Oatlands. There was some consolation in the drinks and popcorn provided to all players by Oatlands but today's experience will be invaluable to the boys in their competitive playing careers in the years ahead. We have no doubt that today's narrow loss will spur the boys on to improve and hone their hurling skills over the summer months with many eager to sign up to a GAA club. The boys lined up and shook hands with every opponent after each game and represented the school and their parents with pride. We can all be very proud of their efforts. We are very grateful to Ms. Heslin for giving us permission to attend the blitz and to Dorothy for organising the team bus for the boys.