Causeway return in a blaze of glory
Causeway Comprehensive School team members, management and supporters savour the moment after they had defeated Galway side St. Brigid's, Loughrea in the All-Ireland Vocational Schools Junior Hurling Final at Pairc Sean MacGearailt, Killmallock last Saturday. Included are, front from left: James Murphy, Kenny Walz, Paul McGrath, John O?Rourke, Damien Lynch, Keith Silles, David Goulding, Muiris Delaney, captain; Darren Leahy, Jason Wallace, Daniel Collins, Ricky Hefferan and Mikie O?Halloran. Back, from left: Willie Dowing, manager; Maurice Fitzgerald, Physio; Jonathan Regan, Keith Carmody, Tommy Allen, Tomás Casey, Pierce Claffey, Tom McElligott, Dougie Fitzell, Tommy Barrett, Padraig Boyle, Eric O?Connor, Conor O?Brien, Shane Casey, Sean Leahy, Colman Savage and John Joe Delaney, selector.
More photos:
Related Articles
BONFIRES raged across north Kerry on Saturday night as hurling fans from Ballyduff to Ballyheigue and Causeway to Kilmoyley gathered to welcome home the newly crowned All-Ireland Vocational Schools junior champions of Causeway Comprehensive.
In what was described by team manager, Willie Dowling, as an overwhelming show of support, the celebrations were a fitting tribute to a dedicated team who, earlier that day, claimed their second such title in as many years. This time they overcame Galway side St Brigid's of Loughrea by 2-21 to 112.
Paying tribute to the team of 15 and 16 year olds this week, Mr Dowling told The Kerryman that their hard work and dedication is what brought them to All-Ireland glory again this year. With seven of last year's winning team taking part again this year, expectations were high among hurling pundits right around the country, he said.
"I was looking at the cup at home the night before the match and saw that of the last 16 finals, a Galway team had won 11, so the pressure was on us and we were wary," he said. "Being the reigning champions meant there was a lot more expected of us too, so we never expected such a compressive win."
Also contributing to Causeway's back to back wins, Mr Dowling said, was coach Maurice Leahy, who he described as 'one of the best coaches in the country.' Maurice's expertise, along with the players' commitment was a wining combination. A testament to this, he said, was the fact that some of the players even cut short their celebrations to train with the senior team on Monday night.
Speaking of the reception the team received on Saturday night, Mr Dowling said it was extremely heartening to see the effort people had gone to to support the boys.
"We have players from Ballyheigue, Kilmoyley, Causeway, Ballyduff, Lixnaw and Crotta so for them to see the support that was out there for them was amazing," he said. "That support means a lot to us and we certainly appreciate their efforts."
Mr Dowling also paid tribute to his colleague at Causeway Comprehensive, selector John Joe Delaney, who not only saw his team win an All-Ireland title on Saturday, but had the added joy of witnessing his son Muiris lift the cup as captain.
- MARISA REIDY mreidy@kerryman.ie
