Annually the first week of July is sacrosanct in The Shamrock’s calendar as The Club Ciaran Hurling week beckons.
With over eighty boys and girls up for the start, helmets and hurleys at the ready, the ingredients for another successful week were on hand. Blessed with excellent weather the five days sped along to a most satisfactory conclusion on Friday. Hurling was in their psyche and in their blood. What a week, with our County Senior and Minor hurling heroes ready for Munster Final battle on Sunday in Thurles, and all the hay is saved too.
Head Coach Patrick Andrews had his team of young men and Ladies fully motivated for the task ahead and credit them all, the five days were all good ones. On Friday we had a few tired entrants, but happy and content with willing and appreciative parents there in numbers to laud the fine work done by all.
The Club were fortunate to have a sponsor willing to support this year’s programme. Ward & Burke, Civil Engineering Contractors were generous contributors in 2017. On Tuesday, Ms. Emma Murphy, Contracts Manager, was a most welcome visitor where she made a presentation to Club Chairman Pat McCarthy. She was joined on the podium by two of the Club’s County Players this year. Sophia Daly, a member of the championship Shamrock Ladies Football Under 14 team, was a member of the Cork Primary Schools Go Games team that played against Kerry in Killarney last Sunday, before the Munster Final. Seán Andrews, is a member of the Cork Under 15 Football Team. His great Grand Uncle George Andrews played Senior Football with Cork in 1935. Geraldine McGrath represented the Ladies Football Club.
Deirdre ran the kitchen and had the troops well watered and fed all week and much credit is due to all the other members who gave of their time freely and willingly. Thanks to all.
Part of the yearly ritual is a visit from Mrs. Mary Hegarty, mother of the late Kieran, whose name is honoured by the camp. She was accompanied by her sister Jenny and a visitor from Holland, Pearl, who was fascinated by our ancient and unique sport. She will treasure the hurley and slitor that was presented to her.
From left: Sean Andrews (Cork u15 footballer and Club Chiaráin Coach), Emma Murphy (Ward & Burke Contract Manager) sponsoring the event, Pat McCarthy Club Chairman, Pa Andrews Coaching Officer, Sophia Daly (Cork Primary Go Games Schools team v Kerry)
