Raleigh GAA win the Thomas Burke Cup in Hurling!
In dramatic style, Raleigh GAA captured our first Cup in 3 years by winning our own hurling tournament – the Governor Thomas Burke Cup! I say dramatic because we did what is now called “a Limerick” after the recent All-Ireland hurling final…we were 9 points up at half time (only 15
minutes) in the final and almost snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against a valiant Richmond side who took their points well in the second half to almost win it. It was level with 20 seconds remaining and it took
a long puck out from goals to the target man Shane McDermott, who made no
mistake when we needed him most – in plucking the sliotar from the sky and
burying it past an amazing cricket goalie to the back of the net.
A skillful and fast UNC/Greenville team were the third team in the competition which saw the play run close in all 4 games in the round robin format. The UNC/Greenville vs Richmond game was a real nailbiter, with
both teams fighting tooth and nail to make the final after Raleigh had earlier edged past both teams.
There were so many stellar performances on the day I couldn’t name them all, but Enda’s direct and tireless running up front had him enjoying no less than 12 goals at full forward, while Paul Courtney intercepted long
balls in the half back line all day and Richie was solid in the all-important goalkeeping position. Nothing went past Corey, Conor was too tricky for any defenders, and Nick’s tigerish play up front was brilliant
for the team. Above all, the “Aoife Bourke” player of the match (as she requested it be called as she leaves next week for out west :-)) went to Dillon Alcorn, who for once did not get heat stroke and was fully capable
of accepting the award after an amazing all round display of skill andenergy.
The puc fada awards on the day went to Kirsten Cummins from Richmond in
camogie, and Shane McDermott took the men’s title from yours truly!
A special thanks to Conor Ennis for organizing the tournament, and to Eamon Kelly from Tra Li for the amazing food at the field once again.
Thank you also to Seth McElvaney, who refereed 3 of the 4 games in what
was his first day ever as a hurling referee, with the final in particular being a very tough and close game to officiate.
Kat, Monica and Aoife came out to help and support on the day even though they didn’t play.
Graham and Finbar helped prepare the fields as we’ve now seen year in year out.
Finally, thanks to the Hibernian for hosting the after party with some great post game food.
Annual Family GAA Fun Day
We’ll host our 3rd Annual Family GAA Fun Day on Saturday September 8th at 7417 Poole Rd from 10am to 2pm, starting with football and hurling games, youth training sessions for all ages to 18 (at 12pm), skills competitions
for adults and kids, and a cook out with refreshments (all provided by Raleigh GAA). We hope to have the slip and slide out too!
Raleigh GAA Abú!
Dara
Chairman
