Clonduff Hurlers made another little bit of history when they participated in St Jude’s All Ireland Junior Hurling Sevens on Saturday3rd September 2011. Being the only Ulster representative at the Tournament Clonduff were in a group along with teams from Dublin, Offally, Kildare and Limerick. Having been able to watch the four teams play prior to Clonduff’s first game questions were asked as to whether they could compete with this level of hurling as the teams confronting Clonduff were all intermediate teams.
Up first was Clann na Gael from Dublin who had won their opening game. Clonduff entertained the crowd to some great Sevens Hurling and won 3-03 to 2-02 . Next up was Carrig and Riverstown ,Offaly. Clonduff’s Ten realised that not only could they compete at this level but maybe they could progress to the cup competition winning this game 3-04 to 0-3 – Joint top of group at half way stage! in Game 3 Clonduff’s opponents were Killcock, Kildare – one more win and the Quarter finasl of cup competition would be the reward. But injuries to Sean Downey ,Rian Branagan and Damian Farnon meant that with only seven players to field in this game Clonduff just failed to win. 1-05 to 2-05.
Game 4 was against Killeedy, Limerick – group leaders and unbeaten, youthful and with skills in abundance! The large group of spectators were looking forward to this one. First half did not disappoint – Clonduff showed no fear of the Munster team and took an early lead. Both teams spurred on by the large group of neutrals that had gathered served up a classic. Only two points separated the teams at half time but in the second half Clonduff with no available subs tiredness set in and they fired too many wides and finished the game 4-04 6-08.
Clonduff finished group stage joint second and on score difference were in the Shield Quarter Final – Opponents Castleknock ,Dublin.
With four of the ten patched up, Clonduff missed out on Semi Finals 4-04 to 6-08.
An excellent day was had by all. Well done boys!
Clonduff Panel: Niall Quinn, Sean Downey, Andrew Quinn, Liam McParlan, Christopher Young, John Murphy, Ciarán Smith, Rián Branagan, ,Shane Murray and Damian Farnon. First Aid Noleen Cairns.
