Last Sunday more than 160 boys from age groups U10 to U14 took part in the CMán Cuala Hurling Festival at Thomastown, which was the culmination of a summer hurling initiative for juvenile boys. The initiative was focused on integrating players and coaches from the different age groups and giving the players an opportunity to be coached by some inter-county and club stars before the season commences. The festival on Sunday saw inter-county stars Cian Kenny and David Blanchfield from Kilkenny, Offaly’s Adam Screeney, as well as our own Sean Brennan and Liam Murphy manage (and even play with!) the juvenile teams for what was a fun-filled day of hurling.

Thanks to all the coaches who supported the training throughout the initiative and in particular our Cuala senior hurlers. A special mention to Ryan Malone who coordinated all the coaching slots with Cuala senior hurlers. Thanks to Stephen Butler, Jamie Conroy, Conor Groarke, Jack Twomey, Cormac Spain, Conor Lowry, Michael Conroy, Eoghan O Callaghan, Donal Murphy and our Dublin senior hurlers Sean Brennan and Liam Murphy. A massive thanks to Finbarr Murphy, Luke Hand and Neil Casey who have have been instrumental driving forces behind the scenes.

Thanks to all the lead coaches (Glenn, Aonghus, Damien, Tim, Neil, Fintan, Denis, Tim) who helped with all the logistics and of course to all the other parents and club members who volunteered in so many ways to make Sunday’s event happen.

And finally, a sincere thanks to Shane O’Brien who led the organisation of this hugely successful initiative throughout the summer.

See more images over on the gallery page of the website: Gallery – Cuala GAC – Official Website (cualagaa.ie)