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Saturday past seen many of us travelling to a familiar place in a land far away we visited no less than just over month ago.  This time we took over 98 of North /South West Antrim’s finest young Hurlers representing the School of Excellence Squads for U10, U11, U12 and U13.  Again like before another early start from several locations with 2 bus loads of players and a convoy of helpers / families and supporters traveling over 200 miles to watch the young lads play.  On arrival James Stephens remembered who we were as did we and it wasn’t long before our teams where taking to the fields in Kilkenny once again.

The players where sorted into their separate teams and where put through a 45 minute coaching session taken by the James Stephens coaches on hand.  The sessions was very good, tested your skill level, fast paced and not that different from what we train at home.  Watching amongst the crowd was the main Kilkenny man himself Brian Cody.  Brian talked to each of the groups commending on their skill levels and playing ability he just witnessed, players he will be watching for in the Antrim Senior Hurling panel in years to come, what positions they played, who their favourite county players where and who their favourite county was.  When Brian asked the lads who their favourite county was, there was Kilkenny, Tipperary, Cork, but Brian said your favourite county should be your own county ‘Antrim’ and everything else comes after.  North Antrim would like to thank Brian Cody for taking the time to come and speak to our lads when visiting his home club James Stephens.  It was a true honour meeting this legendary GAA man.

After the training sessions and meeting Brian Cody our lads took to the field where they played competitive games against the opposing James Stephens teams.  With 6 pitches operating at the one time there was a lot of Hurling with close to 200 players playing one of the fastest and most skilful sports in the world.  Like the teams before this was no training session and you could see the talented teams fighting hard and fast for every ball at pace.

After the matches the teams, management, families and supporters headed for the club rooms for some well-earned refreshments where tea, sandwiches and lots of goodies were served up by an army of very welcoming and kind kitchen staff which was very much appreciated once again.  Thank you again ladies!

This day simply wouldn’t have happened without the hard work from both parties.  North Antrim Youth Development Officer Declan Heggarty and Bob Cody from James Stephens are to be acknowledged for their leadership and coordination in making it possible once again.  North Antrim would like to thank the mentors, players, parents and supporters for taking part and travelling the distance to support our young players.  Our sponsors Magill Meats and Sons Cloughmills who sponsored the U11 training tops, Seamus McCormick who sponsored the U10 training tops and the jersey sponsors Paddy Gray and Premier Electrics.  See website for photos from the day www.northantrimgaa.com