High skill levels at challenge finals

LOUTH Coaching and Games recently completed their Skills Challenge Finals for hurling and football in their Centre of Excellence in Darver.

Clubs forwarded representatives at U-10, U-12 and U-14 level in both codes and first up was the hurling which took place on a wet morning in Darver. Credit must be given to the participants who represented their clubs and showcased a high level of skill.

The winner of the U10 category was Robert Matthews of St Kevin’s who showed great technical ability and composure in testing conditions. In the U-12 category Aaron McGuiness of Naomh Moninne scooped first prize after impressing with his pace and close control of the hurl and sliotar.

Lastly, in the U-14 category the winner would go on to represent Louth in this year’s National Féile Skills Competition. This was a much closer affair than the two previous categories as there was a lot more at stake and the overall winner was Tom Mathews from St Kevin’s, a brother of the U-10 winner. Tom’s athleticism and accurate striking got him over the line, just ahead of second-placed Connor Murphy of Naomh Moninne. Third place went to Jake McNamara of Knockbridge.

There were 25 clubs represented in the football competition and this time the main pitch in Darver was sun-drenched as it hosted the stars of tomorrow.

At U-10 there was a very competitive field. with a good calibre of skill, and here the winner was Cathal Corcoran of Roche Emmets club who showed real determination and accuracy off both feet.

In the U-12 category only time difference separated the top participants and this really was a close call, but the winner in the end was Colm Smith of Naomh Fionnbarra.

The last category was a tense affair and similar to the hurling the U-14 Football Féile skills test of eight stations incorporated every skill used in the game.

A few players were nervous and tense, but not so Jack Taaffe of Oliver Plunkett’s who performed each section with tremendous speed and agility to take the county Féile title. In second place was Tom Matthews of St Kevin’s and third place went to Sean Connolly of Na Piarsaigh.

Tom Mathews and Jack Taaffe are wished all the best at the National Feile Skills Test Competition, which takes place this coming Saturday in the new National Training Centre, Abbotstown. COOLEY turned on the style to see off St Bride’s at Fr McEvoy Park.

The game was over as a contest by halftime as the home side adjourned with a 6-5 to 1-1 lead. SIX different players accounted for Cooley Kickhams’ nine scores as they overcame Geraldines by seven points last week.