Cloughmills - St Brigids
Given the major developments and activities in the previous 2 years, off the pitch, 2008 was always going to be a relatively quite year for the club in comparison. However, on the pitch it was one of our busiest seasons yet, with the club providing facilities, training and games for hurlers from all age groups.
Senior Team
The Senior team competed in Ulster, All County and North Antrim Competitions. Having gained promotion to Division 2/3 in 2007, our number one aim in 2008 was to show that we could cut it at this level and avoid relegation back to division 4. Through the hard work and commitment of our players and senior management team we successfully achieved this with some very creditable performances along the way. Although we were unsuccessful in our second goal of winning the Junior championship, given that we have a very young, dedicated team the club remains very optimistic about the future.
Saint Brendan's
At juvenile level, our successful association with Conn Magee's and Emmett's continued. Saint Brendan's competed at all Underage levels with varying success. Saint Brigid's value the work undertaken by all of our underage mentors and also the support and training provided by the mentors from the other clubs. Saint Brendan's has been ensuring that our underage players are not being denied competitive games for a number of years now. The benefits of the association are now starting to materialise in our senior team. We now have young players in our seniors who have had a sound grounding competing at the top level throughout underage. Furthermore many of these youngsters have represented the county. Saint Brendan's therefore provides a conveyer belt of talent for the future, not just for Saint Brigid's but also for the county.
U14
Saint Brendan's made history when they won the North Antrim Feile A and the North Antrim A Shield. Saint Brigid's would like to congratulate the whole team and the mentors on an excellent achievement. We are especially proud of the Cloughmills players: Ruari Laverty, Phelim Duffin, Jack McGarry, Cahir McLaughlin, Column Nesson and Emmet Blaney.
U10
We are equally proud of all our under age teams but a special well done and congratulations must go to the Under 10 Saint Brendan's team who won the Division 2 Championship.
Outstanding Achievement
James Doherty – County Minor Team
Michael Devlin – County Minor Team
Ruari Laverty – U14 County playing in Tony Forristal Tournament
Conor Laverty – Year 12 Antrim All Star
Phelim Duffin – Year 8 Antrim All Star
Annie Laverty – Antrim U16 solo singing (Scor)
Future Developments
This year has seen the continuation of developments around our new field. The parking facilities have been greatly improved and the introduction of catch nets was a costly but welcome addition. We are extremely proud that our field is still able to be played on when other fields are water-logged. However we are also well aware that we have much work to do. Our goal over the next few years is to further enhance the facilities at our field. This will include adding to the existing parking and upgrading the road into the pitch. The biggest challenge will be to replace our mobile changing rooms with a purpose built club house. This will take much time, effort and fund raising from our members but our past achievements suggest that our small membership will again succeed.
Thanks
