Glenshesk GAC
The Glenshesk club continues to provide the very important role of delivering Gaelic games and culture to the youth of both the Carey and Armoy districts. The club was formed a number of years ago as a response to the dwindling numbers of young players available to the adult clubs of Carey and Armoy. A decision was taken to form an amalgamation under the banner of Glenshesk and this wise action ensured the opportunity for the local youth to play hurling and also provide a conveyor belt of new talent for the respective adult clubs. Being located in a rural area means there are always huge challenges facing the club but the hard work, motivation and commitment of players, mentors and supporters has seen significant progress this season.
What about 2008?
There were a number of memorable events over the course of this season. Early in the year the U-8 squad commenced action in the North Antrim Indoor Hurling competition. They progressed through the qualifying rounds and reached the final stages in Ballymena where they were the victors in the Division 2 section. Bredagh from Belfast were the opponents and a fine team display saw Glenshesk overcome them on a scoreline of 4-2. Captain of the team, Conor Mc Bride, netted all four scores for the winners to send the team homewards with the spoils of victory.
The U-10 squad also featured strongly this season and played in a number of N. Antrim hurling blitzes over the summer. Significant progress was made by the mentors with these players and they demonstrated this with some fine performances against some more illustrious opponents. A large number of this squad went on to play in the P7 competition in Ballycastle in September in which they annexed the Section 3 Division against St.Enda's.
Following on from last season's progress the U-12 squad made great headway in the N. Antrim B Championship where they met Ossian's of Glenariffe in the final. After a titanic struggle Glenshesk managed to get in front in the second half and closed the game out to finish winners by 7 points. This was a tremendous result for the team and it's mentors which brought great celebrations and pride to the entire club. Championships are not easily won and this victory will long be remembered by all supporters of the club. In addition this team was also successful in Section 3 of the Groundskills competition at the Feis in Dunloy in June.
At U-14 level the team delivered a number of good quality performances against stronger opposition. The lack of strength in depth meant that victories were difficult to come by but again great teamwork and positive attitude shone through in their attitudes. One of the players, Trevor Linton, was rewarded for some exceptional displays by being selected for the Antrim U-14 Development squad and played a vital role in the backline in the Tony Forestal Competition in Waterford.
Moving up the grades, the U-16 team was this year entered into the Division 1 Section of the League. This courageous decision pitted the team against more challenging adversaries but the players' rose to the challenge presented. The team visibly matured as the season progressed and came away with some fine victories. James Black, Ciaran McErlain and Steven McGinn were all selected for the U-16 Antrim squad with Kieran Kane being picked for the U-15 Antrim Development squad. The selection of these players for the various county teams is testament to the excellent work done by both the current Glenshesk mentors and those of the recent past. Another feature of this coaching input has been the Glenshesk representation on the successful Cross & Passion College 2008 Forrester Cup winning squad with all of the above in addition to Shane Mc Cambridge, Kevin Hardaker, Christopher Butler and James Mc Couaig playing leading roles.
Finally, on the team front, the Minor squad made strong strides forward by reaching the final of the N. Antrim B Championship Competition. This was significant in itself due to the fact that the Minor team is primarily made up of U-16 players due to a shortage of older players at this level. The team met a physically stronger Rasharkin outfit in the final and was just shaded at the last whistle. However the performances shown augur well for next season and another year will ensure a stronger and larger panel to successfully challenge for honours. From this squad John McBride was selected for the U-17 County Development panel and also progressed with James McCouaig to the Carey Senior team this year.
Trip to Croke Park
The regular club trip to the All-Ireland Semi-Final took place in August and a full complement left to attend the Kilkenny v Cork match in Croke Park. A great day was enjoyed by everyone by all accounts and the memory of a packed stadium with all the modern day hurling heroes on display will live long in the memories of all the young Glenshesk members. Hopefully it won't be long before we see some of these youngsters gracing the hallowed turf representing their club and County.
Annual Presentation Dinner
A very large crowd turned out for the annual event in Carey Hall and, as always, a great meal was provided by club volunteers. Special guests were Niall Kearney, North Antrim Chairman and Neil McManus, County Player. The individual and team awards were presented to the players and the evening concluded with a disco for the younger members of the club. This event has grown in popularity year on year and has become a key community occasion in both Armoy and Carey.
The Future
As with all clubs there is the ongoing challenge to field teams, obtain mentors, raise finance and plan for the future. Glenshesk have made progress over the past few years and will need to maintain this momentum to ensure the future wellbeing of Gaelic games in our area. Participation from parents and players is crucial in this process and by working together we can guarantee the long-term goals of player participation from juvenile level up to the transition to adult membership in the Armoy and Carey clubs.
Ní neart go cur le chéile