Europe Go Down To Leinster Champs

Last Saturday County Europe's Hurlers travelled to Ireland to play the Dublin and Leinster Junior Club 'Special' Champions, Naomh Barrog.

Having arrived at various times on the Friday night, we stuck to our own agenda that evening. On Saturday morning we gathered in Room 231 for a chat/introduction/kit collection. The faces were familiar but the names not, so we quickly introduced ourselves. The team was named and the plan for the day laid out before we headed down to St. Pats for a puck around.

It was much needed as most of our last outing was in September, earlier for some. With hurley supplies on order in Europe, a few of us were struggling to find an amicable companion for the days game but we did our best to get our touch in. We must have spent nearly an hour down there before heading back to the hotel and hopping into cars to make the short journey to Naomh Barrog's base in Kilbarrack.

It's situated on the north side of Dublin. For a small club, its an excellent set-up. They have a small-sized floodlit all weather pitch, an excellent main pitch and a clubhouse with a fantastic bar. Its a great example of how to utilise a tight space to the maximum. We got a fantastic welcome from the local officers. Their pride in their facility was in great evidence and they were eager to make sure the day went off without hitch.

The loud speaker system belted out the national anthem prior to the game but it was a little lost in the swirling wind. So much so, that both teams disbanded from their huddle long before it finished to take up their positions. The game itself doesn't warrant detailed description. Physically, we were well able, maybe too able. The Dublin official was a little whistle happy, maybe a little one sided for our liking too. A couple of us were on the wrong end of some questionable challenges which went unpunished, yet we conceded many frees for lesser offences at the other end.

They hit the point trail early while at the other end we gave an exhibition in shooting wides. The breeze didn't help obviously but our opponents were well able to cope. The other glaring difference was their use of the ball. They were very well drilled and their hand passing was crisp whilst the supply into the forwards was low and accurate. They tell us they have been together since mini-leagues and it certainly has borne fruit. In the end we were defeated 1-20 to 0-3 and whilst we were well beaten, it is not a truly fair reflection on our competitiveness. We carved out many chances and won a good few frees but our radar was all over the shop.

From a Belgium point of view, we were well represented. Kevin lined out corner back, should have been on the wing. I played midfield before going half forward in the second half. Michael Hough started at 11 but fell victim to a tactical reshuffle after 15 minutes and was placed in goal. Eoin filled a half-forward slot but his hand injury eventually called for the towel to be thrown in in the second half. His replacement Rochey came on with his usual eagerness and energy. It was a frustrating day for all 5 of us with our touch and striking well below standard.

Whether this annual fixture has a future or not is questionable. Quality wise, we struggle in 15-a-side. We have many hurlers who have or are currently playing Senior/Intermediate Hurling but without proper preparation it's very difficult to blend everyone together. For it to be a success, the game needs to take place prior to Christmas, regular training needs to proceed it and if the game is in Europe, the 11-a-side format will suit us better. I read an article about De la Salle at the weekend and they were talking of awful hammerings they were taking a few years ago. This afternoon they will play in an All-Ireland final so it shows if you get things right then you can get the rewards.

The players would appreciate more support from the European County Board. They have regulariliy sent Ladies teams to Ireland with substantial funds available and plenty of sideline assistance i.e. mentors, physio etc. Damian, a player from Luxembourg took the lead for us last weekend and had to ask one of the other players' fathers to run the line. In my opinion, funding for these type of teams should be minimal as it takes a large chunk of the County Boards small pie and benefits just a small selection of Europe's players. A sponsored jersey or polo would suffice in terms of recognition. The County Board has coaching officers who should be deployed to support our teams in their preparations. There may be a future but more committment needs to be given. Receiving hammerings like we did last Saturday does not endear anyone to putting their hand in their pockets to fly home to play for Europe.