All roads lead to Kilkenny this weekend for All-Ireland Feile na nGael and there is no bigger buzz in the Country than that in Killygordon.
Setanta, who were last week crowned County Champions after a comprehensive win over rivals Burt are representing Donegal in the A section of the competition. Since qualifying for the Feile back in April it has been all systems go in Killygordon and it’s not often that you would drive through the village and not see one of our young hurlers walking either to or from the pitch with hurl in their hand.
Manager Mark Marley, who’s son Oisin is an integral part of the team, has noting but praise when he talks about his squad.
He said: “I’ve been taking these boys for a while now and they deserve nothing less than a trip to Feile. They have been training flat out and are an absolute credit to each of their families and the club and I have no doubt that they will give it their all in Kilkenny.”
Last night, the team received their Feile packs and the buzz around the pitch was palpable.
Kitted out in their new gear the lads stood with pictures with their sponsors. Paddy McMenamin of The Hatter Tearoom, who’s son Thomas will line out at full back at the weekend, kindly sponsored bags. Another local businessman, Dean Gillespie of Gillespie Pollytunnels, who also has a couple of future hurling stars on his hands – Lucy and George – sponsored t-shirts. Finally Patrick Callaghan of Callaghans kitchens sponsored the team a dozen sliotars and a goalkeepers hurl, which will be vital to ball-stopper Oran McGlinchey this weekend.
Also thanks to all the individuals who gave sponsorship over the past few weeks, making this a weekend to remember for Setanta’s u14s.
The team 19 strong team – Oran McGlinchey, Niall Ewing, Oisin Marley, Ruairi McLaughlin, Ryan Coyle, Adam Sweeney, Conor O’Boyle, Caolan McClintock, Pauric Gallagher, Flynn Gallagher, Aed McLaughlin, Eoin O Neill, Ryan Callaghan, Shane McElhinney, Thomas McMenamin, Odhran Sweeny Murray, Kyle McHugh, Cody Catterson, Daire McMenamin – are due to pull out of the pitch tomorrow morning at 7.45 to being their Feile campaign.
Anyone interested in following the lads progress as the represent Donegal can follow the club’s Facebook page which, with coverage permitting, will post regular updates.
