Warwickshire Hurlers reach their first NHL final

[Plastic Paddy]

Warwickshire Hurlers in first ever League final
05 April 2012


The Warwickshire Hurling squad Warwickshire V Fermanagh
Sunday 15th April at 2pm in Parnell Park, Dublin

Warwickshire Hurlers have reached the National League Final 3B in their first ever year in the competition.

The lads would appreciate support from all corners of Ireland and the UK from their families, club mates and past players of Warwickshire club's.

Players from Erin go Bragh, Fullan Gaels and John Mitchel's began training together on Sunday 8th January. Preparations were rounded off with an intense challenge match V Napier University of Scotland.

The League Campaign began away to Fermanagh in early March. Despite top performances from Mike Cremin in goal, Cormac Behan sweeping up at No6, Eamonn Cahill when introduced on the square and Michael Ivors at No15 Fermanagh held on for a one point victory.

Home advantage in our second game aided a comprehensive victory as the travelling Longford failed to come to grips with the game. With Michael Bermingham and James Djemba Dwyer taking control of midfield right from the off the Warwick forwards began to run riot with goals from Conall Maskey, Emmet McCabe and John Bergin. The influence of David Neylon and Ruairi Wedel on the full back line and kieran Boxwell on the 40m line kept Longford to a minimum of 5points. Dwayne Sheedy and Kieran Courtney played as effective link players between puck outs and Warwick attacks. Johnny Boxwell and Seamie Brough came on to ensure a strong finish sweeping up behind midfield.

In what was effectively the League semi final we started slowly against Leitrim. Daire Maskey settled nerves with an early goal but Leitrim still put us under pressure. Chris Brough quietened Leitrim's main player and with Niall McNamee cleaning up on the full back line and Peter Healy growing into the centre back position Warwickshire recorded a 10point win in 2nd gear. John o Shea and Brendan Griffins came on in the second half to keep the pressure on a resilient home team.

The players, management team of Stephen Ahern, John Bergin; backroom team of Cathal Casey,John Gardiner, Jennifer Savage and Connie O'Donnell ask you to make every effort to come and support us on the day (If you are passing through Kildare pick up some white flags)......

[you take er!]

Well done Warwickshire! I played for their footballers both u.21 and senior when i was a student there in the mid 90s. Hurling has a small base so its a great achievement. Glad my adopted county are making some waves.