Suncream the order of the day as Portlaoise hosts memorable All-Ireland U14 blitz

SUNCREAM was the order of the day as 31 teams from the length and breadth of the country descended on Portlaoise GAA for the annual U14 All Ireland Blitz.

With the sun shining, games on six different pitches got underway. With a long schedule of games to get through, games began smartly at 10am and continued every half hour for the day, when the top team in each group would earn a place in the divisional final.

In Division One, Cork emerged as winners of Division 1A and they faced winners of Division 1B, Tipperary, in a high intensity, all-Munster clash in the Division One final.

Holding a slim 0-03 to 0-01 lead at half-time, Cork raised one green flag in the second half that proved crucial as they claimed honours, winning by 1-04 to 0-03. Rachel Leahy collected the trophy on behalf of her team-mates from LGFA President, Marie Hickey.

In Division Two, there was drama right to the final whistle as Mayo claimed victory over a gallant Wexford side.

Wexford levelled matters with a stunning free kick that curled into the top left corner before Mayo fired back two unanswered points to claim the spoils, winning on a 1-06 to 1-04 scoreline.

LGFA President, Marie Hickey presented the Division 2 trophy.

In Division Three, Dublin B finished top of Division 3A and their opponents, Tyrone, finished top of Division 3B. From the start, the team from the capital meant business and they surged into a 2-03 to no score half time lead. Credit to Tyrone, they battled back in the second half, but Dublin added some fine scores to win by 2-09 to 0-01. Jade Riordan collected the Division 3 cup from LGFA President Marie Hickey.

Marie Hickey congratulated each of the teams on reaching their respective finals and complimented the managers on their work and effort on behalf of the Association.

She thanked Portlaoise GAA for being superb hosts and paid tribute to the work of the officials and volunteers who ensured the day ran smoothly.

After his u14 team won, Dublin manager, Shay O’Reilly, said that the blitz had given the players a lot of football, serving its purpose, and he paid particularly tribute to the organisers for facilitating the day so well.

We are already looking forward to next year!

Report: Aisling Clery (Leinster LGFA).

Picture credits: gaapics.com