Abbeyleix Hockey

Next Sunday will be our last official training for this season. We will have an internal blitz and finish off the season with a party in the upstairs area of Park building. There is a possibility of a boys blitz later in April and if so then we would hope to participate. We hope to run a schools programme later in May - details later.

Thanks to everyone who collected tokens for a chance to win €500 woth of sports gear. We have reached the target of 250 and claim is now submitted. Anyone who still have tokens can bring along on Sunday and we can give to Tennis club to help them along.

Two Abbeyleix teams travelled to Kilcock on Sunday and came home with 5 wins and just one defeat. A big decisions for many whether to travel to Kilcock or Kilkenny for the u16 tournament. This being the last blitz of the season made up a lot of their minds and the performances on the day was excellent. Many of the u12s will be stepping up to u14 next season and any fear that they might struggle were well and truly scotched and they controlled their games from start to finish and scored a collective 24goals and conceded 3. On a day of many stars Sorcha, David, Jill, Ruth, Amy, Jack, Roisin, Sarah & Emily and Stephen & Gavin stood out. The season ends next Sunday with a club blitz for u12 & u10 in Park and followed by a party.

Kilkenny regained the Abbeyleix u-16 shield in Kilkenny College on Sunday after a thrilling final against last year’s winners Nerwbridge. The holders took an early lead and led at half time but the sheer power of the Kilkenny team ensured victory with 3 goals in second half. Abbeyleix done well earlier in holding Newbridge to a creditable draw and progressed to the semi final where they were beaten 1 – 0 by eventual winners Kilkenny. The Abbeyleix second which was effectively their u14 team gained some valuable experience on the day. The new bridge 2^nd team reached the semi final. A big thank you to all seven teams who competed with Tullamore & Naas playing well but failing to progress beyond the group stages.  Chairperson Jackie O Connell presented the Abbeyleix Shield and medals to the victorious Kilkenny and also took the opportunity to present the league trophy to Newbridge who had finished the season 1 point ahead of Abbeyleix on 13 points. So many people contributed to making the day such a success again, Coaches Ann Cantwell & Michael Rafter, all the players, umpires Declan Stanley, Tatiana Nuzum, Joanne Claxton and reps from competing clubs, scorekeeper/timekeeper Michelle Harvey, and the committee and parents of Abbeyleix Junior hockey club for organization and refreshments on the day, particularly, Marie, Patricia, Josie, Hilda, Audrey, Margaret and many more. Finally big thanks to Kilkenny College for use of the excellent facilities on the day.

Our third annual u-16 hockey tournament takes place in Kilkenny College on Sunday 25^th March commencing at 10.00am. Previous winners Kilkenny & Newbridge are joined by two of our own teams, North Kildare, Naas, Tullamore & Newbridge seconds. The event is the highlight of the West leinster hockey calendar. All welcome and especially parents and family of participants. Refreshments will be available throughout morning and presentation of Abbeyleix u16 Hockey shield is scheduled for 1.30pm.

We have registered in the Indo promotion for €500 worth of free sports equipment. A final push required this week to get us to 250 before season ends. We are nearing the 200 mark with a huge effort being made by players and parents. Thanks to South School for contributing. The u-12s are way ahead of the groups in collection. C’mon everybody and get the final few required to improve our chances of that equipment.