Feile Report 2007

Feile na nGael 2007.

Blackrock reached the quarter finals of this competition after emerging from a very strong group where they had defeated James Stephens, St Lachtains and drew with the Galway champions. Twice the Rockies fought back to level the game with Castleknock and with the scores standing at 2 - 3 each it looked like extra time was on the cards. Unfortunately the concession of two late frees allowed the Dublin champions to emerge victorious.

The young Rockies did Blackrock and Cork proud in their journey to and at Feile 2007. The quarter final game could have gone either way and it was unfortunate that they lost out in the end. It was an unforgettable weekend for the team and mentors and the hospitality shown the team in Kilkenny was outstanding.

Blackrock wishes to thank the James Stephens Club for their excellent hospitality and for looking after the youngsters so well over the weekend. Our especial thanks to Brian Cody for the time he spent with and the fantastic chats he had with the young lads, definitely a moment to savour for them all. We would like to thank our friends at St Lachtains for their kindness and assistance. The phrase used about hurling folk being extended family was very appropriate over the weekend throughout Kilkenny.

It is fair to say that the effort put in by the Blackrock panel, coaches, mentors, parents, officers, sponsors and the hundreds of supporters to the 2007 Feile could not be surpassed. The spirit of cooperation and support throughout the club and the wider community was truly amazing. The preparations and the organising was top class and the immense effort of Blackrock team manager JP Devine to coordinate the massive operation is worthy of the highest praise. It was an unforgettable experience and an honour to represent Cork and Blackrock in Co Kilkenny in 2007.

Opening match of the Feile 2007.

Played at James Stephens on Friday 15th June 2007

Blackrock 4 - 2 James Stephens 0 - 1

The James Stephens and Blackrock flags flying over the James Stephens pitch on arrival were testament to the historic connections between two famous hurling clubs. The fantastic welcome for the Rockies was genuine and sincere from everyone at the "Village".

The young Rockies got straight into the action and with young Kevin O'Keeffe on fire ran up a lead of 3 - 1 to 0 -1 (Kevin scoring all three goals) However a few good chances were missed and the second half was yet to come. Unfortunately the weather conditions completely deteriorated, making good hurling virtually impossible. When David O'Farrell added a goal it was game over. Try as they might the young James Stephens side could not get the scores they badly needed.

The Rockies played well in spite of the conditions and it was a great start to the 2007 Feile campaign. Scorers for the Rockies were Kevin O'Keeffe 3 - 1, David O'Farrell 1 - 0, Ryan Dineen 0 - 1.

The Rockies now travel to Freshford for a 10. 30 am throw in against St Lachtains on Saturday 16th June. They have a second game against the Galway champions at 1.pm at the same venue.