The under 16 hurling team accompanied by Declan Loughnane, Michael Gordon, Seamus Kilrehill and Frances Hanley made the long journey to Kilkenny on Saturday last. The team arrived at the Fenians G.A.A. club, Johnstown, home to Kilkenny star J.J. Delaney for a training session with Kilkenny under 21 hurling manager Brian Ryan. He was joined by Michael Dempsey, senior trainer with Kilkenny. Both men complimented the team on their dedication to hurling and their high skill levels. Michael said that the team would make great strides if exposed to high intensity matches and suggested that they travel outside Sligo to gain that top class experience.
The team travelled to Kilkenny city where lunch was kindly hosted in Langtons Hotel by Kilkenny Co. Board. After lunch the team were joined by Kilkenny captain Lester Ryan with the Liam Mc Carty Cup. Lester kindly posed for photos with the boys.
Following lunch the team travelled to Thomastown pitch where the League Shield Final was taking place between Ballyhale Shamrocks and Dicksboro and the league final with O Loughlin Gaels and Rower Inistiogue. At the venue Kilkenny Co. Board had arranged a complimentary copy of the match programme for each player. Sligo were welcomed in the programme to Kilkenny. A meeting was organised with Kilkenny players Henry Shefflin, T.J. Reid and Colin Fennelly. Henry and T.J addressed the players and told them that the secret to success was a positive attitude and constant practice of skills. The players signed autographs and acted as very fitting ambassadors of all that is good in the G.A.A.
The Sligo team and mentors would like to thank the Co. Board in Kilkenny for the wonderful welcome afforded to them and for the excellent organisation attached to the occasion. It was a terrific day. The team had great access to many of the All Ireland winning team who gave so willingly of their time. In all it was a great sporting occasion.
The boys who travelled were C. Mc Guinness, J. Mc Hugh, P.O Connor, M.Gordon, D. Hanley, D. Kilrehill, K.Prior, S. Mc Veigh, L. Comerford, T O Kelly Lynch, D. Mc Neilis, M. Harkin, D. Fidgeon, E.Davey, C.Gilligan, F. Morrissey, J.Molloy, A. Rooney, N.Feehily, S. Callaghan, S. Chambers, N. Mc Dermott, M. Connolly, D. Tobin.