The years 2010 and 2011 saw a baby boom in the 'Bridge with the surge in population resulting in multiple streams of Junior infants starting school. A similar stream of bodies entered the gates of O'Garney Park with unprecedented numbers starting hurling in the summer of 2015. Holding onto numbers is always a big aim for clubs and this is no different in the 'Bridge and thankfully that has been the case with our U13 boys where this year the club will make history in Clare hurling as we enter 3 U13 teams in the championship.

This weekend sees the start of the U13A championship when we play our first round away to St. Josephs Doora Barefield in Gurteen at 11am on Saturday. This week was a mix of nerves and excitement for the players and the coaches as they head into the unknown in many ways:

• First real taste of championship action
• 15 a side game
• Full sized pitch
• Size 4 ball
• 60 minute games

With 8 games in the championship before the knockout stages the aim is to learn from every game and continue improving as the year goes on.

Following some pre season in the arena the team have played games against Clare, Galway and Limerick opposition in preparation along with fun days out in Cratloe Woods (orienteering) and a visit to Jump Lanes last Saturday.

Best of luck to the boys and the coaching team of Caimin Morey, Martin Conlon, Alan Mulready, Eoin Gavin, Jimmy Corbett, John Reddin, Stephen Corbett, Declan Murphy, Sean Lynch, Paul Fitzpatrick, Peter Kearney, Mike Morey, Jason Murphy.