1918 Hurling Double

One of the most pleasing features of the many successes at Castleknock this year was that of the new Hurling Club. When it was proposed that hurling should be taken up in the College, some were doubtful as to its success. As a matter of fact, hurling became one of our most popular games.

A new spirit abroad, and there are many willing hands to aid the introduction of the national game into our sporting programme.

The lack of experienced players was at first a great drawback. However, as about twenty of our number had played the game before, the others following their example, soon became good hurlers.

Alter about a months practice - when we were in some kind of “form” a friendly match was arranged with Terenure College. Of course we thought we had not the least chance of winning, but we were determined to put up a hard fight. Contrary to all expectations, we had an easy victory. At full time the score was;-

CASTLEKNOCK - 14 goals 3 points

TERENURE - Nil

The match itself, notwithstanding the long odds in the score, was much better than might be imagined. The experience was of great help to us, and further stimulated interest in the game.

After the Terenure match a Hurling League was started amongst ourselves, in which three teams competed viz., the Geraldines, the Dalcassians, and the Red Branch Knights. We had not sufficient time to playoff the League matches before the Easter holidays, so we had plenty of work before us on our return. It is not yet finished.

We entered two teams - a senior and a Junior - for the schools Hurling League. Some of our opponents dropping out of the contest, our first Senior match was in the final, against O'Connell Schools. This match took place on the 3rd May, at Croke Park. It will long be remembered by the Castleknock players. For some time the issue appeared doubtful. After about ten minutes Castleknock who were working very hard, forced a '70'. Off this Tom Ryan. the captain scored a very neat goal. Encouraged by this we pushed on ahead, and were rewarded with a score of 5 goals 1 point to nil at full time.

After the Senior match our Juniors took the field against Terenure College in the Junior League. We were victorious in this match also, winning by 6 goals to 3.

I think a very good foundation has been laid in Castleknock for the fostering of Irish games. It is the duty of those who will come after us to build firmly on that foundation.

We are very grateful to Mr. W. MacQuillan, who, in order to advance Hurling in the College - presented a set of silver medals to the winners of our domestic Hurling League.