It was a strong Kilkenny CBS outfit who strolled to the DCU 7’s title last week. The Noreside team were comfortably the best team on show, following the late withdrawals of a number of teams for various reasons. Seven teams took part in the event in the competition, with five of the teams hailing from the capital, along with Kilkenny CBS and Summerhill College (Sligo), who would be better known for their football exploits.
It was a difficult day for the Sligo outfit, who met Kilkenny CBS in their opening encounter but as the day progressed they showed great character and the exposure to a higher standard of hurling then they would typically be used to aided the team and they were competitive in their final encounter of the day. Great credit must go to the teachers and coaching officers from Sligo in trying to promote the game and looking for opportunities to improve standards.
One of the striking features of the day was the healthy state of coaching in Dublin schools, with three of schools being coached by top inter county hurlers in the form of Walter Walsh (Benilidus), Philip O’Mahoney (Ard Scoil Ris) and Ryan O’Dwyer (St. Mac Dara’s).
The day progressed well with a local derby in the Shield final, as St. Aidan’s overcame Ard Scoil Ris by a fine margin to land the Shield. While it was the Templeogue side who reached the Cup final against Kilkenny CBS, following a number of good wins over Ard Scoil Ris & Portmarnock in semi final.
The player of the tournament went to Conor Heary (Kilkenny CBS). DCU would like to thank the teachers and coach drivers for their effort in bringing the students to this event. Great credit must go to the Fitzgibbon & Fresher players and Gavin Cawley for their hard work in organising and running a successful day and to the ATT support offered by Stephen Carrass.. Thanks also to Hurling club sponsor, AIB. A further mention then to the schools who participated; Summerhill (Sligo), St. Mac Dara’s, St. Aidan’s, St. Benilidus, Portmarnock & Ard Scoil Ris (Dublin) and Kilkenny CBS (Kilkenny). 
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