Meath Coaching & Games, in collaboration with the Hurling Development Committee, is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural U14 Boyne Cup. This exciting new competition will take place over three Blitz sessions at the Dunganny Centre of Excellence, beginning this Sunday, March 9th.
The Boyne Cup has garnered significant interest, with over 20 teams entered across five divisions. All participating teams will vie for top honours, competing for the prestigious Boyne Cup Division 1 title and the Shield Division 2, 3, 4, and 5 titles. The final day of competition will be a thrilling culmination, with every team playing for their respective divisional championships.
This competition has been specifically designed to align with our Hurling Youth Player Pathway. Games will follow a modified-rules format and will be played in a 9-a-side structure. This setup aims to enhance skill development by promoting an open, fast-paced style of play. We want to see skillful players operating in space, learning to create and exploit space, and demonstrating the ability to “hurl through the lines.”
We are delighted to have Emerald Park as the official competition sponsor. Their support will be instrumental in ensuring the success of the Boyne Cup, and we are confident they will be proud to be associated with this fantastic event.
A special thanks is extended to all our Hurling Club Pathway Managers for their dedication and effort in assisting with team registration and ensuring that coaches and management structures are in place. Their diligence has been crucial in facilitating the smooth operation of this competition.
Our vision for the U14 Boyne Cup is to reinforce club identity and player retention. By ensuring that clubs can field teams composed entirely of their own players, we aim to foster a strong sense of pride in representing one’s club and parish. Playing “shoulder to shoulder” with friends and teammates builds camaraderie and strengthens the bond between young hurlers and their clubs. Ultimately, we aspire to retain “as many players as possible for as long as possible.”
We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making this initiative a reality. The U14 Boyne Cup promises to be a landmark event for hurling in Meath, and we look forward to seeing the county benefit from this focused and development-driven programme.
Enjoy your hurling!
Christine O’Brien – Meath County Head of Games
Peter Durnin – Meath Hurling GDC
By Meath Coaching & Games Thu 6th Mar
