A great year for Ceann Creige Hurlers

CEANN Creige Hurlers have continued to build on their success of the opening games. Whilst the number of games played was frustratingly less than what some would like, the lads ensured that when they did play, they put in an impressive performance.

After a win over Liverpool Wolfe Tones, the men progressed to the Lancashire Senior Hurling League Final against Fullen Gaels of Manchester. The two teams would be well known to each other with players from both teams competing on the Lancashire Hurling team. It promised to be an enthralling encounter.

The final took place at Old Bedians in Manchester and saw an intense and hard-fought battle take place with Ceann Creige emerging as 0-20 to 1-12 victors, thus ensuring the first bit of silverware of the year was on its way back up to Glasgow. The men played excellently and having the cup back in Glasgow ensured it was a great night back in the club’s sponsor pub Malones.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Malones for their phenomenal support of our adult teams this past year,” a club spokesperson said. “Their kindness and hospitality made for many enjoyable nights and we hope to have the same again next year!”

With the league campaign completed, the hurlers attention turned to the championship. In recent years, the hurlers have put in great performances but always fell just short. This year, it was hoped that would change. Numbers had been good at training with the sessions themselves being described as ‘intense, but enjoyable.’

A lack of teams and fielding meant the championship was somewhat shortened, but that made no difference to the lads. With the training sessions under their belts and a determination to prove they could build on previous year’s performances, the men took on Liverpool Wolfe Tones again in the semi-final of the Lancashire Championship.

A dominant display saw them dispatch the Liverpool side by an impressive scoreline of 2-20 to 3-07. Credit must go to thanks to Wolfe Tones for two sporting battles over the league and championship.

Ceann Creige would now look forward to Lancashire Senior Championship Final. However, it wouldn’t be a repeat of the league final, as the hurlers would be facing Yorkshire Emeralds.

A great game took place on a quite miserable day down in Manchester. Ceann Creige played brilliantly—every player putting on a masterclass of hurling skills. The game was available to be streamed online and—along with those who were in attendance on the day—there was plenty of support for the hurlers.

The club’s youth team also went down in support and even had the opportunity to play a mini game at half-time of this final. They all enjoyed their day and got some valuable game time experience.

In the final, the men’s confidence grew as the game continued and made sure that another piece of silverware was coming back to Ceann Creige. It was yet another impressive win in a hurling final for the team.

This victory meant that the team would now progress to the All-Britain Hurling Final— an historic feat for the club, as it was the first time any Scottish club has competed at this level.

Thomas McCurtains of London provided the opposition and their experience of having played in such a final was pivotal as they ran out the victors. The Ceann Creige Hurlers battled hard and left everything they had on the pitch, but it unfortunately wasn’t to be their day.

“They played with grit and determination and everyone at the club is so proud of them,” a club spokesperson said. “Next year is shaping up to be an exciting time for this team and it is hoped they can build on the fantastic achievements of 2025.”

The award ceremony for the adult section of the club took place as The Irish Voice was going to press. It was a night of recognising senior players, coaches, sponsors and volunteers for their outstanding displays and contributions to the club in 2025. It was a true celebration and a brilliant night of laughter and entertainment which is thoroughly deserved by everyone.

“In recent times, the club has enjoyed great success across all codes, both on and off the pitch,” a club spokesperon added. “This success allows the club to build and grow, and happens due to hard-working club members.

“These developments and achievements is something we want to expand upon, especially after such a momentous 2025. What’s been accomplished in such a small-time frame has been extraordinary, we hope it continues for many years to come. Ceann Creige Abú!”