'You are heroes', U16s told at welcome home

"I know you're disappointed at not winning, but you shouldn't be," Kilcullen GAA's Liam Cronin told the U16 team when they came back after their 6-23 to 2-5 defeat to a very strong Naas today in the U16 A Championship final, writes Brian Byrne. "Out of 45 teams in the county you're in the top two. And that makes you heroes and something to be very proud of."

He recalled what had been an 'incredible journey' for the team, starting with the Mulhall Cup, then the U15 Kildare Division 3 County, and U16 Kildare Division 2 County League. "We could have taken the simple option to go for the B Championship, and we might have had a trophy here today, but we made the decision that we wanted to be at the top table, and that's where Kilcullen GAA always wants to be."

He thanked all in the club who had made the day possible. He particularly specified the mentors and management of the team, and the parents who supported their youngsters through all the games.

"And finally to thank all the players on the team themselves for all the hard work they did, two and three nights of the week, to get to where they did."