What a Summer it has been for The Heath rounders as they claimed another two All-Ireland titles last weekend bringing their tally to five this season.
This time it was the turn of the U-14 mixed and U-16 mixed feiles which were held on The Heath GAA Grounds
Inspired performances from Emma Sheeran and Hannah McNamee led the way for the U-14s to secure more gold, while the U-16s beat Emo in the U-16 final.
First up for the U-14s on Saturday morning, was the challenge against Sean Connolly’s of Longford who were looking to upset the home side.
The Longford side fought valiantly and for long periods of the game it looked like they were going to take the first win of the day.
The Heath were in trouble after a sluggish start but have the brilliant Max Gibney to thank who hit the first home run of the day to lead The Heath to a slender victory of 10-9.
Next up for The Heath was Cuchulainn of Carlow who beat Sean Connolly’s well in their first group game, but the Carlow side ran into a Heath team that were going full throttle. The Heath finished out the game comfortably to book their place in the semi-finals.
They once again faced Sean Connolly’s who overcame The Heath’s second team who fought bravely in the preliminary round, but it wasn’t enough.
Again, there was very little in the semi-final as both teams slugged it out for a place in the final. It was tight after the first inning, but then Emma Sheeran and Hannah McNamee guided the black and amber side to the final with brilliant pitching from Sheeran and a host of brilliant catches from McNamee to lead The Heath to a 10-3 win.
Next up was the final of the day, with The Heath playing Erne Eagles of Cavan who were looking for their second title of the season.
The final produced some great play from both teams, and it looked like the crowd were in for a thriller until The Heath produced a defining inning in the third innings to break the hearts of the Cavan outfit. Fittingly the game ended with Sheeran and McNamee combining to secure the title for The Heath.
In the other final of the day, The Heath U-16’s just had too much in the tank for Emo winning comfortably against a young Emo side.
Under 14 mixed panel: Hannah McNamee, Emma Sheeran, Lucy Browne, Abbie Bergin, Kate Maloney, James Doyle, Zach Dargan, Max Gibney, Ross Ring, Bill Rigney and Denis Browne.
Under 16 mixed panel: Aaron Keane, Johnny Phelan, Jack Heffernan, Tony Walshe, Thomas Major, Daniel Booth, Luke Kavanagh, Tara Ring, Sarah Gorman, Alanna Rigney, Georgia Garcia, Katie Grant and Fiona Carroll
Attentions now turn onto The Heath senior men’s rounders team, as they travel to Kinnegad in Westmeath on Saturday in search of a place in the All-Ireland final as they take on Erne Eagles who are defending champions.
SEE ALSO – Super Sunday of action looms ahead for all in Emo Rounders
