Rule Changes
The GAA reviews its rules every five years. Rules are changed, introduced or revoked in order to improve the games for spectators and players alike. In the 2010 National Football and Hurling leagues several rule changes were introduced on a trial basis. For example, the fist pass was the only handpass allowed in football.

In hurling the three defenders on the line were not permitted to move off the line until the ball was struck when a penalty was being taken. And, in both codes, the final whistle could not sound until the ball was out of play.

Some of the rule changes have been adopted and are now in force for the next five years, at least. Others were tried and abandoned. Why not google “Summary of Playing Rule Changes 2010” to see the full list?

Blog
Latest results and news from the Limerick Cumann na mBunscol leagues can now be accessed on-line, thanks to the new ‘Blogspot’ on The Green and White Magazine website (www.thegreenandwhite.com). To access this information, simply click on the ‘Blog’ link and then click on the link to your division (East, West, South or City). The G&W team are grateful to Áine Ni Dhochartaigh (An Mhodhscoil) for her help in setting up the ‘blog’. Services such as these are only as good as the information they provide, so teachers, pupils and parents who have photos, results and/or news for the ‘blog’ are urged to become regular contributors. E-mail info@thegreenandwhite.com with whatever you’ve got!

Bruff win the County Final
Thursday morning started with great excitement as we set off for Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale. Our first match in the semi-final was against Dromcollogher. From the throw-in Bruff got stuck in. It was a wonderful team performance where every player gave her best. The game was over, we were through to the county final.

Then we had a team talk with our coach, Ms. Leahy, who advised us to do our best and always mark up. The final (v Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, Roxborough) started off well. It was tough but we didn’t give up. We were in the lead at half-time and with encouraging words from Ms. Leahy we were even more determined to win. Roxborough put us under great pressure at all times. The goalkeeper worked well and conceded only one goal. Magnificent defending was displayed by our backs. The midfielders worked extremely hard to get the ball up to the forwards who were always waiting for a chance to score. We were down by two points with just a few minutes to go. Then, suddenly, due to hard work we prevented the ball from going wide, kicked it across the square and scored another goal. The final whistle blew, we had won by a point. The final score was 2-4 to 1-6. There was great excitement.

I was proud as captain to accept the shield on behalf of Bruff who displayed a brilliant team performance. Thank you to all the parents and our Principal Mr. Tom Bulfin who provided transport and sideline encouragement at all our matches. A big ‘thank you’ to our coach Mary Leahy who never gave up on us. Well done to all the girls from Limerick who participated in this competition.

South Limerick
2010 Mackey Cup Champions
South Limerick won the 2010 Allianz Mackey Cup on home territory when they defeated Limerick City in the final which was played in Bruff GAA Grounds. The heavy rain that fell throughout did not detract from the standard of hurling displayed by both teams. Limerick City led by 0-3 to 0-2 at half time. When Kyle Hayes added a goal and a point after the resumption the City lads seemed on course to make it a Mackey/Sarsfield double.

South hadn’t read this script, however. In a golden five minute spell, the South lads scored two goals and three points without reply. For the City lads it was the third successive defeat in the Mackey Cup final. The standard of hurling throughout the competition was very high and many in the large attendance were able to pick out hurlers who will shine in the green and white of Limerick in the years to come.