Trip to Belfast proved pivotal in building team spirit this season for Thurles CBS Harty cup squad

The journey of the Thurles CBS team before Christmas to Belfast became more than just a training camp; it was a pivotal moment in their Harty Cup campaign, fostering spirit and growth that would carry them to victory.

Mr Paddy Linden from St. Mary’s in Belfast forged links with Niall Cahill in the Thurles school.

CBS manager Niall Cahill , recounted after the game how the trip to Belfast for the Harty cup panel was initiated through a connection with St. Mary’s CBS. This collaboration wasn’t just about honing skills on the pitch but also about nurturing values of social justice.

During their stay, Thurles CBS players participated in a sleepout to raise money for homeless charities as well as forging deep bonds with a shared sense of purpose.

The harsh conditions of early morning training sessions in Belfast were a true test of character for the Thurles team.

The hurlers braved the cold, doing running drills as the frost blanketed the ground, a stark contrast to the comfortable environments they were used to. This commitment not only built their physical endurance but also solidified their mental toughness.

They made a pact to push each other to their limits, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and resilience that would define their journey this season. The reception from their hosts in Belfast left a lasting impact on the Thurles lads and when familiar faces from Belfast appeared at the dressing room door last Saturday it gave the players a huge boost.

The sight of Paddy, a key figure from their Belfast experience, gave the team a huge boost says Niall: “Paddy was sitting outside the car welcoming the boys coming off the bus”.

His presence reminded them of the unity and support they had received, reinforcing the idea that their efforts extended beyond the game. In essence, the trip to Belfast wasn’t just about training; it was a journey of personal and collective development. It opened their minds to a bigger world.

The bonds formed, the lessons learned, and the spirit cultivated in those cold December mornings played an integral role in shaping a championship-winning team. For Thurles CBS, the Harty Cup victory is about enduring friendships and values nurtured.

"They gave Paddy the biggest cheer of the day. When he went into the dressing room there, the boys just went wild, roaring their heads off cheering,” Niall Cahill said after the game.

Paddy, like all Thurles supporters, was delighted with the win along the road: “This is just some of the energy that I want to take back up the road to my school in Belfast and our under 14’s,” he said.

The Belfast-based Paddy said the bonds are set to grow with the school’s now having an opportunity to learn long term from each other: “Niall’s going to arrange a competition for our under 14’s to come down so this link has now been established and it may continue,” he said.

He also added that he would follow the Harty cup champions progress and hoped it will reach all the way into the All-Ireland series final: “I hope to be in Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day.”