Wind Farm Sevens Tournament sees future hurling stars showcase their skills

The 41st Lisdowney Wind Farm Sevens Tournament was held this July with three weekends full of hurling throughout the month. 32 teams battled it out for a chance to win one of Ireland's most esteemed U13 sporting tournaments.

The Lisdowney Sevens Tournament in Kilkenny has been a steppingstone for many great names over the years. 

Tommy Walsh, Henry Shefflin, TJ Reid, Richie Hogan and Jackie Tyrrell are just a few of the well-known hurling legends who have competed in this event, and it is no surprise that the tournament is still popular with young hurlers.

The idea for the Lisdowney Sevens tournament began in 1982 when former school teachers Larry Hamilton and Eamon Dunne, along with their colleague Eamon Nolan, wanted to find a way to help nurture underage hurling in Kilkenny for years to come.

And it was during that summer that the first ever Lisdowney Sevens Tournament was held.

Pictured: Awards for participants in the Sevens tournament

All roads lead to Lisdowney

The 41st Lisdowney Wind Farm Sevens Tournament was held this July with three weekends full of hurling throughout the month. 32 teams battled it out for a chance to win one of Ireland's most esteemed U13 sporting tournaments. 

A total of 320 players took to the local pitches and a team of 50 volunteers also came together to help prepare for the event, which included everything from maintenance to cleanup on the grounds, catering and stewarding.

Aim of the game

The mechanics of the seven-a-side hurling game are different from the regular fifteen-a-side hurling game. Reducing the playing numbers to seven-a-side means that there is more space on the playing pitch. Another important difference is the “No Solo Run” rule, which ensures that when a team wishes to move the ball, they have to play it among the team as opposed to an individual running with on his own. Teams are usually made up of a goalkeeper, two defenders, two midfielders and two forwards. When defending, a player must mark their opponent tightly and when in possession of the ball, a player must find a teammate in space or take a shot on goal.  

Community spirit

The tournament is an opportunity to see the future of not just Kilkenny hurling but also that of neighbouring counties and further afield.

Usually the teams that competed the previous year receive first offers to be included in the following year. With a 97 per cent uptake for places offered, the event organisers normally have a waiting list of four or five clubs and spaces are quickly filled when one becomes available.

Following an outstanding effort, O' Loughlin's Dan O’Brien was named Player of the Tournament this year.

Congratulations to all of the participants in this year’s event and a special mention for the Sweeney Cup winners, O'Loughlin Gaels, and the Kilkenny Supporters Club Shield winners, St. Lachtains!

Pictured: Winners of the Sweeny Cup, the O’Loughlin Gaels team

Pictured L-R: Presentation of the Kilkenny Supporters Cup Shield to the St. Lachtains captain, Jack Marnell by Tommy Maher (Sec. Kilkenny Supporters Club) and Richard McEvoy (Club Chairmen)

The annual Lisdowney Sevens Tournament is sponsored by Greencoat Renewables, who is a member of Wind Energy Ireland.