For the past decade or so, one of the best assets of Eire Og is our Academy. It is a sight to behold all these young girls and boys sporting the red jersey swinging a hurley at a sliothar down on the Clonroad on a Friday evening on those long summer evenings. Its wonderful to see and as mentioned previously, there are so many men and women, coaches all, that deserve huge credit for the hours spent teaching these young boys and girls the basic hurling and football skills but far more than that, these young kids are learning about teamwork, discipline and learning to accept victory and defeat in equal measure. They are learning the skills of life. We are truly blessed with our Academy and long may it thrive.

Every few years, there is a talented bunch that emerges from the Academy, and last year’s minors were such a bunch – the likes of Cillian Moroney, Jack Lynch, Michael Heneghan and Conor Kilcawley etc. are the cream of the crop of a young talented bunch. Like all young men and women emerging from the underage ranks and starting out in the adult ranks, their form can be inconsistent as they come to terms to the rigors of the adult game. One of those bright lights this year has been Andrew McElwee, who has burst onto the adult scene this year. His speed and sweet striking have become a vital asset for the Eire Junior A hurling team as they contest the upcoming Junior A Championship final this Saturday in Tulla (time to be confirmed). Andrew was outstanding in the semi-final against near neighbors, Clarecastle where his deft pick and turn to deliver an accurate pass to Marc O’Donnell who buried the ball in the back of the net for the only goal of the game. Unlike, the veterans on the team who have years of experience and championship medals to boot, this is Andrew’s first year of championship fare. While all those lads are grappling with day jobs, relationships and mortgages, Andrew is still grappling with school in Flannans, homework and CAO points. Whatever his academic future brings, he is guaranteed a bright future with Eire Og.

Andrew McElwee turning the Clarecastle defense to set up Marc O'Donnell for the only goal vs Clarecastle in the semi-final.

I’m sure our Academy will be incredibly proud as Andrew and those other Academy graduates trot out to compete in the Junior A Championship final next Saturday in Tulla. Here’s Andrew McElwee -

1. Name – Andrew McElwee

2. Position – full/corner forward

3. Occupation/Career – still in secondary school

4. Date of Birth/Age – 17 - 26th October 2004

5. Where were you born – Ennis

6. When did you start hurling – at the age of 4

7. Biggest influence on your career to date – has to be my father and Kevin Brennan

8. When did you start playing with Eire Og – when I started out at 4

9. Cups/trophies to date - primary schools’ football, u13b Garda tournament, u13 hurling shield, u13b hurling championship, u14b hurling and football championship, u14a hurling championship, u14b feile

10. Have you played for Clare/intercounty – u14,u15,u16 for hurling and football

11. Favourite thing about Eire Og – how close everyone in the club is and the passion

12. What other sports have/do you play (besides hurling)- play football and use to play bit of soccer

13. What's your favourite TV show/film- Fury

14. Favourite music – Kanye

15. Favourite meal – chicken and pasta

16. What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite for a drink & why – Fionn McMorrough x3 so I don’t empty the pockets

17. What would you change about the current GAA & why – nothing at all

18. What are your hobbies and interests outside the GAA – meeting the lads

19. What's the best piece of advice you ever received – “let the high ball in low” - Conor Kilcawley

20. What's your favourite sporting memory – winning the 14a

21. In 5 years’, time I hope to be – still playing with Eire Óg both codes

Andrew in action against Crusheen