Today was to have marked a county final appearance for our Under 13 squad but alas it was not to be just yet.

The squad had made their way through the South Armagh section unbeaten combined with challenge games wins over opposition from Monaghan and Down.

There are however bigger societal and health issues at play at present and the decision earlier this week from the county board has halted their gallop. That said unlike some other counties where juvenile finals have been cancelled Armagh as a county have committed to completing this years juvenile finals in early 2021.

Despite this being one of the shortest seasons it has proven to be one of the most challenging given the health considerations.

To that end the U13 management team would like to commend the entire group of boys for the manner in which they conducted themselves this autumn , invested themselves in team preparations and for the manner in which they played all season. They were open to instruction from coaches and constantly striving to improve.

The parental help this year was immense. From repeated health questionnaires to strict adherence to the hand sanitisation protocols and snood wearing through to their unwavering support at games the parental group were a huge assistance to us this year. A special mention to those who stood in the cold and helped with COVID protocols to keep us all safe & healthy and those who helped with jerseys. Your work did not go unnoticed and was hugely valued.

We would also like to thank the club in its many forms for the work done to provide a safe environment for practice and games every week.

As volunteers the club officers helped create a professional environment adhering to best practice.

We would also like to express our thanks to Malachy and Sinead at Tievecrom Fuels for their ongoing support and in particular the new jerseys for the boys. Their big day out has yet to come.

The boys are now on a break but will return in December for some intensive preparations ahead of the rescheduled final and the Feile tournament.

We are confident the work done to date and the underlying attitude will stand then in good stead come 2021.

For the moment we trust you and your families stay safe and healthy and hope normality will return.

We all value the physical and psychological benefits that derive from the group dynamic at the club and this group are a special bunch to work with.

The break allows our injured players come back fitter and stronger adding hugely to our team.

Too this will pass and we shall return.