Éire Óg Greystones
GAA Club

This Week

Archive

Weekly Notes - 14th May 2008

U16 Football

The u-16 footballers’ victory over Bray Emmets was cursorily touched on in last week’s notes, a treatment that did justice to neither the significance of the match nor the efforts of the protagonists. Both teams had been unbeaten in 2008 so the game, a local derby – is there any circumstance more qualified to add that extra oomph, that extra endeavour to a sporting contest? – offered the prize of the hegemony, be it temporary or otherwise, of the league. Then there was the fact that this, the Éire Óg team which had cut a swathe through the opposition in Wicklow at u-14 was about to receive its first stiff examination of the season. The 14-16 age span is frequently a defining period in the sporting life of players; some drift away from sport in general, some focus their attention on particular sports, others lose out on the physicality stakes, and many on the periphery mature into centre stage. This team had experienced all these factors so the game had an added interest in that it was about to tell us how it had weathered the intervening years.

The Éire Óg reaction to the throw-in whistle was immediate and its sound had scarcely faded when we were 0-4 to 0-1 in front. On top and coasting, one felt. But hark! A Bray warning shot across the bows of complacency. A goal. Thankfully our lads were alive to this reality check and, despite some truly brilliant saves by the Emmet’s keeper, Tadhg Doran, they went into the break 4 points ahead. Two points from Emmets early in the 2nd half and the lead was down to 2 points. Éire Óg nerves fraying and morale ebbing. Then up popped Gary Elliot with a point that proved to be the stimulus for a Greystones resurgence which soon had them 5 points in the clear. But Emmets were far from throwing in the towel and rocked Éire Óg with another goal. However, Éire Óg rode out the storm and, on balance, were worthy of their 0-16 to 2-7 win.

Paul Dunne, besides being unerring in his free taking, combined well with Niall Crosbie to deliver some excellent points from play. Rory Doyle and Karl Manahan were unyielding in the spine of the team and John Deeney and Simon Sweeney played a significant role in the mid-field exchanges. A highlight of the game was the tussle between Gary Elliot at centre-forward and his powerful opponent Philip Greene.

An excellent game keenly contested, clean and without rancour and authoritatively refereed which added greatly to its enjoyment for players and spectators alike.

U12 Hurling

On receipt of a very up-beat account from Kieran O’Riordan of the crowded series of matches played by his charges, the u-12 hurlers, over the holiday week-end, one was set to thinking about the work being done and the sacrifices being made by the hurling enthusiasts and mentors in the club to foster the game. One reflected on the enormity of their task. How easy, in comparison, is life for those promoting international sports – some with the perceived social advantage and all with the bonus of huge all year round television exposure. What then, one asked oneself, are the qualities in these conditions one would seek in the ideal hurling mentor? An enthusiasm bordering on obsession, optimism verging on self-delusion and a resilience which would render him/her immune to the ambushes of discouragement which will most certainly litter the path of his/her efforts – and most importantly, a very understanding partner!

Kieran tells me that the team had league games against St. Pats on Thursday and Emmets on Monday, and on the Sunday played Arklow Rock in the championship. While, unfortunately, they lost all three games they were magnificent in each defeat. In none of their games did they ever waver in their purpose or flag in their spirit and competed with staunch heart to the very end of each game. Their striving was acknowledged in the enthusiastic applause of the goodly number of supporters who attended the matches.

Seán Marray dazzled with his stickwork, Darragh Shiels contended tirelessly in mid-field, Conor Randles was at all times a commanding presence at centre-back and got great support from his wings, Eoin O’Driscoll (Cork connections) and Aaron Mc Loughlin. The mentors are delighted with the progress the team is making.

Lotto

Dá fhaid a théann an sionnach slán beirtear air sa deire. The Lotto which had reached a value of 10,400 euro was won last week. The winning numbers were 11, 15, 20, 26 and the lucky winning family are very faithful subscribers. We thank you all for your support.