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Weekly Notes - 14th September 2005Victory, as we know, is sweet but it cannot fully explain the feeling of euphoria among the supporters of our victorious U-12s at the end of the county semi-final in Avondale on Sunday. While our win had an extra piquancy in that our opponents were St Joseph’s who are the kingpins of underage football in the county and whose U-14 counterparts had defeated our representatives the previous day, it was its manner which was mainly responsible for this feeling of elation. They had just witnessed a game of beauty which will remain an enjoyable memory come what may in the final. Éire Óg had the St Joseph’s goal under siege from the throw in but the return from shots on target was scaringly low. One constantly feared a St Joseph’s break out which would be particularly menacing in our sparsely populated back division. However, we did not have to worry. Brian Colclough at full-back was on his game and his magnificent fielding and sharply honed anticipation cut out any threat and our forwards’ efforts began to bear fruit. Our points tally began to grow but not sufficiently rapidly to shake off the St Joseph’s challenge. The comfort score came on 20 minutes when a lofted ball from Conor Earley (3-6) slipped under the crossbar out of reach of the goalkeeper. Justin O’Brien at centre-forward crowned a display of precocious maturity and skill with two trademark goals to the top right-hand corner from outside the 14 yard line. Niall Crosbie, Sam Thomson and Alan Joyce, all consummate footballers, displayed a hardiness which belied their physical disadvantage. It is doubtful if there is a "sight more touching" than that of Niall and Sam gracefully weaving their way past opponents. Daniel Kane lorded it at centre-back while Gary Elliot and Andrew Walsh held the upper hand at centre-field. Adam O’Reilly brought off two wonderful saves when the game was still in the balance. Congratulations boys, one and all, you did us proud. The minor footballers defeated Newtown in a game that both believed was to decide which of the teams would go forward to the semi-final of the championship. The intensity of the game reflected this belief; while the commitment on both sides was total the exchanges were at all times sporting and honest. That the game remained competitive to the end and that it contained plenty of good football made spectating a pleasant experience – granted not in equal measure for supporters of victors and vanquished. The presumed status of the game in the championship proved an illusion. Oh! The vagaries of Wicklow football. St Kevin’s, whom we had been previously informed had withdrawn from the competition, reappeared on the fixture list and we play them in their home patch tonight, Monday. Ronan Hanaway, Leon Brown and Craig Smullen were prominent amongst the backs. Aaron McCormack and Adam Merriman more than held their own at midfield. Darren Hayden and Jamie McDonald, who took time off from his golfing activities, posed a constant threat to the Newtown goal. The members of Éire Óg were saddened to hear of the death of Claire O’Neill. Claire was the wife of John, brother of Peter O’Neill and mother of Andreas and Ross. This was the second sad loss suffered by the O’Neill family in a short time. We extend to them our sincerest condolences. Guímid beannacht Dé orthu in am a dtrioblóide. Ar dheis Dé go raibh anamacha Claire agus Fran |
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