Éire Óg Greystones
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Weekly Notes - 17th August 2005

What does the term "beauty" mean in relation to sport? This is a question which may not be coming between you and your night’s sleep. Nevertheless it has importance for followers of Gaelic football for they have been accused of being aesthetic morons – of not being able to distinguish between "beauty" and the "beast". The accuser is none other than the distinguished columnist, Damian Corless, who writes for the sister daily. Called upon in the course of his duties to give his impressions of the recent Leinster final, the only word he could find to describe the proceedings was "ugly", a term he extended to apply to the game of Gaelic football. Would his opinion have changed after last Saturday’s quarter final? Doubtful! "A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still". One suspects that even Damian’s profound antipathy would have been mollified if he had been lucky enough to be present at last Tuesday’s championship match versus Kilcoole. Here we had a game played with that intensity which can only come from local rivalry, yet seldom crossing the boundaries of good sportsmanship and replete with ball skills, exciting passages of forward-thrusting combined play, beautiful scores and exhibitions of athleticism which, of its nature, the game fosters. The final score 3-10 to 3-9 truly reflects its see-saw nature. Injuries, holidays etc. meant that the Éire Óg panel was severely decimated going into this game. This left management, Tomás Vickers and Paul Hayden, with no option but to raid the Junior B larder – while the acerbic cat was away the mice could play! Declan O’Mahoney and Paddy Taylor were the ones promoted. Both, but particularly Declan, were unfazed by the transition and played well. Johnny Barry (2-4) must surely have set a precedent for Gaelic football within the county. With his 2 goals from penalties he has chalked up a 100% return on 5 penalties in two games – 3 against Dunlavin.

This was a supporter-pleasing performance from the lads – if only they could develop some sort of consistency one could dispense with the heart tablets. In what was an all-round team effort of fire and commitment, Paul Pegman, Gavin McGabhann and Cormac Ó Súilleabháin contributed that little bit extra. Defeat resulted from a last minute goal which came from a wrongly-called sideline ball – a comment, not a complaint, with respect to a decision made in good faith.

See you all on Friday 19th at 7.15pm in Newcastle for the game against Ashford.

Congratulations to the u-14 footballers on their victory over Bray Emmets in the championship. This win affords some compensation for a morale–sapping defeat by the same opposition in the league final.

The club was sad to hear of the death of Mick Carroll formerly of Blacklion. Mick was full-back on the 1965 team which defeated Annacurra in the championship final. We extend our sincere sympathy to his wife, Maura, and to his family. Sonas síoraí d’á anam.