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Weekly Notes - 22nd June 2005"Unnatural" was the prevailing sentiment among the intermediate players when they heard that they had to be at the far end of the county for 11am on Sunday. Nevertheless a score plus of their number were togged and "chomping at the bit" in Stratford a half-hour before throw-in time. An absorbing contest – another of those inappropriate adjectives used by sports commentators to evoke, in the reader, feelings which the game itself was unlikely to do – ensued. Played on a knife edge throughout, it had spectators from both sides engaging in every vocal device as they attempted to gain advantage for their favourites. Three minutes from the end Éire Óg took the lead for the first time through a well worked James Leonard goal. This lead was soon squandered and advantage ceded with some particularly sloppy football which it could be contended owed much to a too casual half-time kick about that left substitutes ill-prepared mentally for the intensity of this one-point game. It was great to see defenders Eoin O’Neill and Brian Gubbins back at their persistent – how they must frustrate their opponents! – and attacking best. Two highlights of the game which contributed to its sustained excitement were a brilliant reaction save from Shane Doherty (at a vital stage) which temporarily restored Éire Óg hearts to their anatomically correct positions and two long-distance cynic-silencing points from Cormac O Súilleabháin. The u-16 girls team, it can truly be said, are the engine of the ladies wing of the club. Many of them are also well established members of the adult team. Indeed during the year some of the girls were in danger of "burn-out" as they were often called on to play a number of games per week. Thankfully they seem still to have retained a hunger for the game. The highlight of their year was a one-point win over their Bray counterparts in a thrilling game. This was this team’s first victory over Bray in 3 years and one which they will savour for a long time. They may be even talking about it to their grandchildren!! These teams are very evenly matched and this, with the competitive edge of a "local derby" added up to a game of relentless pace and drive and almost unbearable excitement. Victory was sealed (2-7 to 3-3) by a last minute goal by Tracey O’Halloran from a pass from Kelly Ryder. Friday night , strolled down to the field to watch the u-10 boys v Kilcoole. A beautiful evening, good sideline company and forty fully committed children exuding joie de vivre. Ba bhocht an croí nach dtógfaí in a leithéid d’ambience (dull would he be of soul who would rest unmoved in such a setting). On top of this, spectators were treated to a competitive game with, for ones so young, wonderful displays of skill and conversation-stopping points. In summary, the evening epitomised what sport is all about. |
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