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Weekly Notes - 3rd May 2006Bank holiday Monday in the opulent embrace of the Druid’s Glen we partook of the riches of a sporting menu fit to stimulate even the most jaded of palates. Two local derbies, Éire Óg v Kilcoole in Intermediate football and v Bray Emmets in Minor hurling – strictly speaking the minors play under a North east banner but we like to taunt the Kilcoole members at their playing in the gorm and bán. Historically these are contests of no compromise, no quarter and the intense local rivalry calls forth acts of heroic endeavour from the players. Monday’s games were no exception and the fine attendance – it was great to see many of the footballers stay on to watch the hurling – at both games was surely not disappointed. Is there a better way of watching a game than from the sideline? The immediacy of the action induces a feeling of participation, even of an ability to influence proceedings and then there is the vicarious pleasure to be derived from the contiguous full-blooded, but legal, physical encounters.Pressure of space didn’t allow the recording of the heroic efforts of our minor hurlers on Easter Monday. They treated us to a wonderfully exciting and spectacular hour’s hurling. One looked with trepidation at the physique of the Bray team as they gradually filtered through the gate. Our thoughts were pessimistic. We’ll be "et"! This was reckoning without the commitment and bravery of the ÉÓg/NE squad. The scoreboard did our lads a huge injustice; in no way did it reflect the happenings on the ground. The lighter and younger ÉÓg, by determination and guts and no little skill, put it up to this all-conquering Bray outfit. Indeed, not until well into the second half did Bray enter the comfort zone. Defeat was our lot but, at game’s end, joy and pride were our sentiments. Paul Sutton, with his skill and score-poaching ability, caused havoc in the Bray defence where their frustration on occasion overstepped the bounds of fair play. The powerfully striking Fintan Donnelly made them pay dearly from a penalty for a foul on Paul. Youngsters Michael Walshe in goals and Stephen O’Neill did well in circumstances that, for them, must have been quite intimidating. Conor Grennan and Leon Brown also played very well. We, their supporters, couldn’t see it happening. From U-12 our present U-18 ladies had never secured a victory over their Bray counterparts and seemed forever destined to play second fiddle to their near neighbours. Last Monday, however, to our joy and to Bray’s amazement and chagrin the ‘world’ changed, changed utterly; our girls had a comprehensive win over Emmets in the minor championship. Victory was not such a surprise – the margin, maybe – for the girls themselves. From early season they had been training, plotting and psyching themselves for the occasion and had built up a quiet confidence. From early Monday the excitement among the girls was palpable. Endless texting, early morning check-in, they were up for it. The game started slowly, we were playing into a strong wind which left our forwards struggling to find range and accuracy. The backs held firm against huge Bray pressure and functioned well as a unit. Fiona Lavelle, Deirdre Walsh, Luka Hargan, Jade Coffey, Marguerite Wardick, Jenny Groomes, Lorna Fusciardi and Caoilfhionn Deeny - that half belonged to them. At half-time, 2 points in arrears but the wind to be in our favour there was a real sense of optimism. The team was eager to return to the fray and was lined up and ready for action long before the recall. Watching a team come of age and step up to the mark was a little big of magic. Éire Óg raised their game and held Bray scoreless for the thirty minutes. They took control of the game: 15 disciplined, creative, hungry individuals working as one. They opened up the game and utilised every inch of ground. It was display football. Éire Óg’s tally in the 2nd half came to an unbelievable 4-12. Final score: Éire Óg: 6-16; Bray 2-6. Scorers: Laurie Ahern 3-0; Kellie Ryder 2-2; Tracey O’Halloran 0-7; Erin Wiley 1-1; Emily Hanney 0-4; Caoilfhionn Deeney 0-2 |
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