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Weekly Notes - 19th July 2006

In the game against Ashford, particularly in the first half, the players, no doubt influenced by the much eulogised 23 pass (many of which were backwards) Argentinian goal against Croatia, indulged in prolonged bouts of ineffectual interpassing. Such over elaboration in Gaelic football generally breaks down in favour of the opposition and is irksome to the spectator. Happily, the championship game against Stratford in Blessington on Sunday was largely devoid of such fruitless exercises and most passing movements had a forward thrust and reaped a rich harvest in scores.

The time of the game coincided with the "Munich bother" so spectators had to make a choice. One doubts if those who stayed away got better value in entertainment or sport. A beautiful "b’aoibhinn bheit beo" evening, friendly banter, an exciting, sportingly contested game which hung into the balance well into the second half and a plenitude of fine exhibitions of ball and running skills - the lovely dodging, deceiving ball-carrying runs of Darren Hayden, the magnificent fielding of James Leonard (James and Stephen Kelly interrupted their Oxygen experience to play), the unerring accuracy of Johnnie Barry from placed balls from the ‘fifty’ to way out on the ‘fourteen’ on both sides of the goals. And then there was that magnificent bout of combined play effected at speed which culminated in a trademark Conor Monaghan goal. After Stratford’s fightback had them on level terms, the introduction of the coming-back-from-injury Paul Doherty ten minutes into the 2nd half was crucial. Paul Pegman received a serious hand injury while making a dramatic last minute blockdown. We wish him a speedy return to his full-back duties.

How disappointing it must have been for all connected with the Féile to see that the only reference in Monday’s dailies was a highlighted report of a storm-in-a- teacup contretemps in a Group 2 division final. When questioned as to why his "paper of record" could treat this project, which has no equal in the European sporting calendar and which involves thousands and thousands of hours of voluntary effort, in such a cavalier manner, a spokesman for the I.T. sports department replied " we thought it would be of interest to people". He had no reply to the subsequent question "Who exactly are these people?" The spokesman’s reply was almost tantamount to saying that the only noteworthy happening in the World Cup was the three yellow cards of the Russian referee, or of the Heineken Cup was the gouging of Grewcock and the subsequent escape from punishment, on a technicality, of the perpetrator. Does this imbalance in the "reporting" of the Féile reflect the tendency of the media to emphasise those occurrences in G.A.A. activities which show that organisation in a negative light. It would have been better had the Féile been ignored than been made an object of derision.

The Junior Bs lost out in their ‘top of the table’ clash with Enniskerry on Thursday night. The outcome was disappointing because up to the three-quarter stage it was score for score. Indeed , at this point we were in the lead thanks to a great second half goal. The game was somewhat of a baptism of fire for our younger, less battle-hardened team. Enniskerry, stung by their 1st round exit from the championship were definitely ‘up for it’ and played with championship fervour. In that, it was a good preparation for us for next Saturday’s championship game in Roundwood at 7pm.

N.B. u-10 hurling (10-11.30am) and u-9 football(11.45 – 1.00pm) continue on Saturday mornings.

On payment of a deposit, Féile hoodies may be ordered from Felicity Keane.