|
||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
Weekly Notes - 25th October 2006It was like olden times, groups chatting at the church gate in Blacklion. Turning in the gate I spotted Jimmy O'Toole, a man known to take a keen interest in the fortunes of the Intermediates. Just the man, I said. Are the lads playing to-day? A sorry admission of ignorance from one whom you would think should be au fait with the club's activities. A smile spread across Jimmy's countenance. I hope not, he replied, because a lot of them are still up in Enniskerry after the wedding. One didn't need informing as to what wedding it was. Ann and Ray's daughter, Nicola, and Ian McGrath had tied the knot on the Saturday and had had their reception in the Summerhill Hotel. Saol fada sona le chéile dóibh beirt - may they have a long and happy life together. Then one spotted our club President Des Mitchell and his wife Peggy (sorely missed from Lotto duties) back from Carlow for the wedding. Unfortunately one did not have the opportunity to inquire how things were going in their new home. They both looked well. The inland environment must be agreeing with them.Thankfully Éire Óg is no longer a club of one team. Hence followers are afforded many opportunities to see representatives of the blue and white in action. So it was straight down to the Éire Óg pitch to watch the u-16 hurling league game against Carnew, and there only to meet Patsy Vickers, a refugee from said nuptials. Patsy slid off before the game's end - is he no longer as able for the depredations of such occasions as he used to be?! Short two key members in Phelim Byrne and Leon Hargan, Éire Óg were always going to be struggling against a team of the calibre and tradition of Carnew. Yet our lads never allowed themselves to become prey to the "lost cause" syndrome and they fought manfully for the full 60 minutes of a competitive and sporting game. However, this was not enough - they were conceding too much in physique, age and experience - and while they put it up to Carnew for much of the match, they eventually had to give best. Mark Doran, in goals, brought off some spectacular saves while Daniel O'Connor at corner-back and Jack Tanner at half-back nullified the threat on their wing. Dean Healy at centre-field showed wonderful touches of skill. Shane Mulford who threw himself about with abandon, and Daniel Salmon were the pick of the forwards. Cormac Greene, Scott Smullen and Marty Byrne (Marty scored a classic eye-level, a la John Fenton, '21') also caught the eye. This team is scheduled to meet the same opposition early in November in the A-championship semi-final. Seeing Alan Mulford and Daniel Salmon strolling out after the match reminded one of Friday night's u-16 football game. How did you get on, I asked. You wouldn't want to write about that, was the reply. We were very short and didn't do that well. You may of course mention, Daniel said, that I scored 1-2. Ciarán Gaskin, Martin Nolan and their u-14 hurling charges are eagerly looking forward to their A championship semi-final in which they will oppose the winners of the Glenealy/St. Kevins quarter final. The club extends its sincerest sympathies to the Walshe family on the death of Paddy Mahony, father of Gerry's wife, Patricia. |
||||||||||||||||
