Éire Óg Greystones
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Weekly Notes - 11th April 2007

The body language of the intermediate team as they trooped off the field on Saturday nursing the pain of 5 point defeat to Ballymanus spoke of disbelief. Disbelief at having allowed a 10 point lead approaching the interval to be turned into a defeat of such a proportion - a 15 point turnaround. The progress of the game brought to mind the oft-used quo by one's history teacher in relation to some military campaigns which came a cropper " They began in a blaze of glory and ended in a dismal of failure".

Éire Óg reacted to the throw-in whistle with the trap-exiting alacrity of a greyhound in Shelbourne Park and immediately began to ratchet up the score. It was all Éire Óg at this stage; they were dominating at centre-field and only the stray ball was finding its way into our half, the forwards were moving the ball in fast and accurate exchanges and their on and off-ball running was exemplary. The opposition's backs were in disarray and conceded frees which were duly converted by Darren Hayden. The forward surge continues with 3 points for Jonathan Groome and a point from Willie O'Hagan which would make one believe that the ball had a mind of its own. Then cue what we had self -delusionally considered to be the coup de grace, a great goal by Anto Byrne through a forest of players. 1-8 to 0-1 up 8 minutes to go Ballymanus showing ominous signs of recovery.

A disastrous strategic Éire Óg decision resulting in silver-platter goal for Ballybanus. Suddenly Éire Óg teamwork loses coherence, unforced errors and misdirected ball begin to proliferate, a few more points for Ballymanus and we are only 4 points to the good entering the break. Ballymanus started the 2nd half where they left off and Éire Óg entered the damage limitation mode of psychological surrender. Credit must be given to both sides for the manner in which the game was played. Attitudes were always positive, the exchanges tough but always sporting, the pace breath-taking and the denouement intriguing. One never felt the game was over until the final whistle.

The ladies defeated Baltinglass by 4 points in the 2nd round of the league in a very entertaining and exciting game. Éire Óg ladies started off in whirlwind fashion and with the forwards in top finishing form particularly Laurie Ahern, Lesley Ann Long and Tracy O'Halloran they were soon in a commanding position on the scoreboard. Thanks to sterling performances from Jenny Groome and Maria O'Neill in half-back line the Baltinglass attack was effectively shackled. Deirdre Walsh even though playing out of position in centre-field curbing Baltinglass' most dangerous player- who in previous meetings had wreaked havoc on our defence.

Four goals up an 12 minutes to go. A penalty for Baltinglass, bafflement on Éire Óg supporters part as to how anyone but Solomon could distinguish a foul in the confusion of ball-seeking hands. A goal!! Followed shortly by another - the initiative to Baltinglass. Look-away, heart-pounding time. The final whistle - relief.

The Éire Óg victory owed much to inspirational displays from Lorna Fusciardi, Caoilfhionn Deeney & Niamh Kelly.