CLG Sylvesters: 3 19    CLG Baile Buadáin Naomh Éanna: 1 13

Tráthnóna álainn Fómhair, páirc álainnn agus dhá fhoireann réidh chun troda. Slua iontach mór agus lucht leanúna ó Bhaile Buadáin, ár mbuíochas libh. Great to see the legend that is Dan Boland out to run the rule over his former players. It was one of the biggest crowds seen at a hurling fixture in Dublin this year.

Sin mar a bhí sé i Mullach Íde Dé Sathairn seo caite, agus cé go raibh bearna mhór idir na foirne ag an deireadh, ní leiríonn an bhearna sin an croí agus an spiorad atá san fhoireann seo. Led by player manager Des O’Sullivan, this team gave it everything in pursuit of the spoils. From the throw-in by referee Tom Tansey of St Brendans, the pace was quick, and Boden were quick to get off the mark le cúilín ón gCaptaen Ruairi Kirwan, following a good block from Ben Kelly. Ní raibh mórán idir na foirne sa chéad leath. Chris Lambert bagged his customary goal, following good work from Eamon Gorman, along with a brace of points. Points from James Enright (0-2) and Garret Crowley (0-2) left Boden three points adrift at half time, having fought for everything and showing a ferocious work rate. An scór ag leathama: Syls 1-10; Boden 1-7.

The second half started badly for us and the concession of two goals from pacy forward Daniel Murphy knocked the stuffing out of Boden. However, displaying the fighting characteristics of this team, they battled on to the end, being very dependant on the free taking of Garret Crowley to keep them in contention.

Sa deireadh, bhí díomá ar gach éinne leis an scór ach caithfear a rá gur fhoireann, láidir, sciliúil a bhí i Sylvesters agus guímid gach rath orthu sa chraobh.

For this Boden team it is now time to re-group and set our sights on next year. Starting the match without one of our most consistent players, Jason Devery (on holidays, the cheek of him!), and pacy forwards Oisín Byrne and Rhys McDonnell (both injured) and losing our goalie Ronan Sharkey after a few minutes would have left many teams on the back foot, but such is the depth of this panel that everyone of the starting fifteen and all the subs used on the day did themselves proud. Tháinig Eoin Mac Pháidín isteach sa chúl in ionad Sharks agus bhí ana chluiche aige. Alan McGrath has been a revelation in the last few games at corner back and if he had a GPS tracker it would have been off the charts as he coped with the free running Syls corner forward. Conor Lowe has had an excellent year, showing supreme ball winning ability and driving forward at all times, one to watch for the future. Our half back line of Josh Corcoran, Karl Weldon and Andy Hand coped well with the fitness and speed of the opposition, Andy capping a fine season with a faultless display. At mid-field Eoin McKenna and captain Bagsy led the posse in terms of work rate, grit and determination, competing savagely for each and every ball. Chris Lambert is guaranteed to get a goal per game and delivered as usual. James Enright defied maturity and gravity to have probably his best game of the season, finishing out the game in style and blood-soaked bandages and three fine points into the bargain. Connell McGlynn is another future prospect, recently returned from injury and someone who never knows when he is beaten. In the full forward line, Ben Kelly and Eamon Gorman roamed far and wide in search of possession, and both can be happy with their seasons. Garret Crowley took over the free taking from the injured Rhys McDonnell and could make a claim next time out, slotting over four points from placed balls along with two from play. Apart from Mac Pháidín, other subs used on the day, including a couple of badly needed blood subs, were Ruairí Mac Mathúna, Daniel O Riordan, Dan Nugent, Ruairi Hestor, Darren Lennox and Owen Wigglesworth.

Our best wishes to Lenny who finished the match with a badly fractured thumb.

Tar éis dóibh an Junior A a bhuachaint anuraidh, ní raibh  éinne ag súil go sroichfidh an fhoireann seo an cluiche leathcheannais ag an leibhéal idirmheánach  i mbliana. Táimid ag súil go mór leis an mbliain seo chugainn cheana féin. And don’t forget there is a league play off in a couple of weeks.

Laoch na hImeartha: Andy Hand

Míle buíochas:

  • To player manager Des O’Sullivan, an excellent communicator and motivator, well done on bringing spirit and cohesion to the squad.
  • To superb coach, Mick Keville, who made every session count.
  • To selector Brendan Treacy, whose words of wisdom and inspiration always made sense.
  • To Ronan Cleary, who provided match day support.
  • To Keith O’Donnell for fundraising and advising Crowley on his free taking.
  • To Seán Gilheany for his superb photographs.
  • To Emmet Pullen for working so well with us to give the young lads big match experience.

And last but not least to the incredible Susan Creed, who was in charge of the video, the first aid and the post-match grub. She covered more steps than even Alan McGrath as she attended several injuries throughout the game. Susan brought  the x factor to the year, mile buíochas Susan.

It has been a tough year for individual members of the squad as we remember Ray McKenna, father of Eoin and Paddy Kirwan, father of Ruairí, who passed away since the season started. A huge loss to their families and friends, I have no doubt that Ray and Paddy were looking down with pride on the leadership provided by their two fine sons. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

Painéal

Ronan Sharkey, Alan McGrath, Des O Sullivan, Conor Lowe, Josh Corcoran, Karl Weldon   Andy Hand, Eoin McKenna, Ruairi Kirwan Captaen (0-1), Chris Lambert (1-2), James Enright (0-3), Connell McGlynn    Ben Kelly (0-1), Eamon Gorman, Garret Crowley (0-6, 0-4F), Eoin Mac Pháidín, Ruairi Mac Mathúna, Ruairi Hestor; Enda Cashman, David Gilheaney, Joe McGrath, Darren Lennox, Owen Wigglesworth, Cian Corcoran, Dan Nugent, Daniel O’Riordan, Ciaran Cashman

Click here for photos from Seán Gilheaney