The Boden lads were first up, best dressed at 9:15 am and started the day with the traditional team photos. Players, Mentors and Parents from Lucan Sarsfields, Na Fianna and Naomh Barróg received a warm welcome to the Firhouse Road from Venue Co-Ordinators Ultan Mac Mathúna and Tommy Keogh.  The sun was shining and there was a great atmosphere building as the large support from all teams gathered. Pairc Uí Mhurchú looked fantastic having undergone some recent maintenance work. At 10:00 the Boden U14 panel of 24 strong, took to the Club’s main pitch for the first time for a competitive match. After going through their warm up routine, it was show time.

Game 1: Ballyboden St v Naomh Barróg

The 2017 U13 Division 2 winners, Naomh Barróg have proven with recent league results that they are very comfortable at the top table. Playing with the aid of the breeze in the first half, Barróg registered an early goal. Leon Kennedy split the posts to register Boden’s first Féile score.  The visitors tagged on a few more points before Keelin Smith raised a green flag for the home side.  Both defences were giving nothing with Barry McGuire and Scott McDonald doing well for Boden. Leon Kennedy added a second point from a free and when the half time whistle sounded, Barróg held a two point advantage.

Stephen Pullan, Fionn Keating McDermott and Daniel Daly were introduced for the second half, with Daly in particular making a big impact with 2 points from play. Scott O’Sullivan Magne also came in and got on the score sheet for Boden.  With time almost up, Boden held a lead of just two points but Naomh Barróg kept fighting and with time just up the ball broke in front of Jack Hutchinson’s goal and despite desperate attempts to clear, the ball ended up in the back of the net. A dramatic one point win for Naomh Barróg and a gut wrenching blow to the Boden lads.

Team: Jack Hutchinson, Andrew McGough, Barry McGuire, Evan Nugent, Ciaran Kiely, Scott McDonald, Jim Kennedy, Oisin Byrne, Leon Kennedy, Sam Doyle, John Farrington, Sean O’Shea, Oisin Murray, Darragh Brooks, Keelin Smith. Subs used: Stephen Pullan, Daniel Daly, Fionn Keating McDermott, Scott Cramer Walsh, Scott O’Sullivan Magneand Tom McGrenery

Game 2: Ballyboden St Endas v Na Fianna

Despite the early set back, the lads were determined to keep going. The first half against Na Fianna was nip and tuck. The Mobhi Road side registered some fine scores playing with the wind.  Leon Kennedy and Scott Cramer Walsh were Boden’s scorers in the first half, with Leon taking a fine goal off his left hand side.  Oisin Murray was introduced to midfield with 5 minutes of the half remaining and Fionn Keating McDermott and Jim Kennedy were impressive in defence. Half time score Boden 1-03 Na Fianna 0-06.  Deadlock.

In the second half with the breeze at their backs, Leon Kennedy and Darragh Brooks raised white flags while Daniel Daly scored an excellent goal to give the lads a much needed lead. Sean Luz had come on at half time and the lively Under 13 player scored 2 excellent points on his debut appearance.  A hard fought 6 point win.

Team: Jack Hutchinson, Tom McGrenery, Scott McDonald, Fionn Keating McDermott, Ciaran Kiely, Barry McGuire, Eoin Mac Phaidín, Jim Kennedy, Oisin Byrne, Scott O’Sullivan Magne, Leon Kennedy, Daniel Daly, Stephen Pullan, John Farrington, Scott Cramer Walsh. Subs used: Oisin Murray, Evan Nugent, Sean Luz, Sam Doyle, Leon Murphy

Game 3: Ballyboden St Endas v Lucan Sarsfields

The third game was effectively do or die for the Boden lads. Anything less than a victory would mean exit from the competition and the boys reacted by delivering the performance of the tournament.  Opting to play with the wind, Boden raced into an eight point to nothing first half lead with some fantastic scores. Scott O’Sullivan Magne from the club house sideline was particularly noteworthy. John Farrington operating at wing forward also found the range with 2 well taken scores.

The second half was dig deep as a strong Lucan team kept coming. The Boden defence was giving little away with FionnKeating McDermott attacking and clearing ball after ball. Jack Hutchinson was solid in goal, clearing his lines on several occasions.

Scott O’Sullivan registered Boden’s only score of the half butthe lads were working hard all over the field. The scores to give some respite just didn’t come.  Lucan did get a goal to make it a very tense finish and hit the wood work late on. The work rate however paid off and the lads qualified for the Semi Final with a 3 point win.

Team: Jack Hutchinson, Andrew McGough, Barry McGuire, Fionn Keating McDermott, Ciaran Kiely, Scott McDonald, Jim Kennedy, Oisin Byrne, Leon Kennedy, Sam Doyle, Daniel Daly, John Farrington, Sean O’Shea, Darragh Brooks, Keelin Smith Subs used: Oisin Murray, Scott O’Sullivan, Stephen Pullan, Scott Cramer Walsh, Tom McGrenery, Eoin Mac Phaidín, Evan Nugent

Semi Final: Ballyboden St Endas v Kilmacud Crokes

Marley Park against Group A Winners Kilmacud was the scene for the semi-final at 4:00pm. The heat of the sun and more so the epic battles, in arguably the tougher side of the division had taken their toll on the lads.  Despite that, the boys started well and after 10 minutes were 4 points to 1 up.  Crokes rallied however and scored 2-04 without reply. Boden did get a goal back late in the first half through a Leon Kennedy free however sadly that was to be the last score of Féile 2018 for this fantastic Boden Team.  In the second half the boys kept trying and the subs introduced gave it everything to turn the tide. The fresher and more clinical Crokes team however, marched on to the final with a comfortable victory.  Crokes eventually lost out to Lucan in the Blue Riband final in Parnell Park on Sunday. We wish Lucan all the best in the National Féile in June.

Mentors: Emmet Pullan, John Byrne, Daire Mac Phaidín & Dave Kiely

Team:  Jack Hutchinson, Andrew McGough, Barry McGuire, Fionn Keating McDermott, Ciaran Kiely, Scott McDonald, Jim Kennedy, Oisin Byrne, Leon Kennedy, Scott O’Sullivan Magne, Daniel Daly, John Farrington, Sean O’Shea, DarraghBrooks, Keelin Smith Subs used: Oisin Murray, Sam Doyle, Stephen Pullan, Scott Cramer Walsh, Tom McGrenery, Eoin Mac Phaidín, Evan Nugent, Sean Luz, Leon Murphy

The 2004 Boys Hurling Division 1 Team can be extremely proud of their efforts in Féile 2018. They are also very grateful for the large Boden support both at the club and in Marley Park. The memories of their first competitive matches on the fantastic Pairc Ui Mhurchú will live long with them. The players met up again socially on Sunday and joined their team mates from the Div 4 & 6 teams for some well earned Pizza. The Players also voted for their player of the tournament. Daniel Daly who up until recently was recovering from Glandular Fever was selected by his team mates. Well done Daniel.

The players, mentors and parents would also like to thank the large number of Boden members who pulled out all the stops to help make their Féile experience a very positive one. Boden Abú! Tommy Keogh and his large team of volunteers for top class hosting/stewarding/umpiring etc Ultan Mac Mathúna for acting as official event co-ordinator on the day. Ken Keary and the 2005 Boys Hurling Group. Noel Sheridan for his assistance with fundraising and Féile Gear. Mick Farrell and his staff in the bar. John Ryan for ensuring the pitch was available for the boys. Frank Brooks and Donal Regan for getting the pitch cut and lined at short notice. Cliona Mellett for co-ordinating communications on the day. Barry Murray for his excellent photography. Mark Brady & the Juvenile Boys Committee.

Many thanks to Barry Murray for the photos. For more photos, see here