Division Seven, Feile na nGael 2019
The Under 14C team met on that sunny but cold Saturday morning at 8am for a team photograph. They all looked smart and professional in their tracksuits.
A quick google search for the forty-minute drive to O’Dwyer’s clubhouse, Balbriggan ensued before we hit the road. On reaching the clubhouse, the boys quickly found their dressing room and after a few last words of advice from the mentors, they were ready to go. The small parade started minus a bagpipe player, who was sick on the day and the players trying their best to sing Amhrán na bhFiann.
We were in a five-team group, with four matches and the team topping the group would go straight into a final on Sunday.
Our first match was against St Vincent’s B who we had already beaten in the league, on Bell’s pitch, a 10-minute walk from the clubhouse pitch. The pitch was right beside the sea and a gale force wind blowing straight up the pitch, this would have a huge influence on our three matches on this pitch.
Having won the toss and choosing to play against the wind, our boys played brilliantly, competing for ever ball, while rotating players in as much as possible.
Half time score BBSE 0-1 to St Vincent’s B 1- 3.
Second half was all Boden, we got a goal and two points and had most of the procession but couldn’t add any more scores. Then unfortunately Vincent’s hit us on the counterattack with two goals, but the lads kept trying to the end.
Final score BBSE 1-3 St Vincent’s B 3-3.
We had a bye next round so we regrouped, got some food and drinks and got ready for second match against our neighbours Ballinteer St Johns.
The match against Ballinteer was on the same pitch and as before we started against the wind. The lads again played their hearts out only conceding two points that half.
Half time score BBSE 0-0 Ballinteer St Johns B 0-2.
The second half started, we again dominated the game, playing some great hurling. We drew level with Ballinteer and should have scored more. Then with probably the only attack by Ballinteer into our half they scored a goal. Try as they could with time running out the boys lay siege to Ballinteer’s goal but to no avail.
Full time score BBSE 0-2 Ballinteer St Johns B 1-2.
Our third match was against Parnell’s on the same pitch and starting with the wind at our backs, we were hoping for a good result. We controlled the game, driving the ball at the Parnell’s goal at every opportunity.
Half time score BBSE 1-3 Parnell’s 0-0.
The second half was an almighty struggle, Boden against Parnells and the wind! Some brilliant hurling from both sides, huge support from the Boden parents, nervous coaches. Parnell’s kept coming, Boden kept defending, saves on the goal line galore. Ballinteer draw level with two goals….could the boys hold out for a draw. Finally, Ballinteer had a free on the half way line, their goalkeeper with the help of the wind sent it over the bar. The boys try to level the match, but time runs out.
Full time score BBSE 1-3 Parnell’s 2-1.
Our last match was a disappointing game against our hosts O’Dwyers who had won all their games on their clubhouse pitch.
Full time score BBSE 0-0 O’Dwyers 5-9.
Mentors: Chris Judge, Cormac Malone, Stephen Doran, Pat Reynolds
Team : Adam Gorman, James Lawlor, Cathal O’Toole, Christopher O’Sullivan, Colm Prendergast, Conor Carton, Donal Carton, Conor Reynolds, Dargah Corbett, Eoghan Woodcock, Fionn Flannagan, Harry Judge, Jack Doran, John Keane, Louis Kearney, Matthew McGrath, Niall Clinton, Ryan Fusco, Sean Dowling, Sean Keogh, Tadhg Tuile, Thomas Davis, Zach Kearney, Zach Walsh.
We would like to thank O’Dwyers for their hospitality and for hosting Division 7 Group B. O,Dwyers were great hosts of teams and supporters alike.
A big thank you also has to go to the Ballyboden Féile committee for all their efforts which ensured we all looked so well and had all the necessary provisions/equipment to get us through the day.
And finally, to the mentors and parents who prepared the boys so well and to the many supporters who came out to cheer on the boys. Boden Abu!
Many thanks to Brian Carton and Eilis Feehan for the photos.
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