There is great sadness attached to this weeks report after the tragic events in Berkeley, California which claimed the lives of our member and friend Eoghan Culligan and five other young people. We gathered in unison at the Club Mass on Saturday evening and will gather again on Tuesday for Eoghans funeral in the hope that this can be of some comfort to his grieving family and friends.

Reports of the weekends games are below.

Senior vs Fingal Ravens
Saturday, 20th June 2015             Result: 1-17 to 1-06

There was a sombre atmosphere around the club following the tragic death of our club colleague Eoghan Culligan as a minutes silence in his memory preceded the throw-in.

We played with the aid of a strong wind in the first half but it took a long time to settle. After 15 minutes we led by 3 points to two thanks to Sam Molony (2) and Ciaran Archbold (1). From there to half time, 6 more points were scored by Molony (2), Tom Hanafin (2), Ryan Basquel (1 free) and Collie Dunne (1). Fingal Ravens scored two more points to leave it 0-9 to 0-4 at half time.

Having dominated centre field during the first half, Declan O’Mahoney was unable to resume in the second half due to injury. It seemed that five points might not be enough of a lead facing into the strong wind. Seamus Keane moved to midfield from corner forward and Andrew Kerin came on in his place. Within five minutes Kerin had nailed three points against the wind showing all his experience and guile. The backs showed their defensive qualities against the wind, constantly hassling their opponents and showing great anticipation in cutting out any danger that came their way. Darragh Gogan brought off a great save showing real courage in a real pressure situation and Robbie McDaid used his body to stop a certain goal. The backs also showed their attacking qualities with Shane Clayton and Robbie McDaid in particular carrying the ball out of defence with great speed and confidence. Indeed, as well as his defensive qualities Robbie also showed that he can score by popping over two points during this second half.
 Having scored two points in the first half from his half back position, Tom Hanahin was in the right place to finish to the net half way through the second half which meant that the match was now over as a contest. Fingal Ravens managed to score just two points (free and 45) in the second half before getting a consolation goal with about two minutes left to play. To finish off the scoring Kerinsey added his fourth point as Ryan and Collie Basquel also pointed.

Team: Darragh Gogan. Bob Dwan, Robbie McDaid, Shane Clayton, Stephen O’Connor, Graham Heavey, Tom Hanafin, Darragh Nelson, Declan O’Mahoney, Ciaran Archbold, Ryan Basquel, Collie Dunne, Collie Basquel, Sam Molony, Seamus Keane. Subs: Andrew Kerin for O’Mahoney, Warren Egan for Archbold.

Intermediate vs St.OP/ER
Saturday, 20th June 2015             Result: 1-14 to 3-11

Junior A vs Round Towers Lusk
Sunday, 21st June 2015                                   Result: 2-04 to 0-19

The Junior A footballers suffered a comprehensive home defeat to Round Towers Lusk in PUM on Sunday. A difficult assignment against the league leaders was made even more difficult when Brian O’Shea suffered a dislocated knee after only 12 minutes.  Thankfully his injury is not as serious as it could have been and we wish him a speedy recovery. Highlights for the home team were the performances of Brian Burns at full back and the industrious Dave Gilheaney as well as well taken goals from Cian Bates and Adam Carney .

Junior B vs Clontarf

Sunday, 21st June 2015                                   Result: 4-11 to 0-04

Conditions were perfect for this league encounter. On a warm balmy Sunday Boden got on the front foot straight away. The ball was won well in the midfield by Joey Merriman, who worked well with the half forward line. The ball was played into Colum Reade who in turn supplied the advancing Merriman with the return ball, slotting the ball neatley between the posts. Boden didn’t rest there and more hard work was rewarded with goals from Bradley and Mickey Ryan. Clontarf responded with two well taken points of their own. Anthony Manning was in flying form once again and his penetrating runs from defence were causing Clontarf all sorts of problems. By half time Boden were in a commanding position leading 2-9 to 0-2. Clontarf were first to point after the break but this Boden team went through the gears with our Captain Colum Reade scoring an excellent lob over the keepers head to seal this game. Boden deserved this win with their professional approach, eventually running out winners with some excellent football on display. This win and our draw against AIB on Thursday pushes us nicely up the table. It is nothing more than this group of fine players for all their hard work and effort. BODEN ABU.

Good Luck to Michael-Darragh as the Dubs prepare to face Kildare in the LFC SF on Sunday 28th at 4pm also best of luck to Barra McGarry and James Holland as the Dublin Minor footballers also face Kildare in the Leinster MFC SF at 12pm.