Intermediate Championship Quarter Final 

BBSE 2 18 St. Maur’s 1 18

The Intermediate hurlers made the long trek out to Rush for their Championship Quarter Final against St Maurs. What followed was a season best performance from a panel only promoted from Junior A last season.

Boden started quickly putting the first two scores on the board. However, Maurs got a foothold on the match and some accurate free taking saw them take a 7 point lead with just 20 minutes on the clock. The Boden backs during this time defended resolutely, with Conor Lowe especially to the fore.

Something sparked in Boden after 20 mins, with a huge increase in work rate and intensity noticeable. Gareth Crowley, Eamo O’Gorman and Rhys McDonnells’ appetite produced a number of key turnovers. Chris Lamberts workrate, as always, was first class, and he was rewarded with a well taken goal just before the break to bring Boden back to within 2 points.

HT St Maurs 11 Boden 1-06.

Boden continued their impressive intensity at the start of the second half, with Ben Kelly and Eoin McKenna particularly dogged in midfield. Jason Devery continued his fine year to date with a number of fine fetches and points to keep the scoreboard ticking over. The Boden substitutes made a huge impact on the game with points from Owen Wigglesworth and Dan O’Riordan key. By the 50th minute Boden had their nose in front by a point after McDonnell pounced on a loose ball around the square for Boden’s second goal of the day. Stellar defending from Karl Weldon and Andy Hand kept repelling Maurs and some fine free taking from McDonnell edged Boden into a three point lead with normal time elapsing.

Maurs, to their credit, never gave up after falling behind, and a long ball to the square broke to the back of the net. It would be understandable for a team to be deflated at this concession, but this squad is made of stern stuff. Boden rallied to tag on the next three scores (one beauty in particular from McDonnell) and hold out throughout the ten minutes of injury time to claim a three point win and a place in the semi final against St Slyvesters in 2 weeks’ time.

FT St Maurs 1-18 Boden 2-18

 Laoch na himeartha – Chris Lambert (narrowly pipping Rhys McDonnell and Conor Lowe).

The entire Boden squad deserve huge credit for their efforts this year to date. The attitude shown would do justice to Paddy Kirwan, father of team Captain Ruairi “Bagsy” Kirwan. Paddy was laid to rest this week, and his loss is immeasurable to Ruairi and his family.  An impeccable minutes silence was served before the match by both teams and all in attendance. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Not to forget another great supporter of this team and Boden hurling, the late Ray McKenna, father of vice Captain Eoin. No doubt Ray was looking down with a large bottle of Guinness enjoying that one!

Special thanks to Susan Creed for the first aid and food as always, and to Mick and all in the club for the well earned pints that evening.