Inters fall short at Na Fianna

After controlling the first 5 minutes the Boden forwards registered a couple of nervous wides. However, the team were dealt a hammer blow early on when captain Cullen (Scott) had to retire due to injury. In the ensuing reorganisation, Na Fianna took full advantage of the defensive confusion and registered 1-2 before the lads could catch their breath. But Boden battled back and on the 20-minute mark, there was only a green flag separating the teams. With Na Fianna on the back foot, Boden broke quickly down the left flank. “The Beast” single-handedly beat three defenders and found himself 1 on 1 with the keeper. Somehow managing to miss the massive net from 5 yards, the ball shot over the bar with the ferocity of Monahan keying a bag of the old ‘White Lady’ before a night out on the tiles. A relieved Na Fianna goalkeeper, along with the two umpires raised their arms to acknowledge the point. However, the referee waved it wide. Cue carnage. The roars and shouts from the supporters were only surpassed by the now bear-chested Monahan shadow boxing along the opposition bench.

But it was a momentum shifter, and Na Fianna registered the last 2 points of the half to go into the break 1-7 to 0-5 to the good. Mentors Maher & Young reorganised a thing or two and, in fairness, there’s a real “meanness” about this team that sets them apart. This is not to be confused with the “meanness” of the management, who wouldn’t buy you a drink if you were perishing with the thirst, that’s a different kind of “meanness”. Steely determination would probably be a better description. (Again, not of the management’s unwillingness to spend a few bob in the bar, that’s a given, I mean the players……… The steely determination of the players).