Ballyboden St. Enda’s 0-15
Skerries Harps 0-10
A balmy summer’s evening saw the Boden intermediate footballers take on the Skerries Harps from deepest north county Dublin. Both teams’ seasons were firmly on the line – Skerries could could still qualify mathematically and Boden were not assured of progression even with a win. There was another south county derby being played that would have a significant bearing on the group. Organised by Chairman Jack security was tight at Páirc Uí Mhurchú; many girlfriends would have to stay at home due to the scarcity of tickets although some with long journeys behind them managed to secure “golden” tickets.
The game started well for the hosts who raced into a 4-1 lead after 13 minutes. The scoreline didn’t do justice to the visitors efforts who responded with three unanswered points to level the game up after 23 minutes. Clearly both teams didn’t want this to be their last game in the championship. Archie, starting his first game in this year’s championship, hit a couple of first half point while Mark stepped up to stroke over a 45m free.
At the break Boden led by a single point, 0-7 to 0-6.
The second half mirrored the first, Boden scoring followed by a quick response from Skerries. Despite Boden playing with the aid of a gentle breeze it was Skerries who continued to apply pressure but were unable to breech the staunch Boden defence marshalled by Karl and Paddy. Second half points from Bagsie and “Barnet” Johnny Mac kept Boden ticking over. In the end, after this author chewed a couple of nails and lost a filling, Boden fell over the finishing line. It was a match to be won that needed leaders like Barra and Collie to maintain our composure when in possession. Afterwards our full forward regaled everyone with his defensive turnovers late into the night having roamed the pitch like a merry ploughboy.
Another good evening’s work keeps us looking forward the next day out.
Panel: Mark McNamee, Owen Lennon (Fionn Maguire 40′), Karl Reddy, Conor Hanrahan, David Leach (Keith Sweeney 40′), Paddy Dunleavy, John Murphy, Conor Lowe, Ciaran Archbold (Oisin Carolan 45′), Colly Dunne, Barra McGarry, Luke O’Donoghue, Ruairi Kirwan (, John McGinn (Mal Codd 54′) Evan Flanagan
Not used: Stephen McGrath, Eoghan Monahan, Scott Cullen, Enda Cashman, Dylan Walsh, John McGuire, Lewis Cawley, Fergal Haran, Tommy Burke, Seamus Keane (blood sub), Sam Kally, Graham Heavey.
Mentors: Donal Monahan, Wally Durkin, Daire Walsh, Martin Murphy & Mick Maher
Posted by BodenGAA on Saturday, 15 August 2020