There is always that time when instructions have been meted out, talk has been plentiful and the players cross that line that you get that nervousness run through you. Will lady luck be with us today? Will we get that breaking ball as often as we would like? Will the intensity levels be right up there even though the game was been played in furnace like conditions? With the JBs, I know that they will give their all from start to finish.
Naomh Fionnbarra are right on our tails in the league, indeed there was just a point between us before throw in. They came across the M50 ready to go, straight off their mini bus into the warm up. Alan Keane was back between the posts after taking some time out after the arrival of his new born baby son. Vinnie Moran and Jamie Kavanagh in midfield were up for this game right from the start. Vinnie latched on to Jamies breaking ball and after some great attacking play, the ball found Ross on the edge of the box. Always a man with a cool head in front of goal, he slotted the ball past the advancing keeper. Game on. Alan McQuaid was busting a gut at wingforward, out in front looking for the ball and then acting as a defender to stop the opposition bringing the ball out of their half. Andrew Kerins has had a huge impact for the team this season and helped himself to a goal and two points before half time. Shane Tully was operating at corner forward but his diagonal runs were causing all sorts of problems in the oppositions defence. Latching on to an excellent ball in from Dermot Manley, he expertly split the posts. Fionnbarras were still in the game and kept their scores ticking over to keep us on our toes.
With the scoreline at 3-4 to 0-7 in the JBs favour, the referee blew for half time. No time for complacency, we still had a job to do. Remain focused, stay on the front foot. Cormac Smyth and Ian Clarke came on for Jamie and Rian respectively. The temperature was hot and Management felt fresh legs were needed at this stage.
The second half got under way with the JB outfit at full tilt again. Manus Coughlan put in an expertly timed tackle and hand passed the ball to Vinnie who had Cormac running of his shoulder. Cormac worked a one two with Alan and his pace had him bearing down on goal. Fionnbarras defence hadn’t a hope, Cormac let go a rocket of a shot and rifled the back of the net with the ball. Ian settled in at half back and was spreading the ball left and right. Donal Mccarthy was playing box to box and has a huge engine, just when the opposition were about to off load a shot, out of nowhere Donal made up that ground to close it down. He is such a vital cog in the team at this stage.
Having played in defence, we can often be the forgotten few. Forwards can often grab the headlines and rightly so. But this teams defence are quite simply, outstanding. They know who they are and their hard work deserves huge credit. Indeed, four of our scores came from four different defenders. Their off the shoulder play out of defence is a joy to watch at times and it clearly shows their determination to help their team-mates when possible.
The JBs cranked up the pressure on the opposition and looked to kill the game off. They fought for ever single ball and went on the offensive. Fionnbarra had no answer to our relentless attacking, we were kicking some excellent points. This attack was led by young Kearnsy who helped himself to six points, taking his overall tally to 1-8. A young player can learn so much just by watching his positioning alone. He knows where he wants the ball and if you deliver he will gladly tag on the scores. The overall teamwork involved in this fine spectacle of a game is a credit to the panel and their hard work. The referee blew for full time with Boden running out winners to a scoreline of 5-16 to Fionnbarras 0-11. Make no mistake, Fionnbarra are a serious outfit so to put up such a scoreline against them deserves massive credit to all. Once again, a huge thanks to the minors who are always a credit to themselves, their families and club. Thanks Paul and Peter for allowing them to play.
Up next is an away game to rivals Kilmacud, one game at a time we tell the lads. Be proud of this performance for sure but focus now on Kilmacud. They are another tough outfit but if we bring our mental toughness and collective football prowess, we will give them one hell of a game. Thanks again lads. Boden Abu.
Report by; Martin O Donnell.