Result: 5-09 to 2-04
The second match of the 2019 Minor Football Division 1 League campaign saw Skerries Harps make the long journey to Pairc Úi Murchu on Sunday morning.
Skerries won the toss and elected to play with the benefit of the very strong wind into the clubhouse end. The arrival of a heavy snow shower as referee Seamus Farrelly started the game added to the difficulty of the conditions for both teams. Despite playing into the elements, Ballyboden made the brighter start with a well taken point from Malachy Codd followed by a Ryan O’Dwyer goal. Skerries then settled into the match with a pointed free followed by a goal to level matters. The Ballyboden defence worked extremely hard to limit chances for the visitors with Jack Lambert, Patrick Dunleavy and Harry Donaghy leading by example. A feature of the opening half was the accurate kick outs by Sean O’Donnell in the goalkeeping role leading to good possession for Conor Lowe and Robert Cullen in midfield.
A superb move ended in a clinical finish by Harry Colclough for Ballyboden’s second goal which was followed by well taken points by Luke Byrne and Malachy Codd to leave the half time score 2.4 to 1.2 in favour of the home team.
The second half began with Ballyboden determined to use the wind advantage and well finished goals by Luke Byrne and Adam Kelleher soon gave the home team a comfortable lead. Skerries replied with a goal and a point but the accuracy of Ryan O’Dwyer, Adam Kelleher and Luke Byrne added further points before a well taken goal by Conor Hanrahan gave the home team a comfortable lead. Eoghan Gannon and Joe Maguire were introduced in defence and denied the Skerries forwards any clear sight on goal while Peter Gannon and Cillian Wall continued the high work rate in the forward line when introduced. Conor Cullen and Cian Leahy worked very hard following their introduction as the home team closed out the game on a scoreline of 5.09 to 2.04.
Great credit is due to both teams for the quality of football played in difficult conditions.
The next league match is away to Na Fianna against on March 24th.
Thanks to the parents and Boden supporters who gave great encouragement to the team throughout the match and to Miriam Christie for the photos in such difficult conditions.
Team: Sean O’Donnell, Joey Donohoe, Jack Lambert, Fergal Ryan, Conor Hanrahan, Patrick Dunleavy, Harry Donaghy, Conor Lowe, Robert Cullen, Pearce Christie, Malachy Codd, Harry Colclough, Luke Byrne, Adam Kelleher, Ryan O’Dwyer, Eoghan Gannon, Peter Gannon, Joe Maguire, Cillian Wall, Conor Cullen, Cian Leahy, Oran Dunne.