Ballyboden had a great win in a hard-fought match against Craobh Chiaráin on a sunny Sunday morning in Clonsaugh in the final of the Dublin Minor E Championship. From the throw-in, it was clear this would be a tight match. Points were traded by the teams in the early stages including a brace from centre forward Conor McHugh and at the quarter-mark it was all square at three points each. There was more potency in the Boden attack however and in the second quarter Boden pulled ahead with four straight points, two from James Roche and one each from Gavin Quirke and Dara Hyland, both after strong runs from midfield. At the short whistle, Boden led 0-7 to 0-4. A key feature of the first half was a magnificent save by Dara McCusker, who kept out a well-taken shot by the Craobh Chiaráin centre forward.
The expected fightback by Craobh Chiaráin came early in the second half after Quirke pointed for a second time. Despite great midfield play by Ryan Gillen, the northside team pressed forward. They got to within two points and but for some wayward shooting, thanks in no small part to great defensive work by Alex Murphy and Cian Murphy in particular, should have edged in front. Having weathered the storm, Boden’s fitness and composure began to tell. Niall Keegan moved upfield to neatly place the ball over the bar – three points in it with five minutes to go. Once again, Craobh Chiaráin attacked and got their seventh point. However, Boden’s use of substitutes began to pay dividends and with a few minutes left, Cian Bates netted with a powerful shot after a great passing move upfield. This settled the contest and at the end there were great scenes of jubilation as the players, mentors and supporters enjoyed the occasion. It was a fine, sporting contest with both teams working hard and playing positive football throughout. Congratulations and well done to the lads. Thanks in particular to managers Jimmy Walsh, Bruno Byrne and Vivien McCusker for their preparation of the team. Thanks to all who travelled in support on the day – it made a real difference.