U11 Boys Break For the Border
Patrick Kavanagh may have lamented the stony grey soil of Monaghan, but it was a sea of blue on Sunday as hordes of Dubliners headed for Clones to support their county heroes. Among the fans was a squad of BBSE U11 boys who were keen to carve out a slice of their own football glory.
First stop was Scotstown, to challenge one of the best known and most formidable of clubs in the Ulster football scene.
The game was a game of two halves with no quarters given. The BBSE boys were provided an early lesson by a well-drilled team of how tough and fast country football can be, and were well behind at half time.
After the re-start they gained their composure and showed the Scotstown boys that they were more than up for the challenge. In a thrilling second half, both teams played out an entertaining match of great skill that was appreciated by the decent sized crowd that turned out to watch. The game was played with great spirit and both teams were a credit to their clubs and county.
First stop was Scotstown, to challenge one of the best known and most formidable of clubs in the Ulster football scene.
The game was a game of two halves with no quarters given. The BBSE boys were provided an early lesson by a well-drilled team of how tough and fast country football can be, and were well behind at half time.
After the re-start they gained their composure and showed the Scotstown boys that they were more than up for the challenge. In a thrilling second half, both teams played out an entertaining match of great skill that was appreciated by the decent sized crowd that turned out to watch. The game was played with great spirit and both teams were a credit to their clubs and county.
Tired legs were re-energised with a fantastic spread of sandwiches and cakes generously laid on by the host club who provided wonderful hospitality.
Onwards to Clones for the main event of the day, the clash of table toppers Dublin and Monaghan. It looked ominous for the Dubs with fifteen minutes to go, being six points behind. But the sights and sounds of so many BBSE boys in the crowd inspired a dramatic comeback and unlikely victory, with the Boys in Blue maintaining their two year unbeaten run. For a very strong and skilful Monaghan team, it must have seemed like an opportunity lost.
The obligatory pitch invasion took place after the final whistle and the boys raced for the photo ops and autographs. Perhaps they dreamed that one day they will be on the same pitch playing for the mighty Dubs. Judging by the skills on display earlier in the day this may well come to pass.
Special thanks to coach Liam Butler from BBSE for organising the great day out and making sure that it that it ran like clockwork.
Special thanks to coach Liam Butler from BBSE for organising the great day out and making sure that it that it ran like clockwork.
Many thanks also to our hosts at Scotstown GAA particularly David McCague, Michael-Owen McMahon, Stephen McKenna, and all the caterers for helping to put together this great event and making all of the Dublin visitors feel very welcome.
An open invitation was made to Scotstown to visit Ballyboden and we look forward to reciprocating their kindness in the near future.
Thanks to Eamonn Gormley for the photos. For more photos, see here