Promotion for Junior A

Adult Hurling League, Div 5 Promotion Play-off

The Limrick Layder Reports

Our Junior A hurlers welcomed the historically named Clanna Gael Fontenoy club to Páirc Uí Murchú on the Firhouse Rd. on Sunday 22nd Sept for a winner takes all – promotion play-off to Div 4 for 2020.

A not inconsiderable incentive was the fact that Div 4 matches are played at 5.00pm on a Saturday afternoon which would allow our singletons to party (post match) all night and have a lie in on Sunday am.

The referee was from the estuary town of Foynes just down the river from the famed Treaty City. If you happen to be passing by – call in to see the Flying Boat and Maritime Museum – well worth a visit. Anyway the referee – as is his want was inclined to let the game flow which contributed to a lively match enjoyed by the large crowd on the clubhouse side of the pitch.

We got off to a lively start with an early point from Liam McCarthy (who cut short his honeymoon to be back for the match). Liam is a surprisingly hardy buck considering he comes from gentry stock from the Balbec town of Kilmallock. The Philosopher’s son, Fergal Ryan tapped over our 2nd point from play. Clanna Gael scored a breakaway goal – Des ‘The Dandy’ O Sullivan was caught slightly and his man scored a good goal.

The Dandy is something else….always extremely well groomed and nicely turned out, his curley hair coiffured to the last degree and smelling of the best cologne on the market (after shave is old school …all cologne nowadays). If he was around in the dancehall days he’d have been very popular with the ladies as he’s very light on his feet – would have made a grand ballroom dancer! In fairness the Dandy isn’t all show and is as good as any man to give a contrary opponent a ‘good dunt’ should the need arise!

Des ( at no 3 ) recovered his composure and went on to have a fine match highlighted with one great catch in the 2nd half (only bettered by a catch he made 2 weeks ago against Realt Dearg in the Championship – as good as you are likely to see and commented on by a Realt Dearg mentor).

The backs as a whole were playing well … Ruairi ‘The Tan’ Kirwin at no 2 and ‘Handy’ Andy Hand at no 4 were well on top of their opponents. These 2 in particular have been very consistent performers over the last 2 years.

The half line of Kevin Lalor, Darren Lennox and Alan O’Connor were playing well as a unit, Darren having made a great recovery from a cruciate injury last year plays a very simple game – reads a game well from no 6 and is very accommodating with the ball that he delivers to the ‘Fancy Dans’ in the forwards division. Alan O’Connor – it must be said has a mean paw on him and is also good man under a dropping ball.

The ‘Guru’s son’ Eoin McKenna is developing into a fine mid-fielder, gets through a lot of work and usually delivers a few points into the bargain. Neal Farrell – another of the unsung heroes on the team was – as ever – giving it everything, he must have a very high pain threshold as he never shy’s away from a challenge and it bound to pick up a few belts on his travels. Carpenters are teak tough….give it over!

Back to the match……. Aidan ‘Silver Fox’ Dundon (yeah ..he’s still togging out) got onto a long puc from Ronan Sharkey in goal, made good ground and crossed a ball to the already mentioned inrushing honeymooner Liam – who buried it. A few more points followed with the score at half time BBSE leading 1 – 6 / 1 – 3.

Fergal, Liam, Daniel Nugent, Darren, Neal and Ciaran McDonnell got in on the scoring. The silver fox Aidan got a sweet point from out on the wing, the final score was a win for Boden 1 – 18/1 -09. The main scorers were Liam with 1-04 and Aidan, Fergal & Eoin with 4 points apiece. A very satisfying performance for the last adult match of the year (aside from the minor hurlers who are still involved). The Boden supporters on the sideline were in great spirits after this fine win…and promptly headed into Michael Farrell in the bar for some refreshments. Our former Chairman the debonair Brendan Moran was scouting around for recruits for his team – the senior B’s …Tim will give him a short shift if he comes mooching. In fairness to Brendan and his sidekick Bryan ‘Shaughs’ – they had a very good year winning their league and only beaten by a point in the championship.

Back to the Junior A’s ….a great panel of players – and a great future lies ahead. The class of 99 – (O’Riordan, Nugent, Cashman and McDonnell), 2000 – (Kenny and MacMathuna) have and will progress well – along with 2 very good goalkeepers Sharkey and Nolan. The hardened pros; Ciaran ‘Flats’ Flaherty, Austen Lynch, Mark McGovern, Dave Delahunty, Alan McGrath, Oisin Cannon, Eamon Gorman, James Doody and the Nagle Bros have already signed up for Pilates classes over the winter nights in order to be in shape for 2020.

Good foundations were laid by Counsellor Dan Boland and Sgt Major Mick Keville …who carried the flame for a few years ….continued and improved upon by the new organically home-grown management team headed up by the imposing and commanding Tim Sweeney, (he’s the fellow with the gifted brother), the Teacher’s son – Brendan Treacy and Brian McCarthy son of Alex and brother of the honeymooner Liam.

P.S. The teacher’s son also went on a honeymoon this summer, unlike Liam he did the full 2 weeks and he hasn’t been right since! He’s hoping to make a comeback in 2020….

p.p.s. We wish Doctor Matt, Flats and James Doody best wishes in their rehab.

Rock on for the moment!

Photos by Seán Gilheaney