Senior B Champions
Pics by Kevin Maguire
The Ballyboden St Endas Senior B hurlers captained by Peter McEvoy (left) had a great win in the County Final against St Oliver Plunketts/EoghanRuadh in O’Toole Park on Saturday 27th October 2012. In sunny, but cool, conditions the ball was thrown in and Boden were first off the mark. The Navan Road men then dominated for the next fifteen minutes, with their half forward line going well. However, their possession was not converted into scores and Plunketts led at the 20 minute mark by just three points. Positional switches by Boden meant that more chances were being created for the forwards and points by Niall Ryan and a massive long range free by Michael Griffin brought Boden back to parity. The switch of Adam Jermyn and Gavin Corrigan was particularly successful and with the ever-mobile Naoise Green taking on the defence on a number of occasions, Boden began to have the edge. This culminated in a very well struck shot to the net by Niall Ryan from right on the end line a minute before half-time. A great time to score and it gave Boden a lift as they headed for the dressing room. Half time Boden1-4 Plunketts 0-5.
Boden had the breeze in the second half but it was Plunketts who again took the initiative. The sides were level after five minutes but then Boden began to take control. Finn McGarry and Naoise Maguire won most exchanges and a superb block by Maguire mid-way through the half gave the whole team a lift. Maurice Nagle was battling hard (right). By this time, Boden’s defence was getting on top with Conor Robinson, sure as ever, sweeping up loose ball and distributing well to the forwards. Gavin Corrigan pointed a free on the 20 minute mark and this gave Boden the lead. A couple of great catches by full back Eanna Walsh repelled the Plunketts attack, who to their credit, kept the pressure on throughout. The substitutes that were introduced (Paul Doherty, Brian McCarthy, Colin Durkin and Brendan Treacy) all began to make their mark, their fresh legs going well on the heavy ground. Paul Doherty and Brendan Treacy held the ball up well and when Colin Durkin pointed, it put some daylight between the teams. A superb long range effort from midfielder Brian McCarthy sealed the win but not before there were some anxious moments around the BBSE goal. Shortly after that the final whistle was blown by referee James Brennan.
Final score Boden 1-08 St Oliver Plunketts ER 0-08.
The final whistle was the cue for great celebrations, with most of the very large Boden support joining the players on the pitch. Captain Peter McEvoy accepted the cup from County Board Chairman Andy Kettle, who was very complimentary to both teams. Great credit to Johnny Kenny and his management team of Gary Cullen, Oliver Hickey and Davy Kane – they moulded a fine team from U21 players and some more established stalwarts of the club. Well done lads, this was a great and historic win for Boden.
There was a some consolation for Oliver Plunkett’s ER as they now go on to represent Dublin in the Leinster Intermediate Championship. BBSE cannot participate in the competition as the entering team must be the most senior team in their club. What a pity for Boden!! Nevertheless we wish our Dublin representative well next Sunday.