Senior A Hurling Championship

 BBSE 2 21 Lucan Sarsfields 0 23

 Ballyboden Senior A hurlers’ lined out against Lucan Sarsfields in this year’s championship quarter final in Parnell Park on Sunday 25h September. Both teams met earlier in the year with Boden shading the regular League match and Lucan winning the League final in style.

Lucan started on the front foot and had the opening two chances but could not find the target. Paul Ryan then showed the way with a point from play and a well-hit 65 against the strong breeze. Lucan edged their way into the contest and led at the quarter hour by a point. Shane Durkin was distributing the ball well out of defence and this helped Boden to get into the game. Points by Luke McDwyer and Conal Keaney were important at this stage and when, from a short puckout to the Lucan full-back, pressure was applied by Niall McMorrow and Ryan, the ball broke free. Simon Lambert was first to react and sent the ball forward. A clever flick by McDwyer sent the ball into the path of McMorrow who had time to set up his chance and connected well to raise a green flag. Lucan responded with three points of their own but points by David O’Connor, reliving his earlier days as a marksman, as well as a magnificent sideline ball from Lambert ensured Boden went to the break with the lead.  Half-time Boden 1-10  Lucan 0-11.

Boden kept the pressure on at the start of the second half and, after a couple of early wides, a good run from McDwyer left McMorrow in space. As he headed towards goal, he was felled and Paul Ryan made no mistake from the resultant penalty. Again, Lucan responded with three fine points from out the field to leave the minimum in it. Boden management had begun to introduce fresh legs at this point and it was one of those substitutes, Niall Ryan who contributed a fine point. Into the last quarter with a four-point lead. A strong finish was required to counter the inevitable Lucan fightback – this was when Aidan Mellett showed his pace and skill and register two fine points on the run. Lucan’s free-taker kept the west Dublin club in it but Simon Lambert was in no mood to let this one slip and launched two missiles from his own 65 to make a statement. Further final points were traded to leave the final scoreline Boden 2-21  Lucan 0-23.

A minutes silence was held before the game in memory of Paddy Kirwan, father of Intermediate Captain, Ruairí.

County champions Kilmacud Crokes now await Boden on Saturday, October 8th at 7.30pm

Thanks to Clíona for the photos. Click here for more.