DIV1 SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS 2010
We started well, points from Aido, Darren 2 and Michael had us 4 up before Judes even mounted an attack, we even missed a few opportunities but looked comfortable. Then they got into the game but lucky for us they didn't bring their shooting boots. A slip by Adam let Kevin McMenneman away to setup a good goal but, after that, Adam was brilliant and completely tied up the Dublin star. It was even stevens 0-5 t0 1-2 at the break. In the second half we completely dominated, stretching the lead to 0-11 to 1-3 before a late surge by Judes was contained to 2 points.
Rob Wallace was solid as a rock in goal and his kickout and distribution were top class, Cian Cleere gave another flawless display at full back after a man of the match display last Sunday, Fionn had a torrid first half on a very fast corner forward but recovered his composure and finished very strong. Our half back line was magnificent, Judes tried three different players on the Gavin McArdle who simply wore them down and finished with a great point, Brian was a true leader in the middle, one late block epitomised his stature (am I allowed to whinge about him being left out by the Dubs), Colm Campers Hanratty gave his best ever display for Syls and was many peoples nomination for Man of the Match. Given all our injuries it was great to have Shane O'Connor back, all refreshed after a long layoff, partnering Jockser in the middle where they were generally on top of their opposition. Russy Cleere, Eoin Bennis and Gary Sweeney made up a very mobile half forward line - Bennis contributing two super points in the second half. Darren was his usual self contributing 5 points from play and frees and always dangerous, Aiden scored two early points before going off with a long standing injury (not too bad that he couldn't come back on before the final whistle), and Micháel, not as influential as last Sunday but still had a great game. David Galvin came in late for Fionn and looked resplendent in super white shorts - he fetched one ball from the clouds just to remind us what we were missing.
Great night for Syls, second ever county trophy, and the lads finally get a break before the end of November.
Team: Robbie Wallace, Adam Keaney, Cian Cleere, Fionn Carney (Dave Galvin), Gavin McArdle (1p), Brian Sexton, Colm Hanratty, John Coughlan, Shane O'Connor, Gary Sweeney (Andrew Hartnett), Russel Cleere, Eoin Bennis (2p), Micháel McCarthy (1p), Aiden Relihan (2p) (Niall Coughlan), Darren Clarke(5p), Darren Burke, Aiden Lawlor, Stephen Finnegan, Ronan Palmer, David Bannigan, Brian McCarthy, Colm McIntyre, Ross Hazely, Eoin Fanning
Of course, we all like to advise Gabby on team selection - this is the team I would have started : Dominic McDonnell, Nicky Cleere, Barry Ryan, Airy Cleere, Brian McGurk, Colm McIntyre, David Galvin, Diarmuid Kinsella, Ross Hazely, John Murphy, Jude Sullivan, Eoin Fanning, David Keogh, Brian McCarthy, AN Other . . . except, of course, they are all either away or out injured
No doubt our readers will have other ideas . . .
A special mention for our '16th Man', team captain when this particular journey began, Nickey Cleere. He has been our best supporter of late and it was particularly nice to see his old foes like Brendan McMemamin, Paul Casey, lads from Ballymun and others come and wish him well, as we all do.
Pictures from Parnell Park
Pictures from the club
Pictures from Stephen Findlater
Caroline Quinn Photos