Junior Footballers make the breakthrough - AFL6 next year
After four years of trying St. Sylvester's Juniors finally won promotion to AFL 6 on Tuesday night in Garristown. Playing against a strong wind in the first half Syls got off to the worst possible start when Na Fianna grabbed a goal within the first 30 seconds. Indeed the story of the first half seemed to be the ability of Na Fianna pick up goals at opportune moments to keep themselves in the game as our lads were playing the better football.
AFL 7 Promotion Play-Off - St. Sylvester's 2-11 Na Fianna 3-05
Johnny Conway was a constant threat
to the Na Fianna defence and with Ciaran McArdle attacking very well
from wing half back we were definitely building a platform from which
to push on and take victory. Unfortunately two soft goals for Na Fianna
near the end of the first half meant that we went in at the break five
points down.
The biggest and most important characteristic of this team all
year has been the great composure that they have shown when behind in
games. Within a minute of the start of the second period it was clear
that this trait had not deserted them as they tacked on two quick
points close the gap to three points. What was to follow was one of the
best displays of long range point taking that has been seen from a St.
Sylvester's team in a long time. Crucial scores from Brian Judge, Frank
Sheedy and Ciaran McArdle all came from difficult positions as our lads
set about the task of insuring that there was no repeat of the
disappointment that we felt after the county final defeat.
While the forwards we showing that they most definitely had
brought their shooting boots with them the defence were also proving
that they were not going to be found wanting Superb displays be all six
backs in the second half meant that Na Fianna were restricted to just 2
points in the second half. The were outstanding displays from Aidan
Lawlor, Vinny Kirrane, Niall Mularky, Conor Roche and Simon Girffin.
This team have played a superb brand of football all year and
those who have been out to watch them regularly will never have failed
to have been entertained by their displays. Gaining promotion
on Tuesday is a fitting end to the season and a testament to the effort
put in by everybody involved. The future is bright and we can look
forward to next year with confidence.
Cathal O'Donnell