Saturday morning was a tough one for parents and players. The sunshine of prior days was a distant memory and the rain fell on our kids little heads as we got ready to line out against Naomh Barrog and also the match was at 10 not 11 so poor Boot Welsh had to rush his Saturday morning latte. Before we get to the action id like to mention the unsung heroes. Billy who came down one evening during the week and cut the grass for us, Michael and Federigo and Ze who measured pitches, put up goalposts and helped get us ready. Paul Finnegan got out his ladders and him, Luke and Boot had the kids nicely warmed up and laughing and full of energy just in time for kick off.
Barrog were an impressive outfit. Their coaches and kids a credit to their club – polite and friendly and well able to play a bit of football. The rain lashed down on us and it was one of those days when things that are normally simple in the sun just wouldn’t work in the rain. Balls slipped out of hands, attempts at goal skidded wide and passes went astray.
However, the kids never dropped their heads. We divided into 2 teams and the ball was thrown in. Leo fought and tussled as ever. Is there a braver player? Oscar Mc came under huge pressure as they launched ball after ball into the square. It was great to see some of our players come back of their own accord to help strengthen the defence. Crean won tons of possession in midfield as he tried to keep the show on the road. After the half time break Danny banged in a super goal – we are always a second half team! One player in particular shone out on a dreary morning. Mathew Keogh. He has always been fast and he has always been tough but on Saturday he decided to show the Barrog forwards how St Brendan’s can defend. He tackled and chased and blocked down shots at his ease and Id say the Barrog full forward woke up on Sunday morning half expecting to see young Mathew at the end of his bed.
Paul managed our gang on the other pitch. It was a very competitive match. There were various really strong performances across the team. Sibheal played out of her skin in defence as did Devin who is really starting to look like a very good player – could we see Fermanagh in Croker in 2034 if Boot gets him transferred to his beloved Pettigo GAA? Tadgh played a stormer and scored 15 points in all which is quite the tally. Samuel made a very strong appearance and its great to see his positive attitude at training and in matches.
This week’s player of the week award goes to Mathew Keogh. We congratulate and thank him for a super performance. He will be our honorary captain at our next match in 2 weeks time. There is no match this weekend for the boys due to the bank holiday.
