COMHGÁIRDEACHAS to the St Kevin's team who came out on top of Division 1 of the N.E. Primary Schools Gaelic Football Finals which were run off in Bray Emmets' grounds on Wednesday last. Their prize for this achievement was the Coughlan Cup which is named after the late Ned Coughlan who was for many years Cathaoirleach of the much lamented N.E. Juvenile Board. Incidentally Ned was succeeded in this role by our own Patsy Vickers who held the position until the Board's demise. The mention of the Coughlan Cup brings to mind pre-global-warming winter Wednesday night meetings of the N.E. Board held in the old Éire Óg clubhouse where the only thermal comfort derived from the occasional heated exchanges!
It was great to hear that, despite the school's transition from all-boys to mixed gender, its football tradition remains vibrant. Téann an creidiúint do sin a bheith amhlaidh do'n tréanálaí David McDonnell, múinteoir. Táimid buíoch do Luke Dorgan agus Jack O'Sullivan, beirt ó'n bhfoireann for the following account:
On Wednesday the 12th of November, the boys footballers played in Division 1 of the Coughlan Cup in Bray Emmets. They played three tough matches. The team had a very slow start but managed to provide the goods in the end.
In their first game, the team played St. Pat’s of Wicklow town and went behind, but a breakaway goal by Fionn Brauner, with some very good build up play, gave St. Kevin’s confidence to drive on. With the help of some brilliant saves from Charlie Leahy, the team secured a 6-5 to 0-6 victory.
In the team’s 2nd game, it was a much tougher contest. The team started slowly allowing Scoil Chualann to score twice without reply. With scores from Fionn Brauner, Joseph Prendergast, Jack O’Sullivan and Luke Dorgan the St. Kevin’s team took control. Scoil Chualann provided big threats but some incredible defending from Conor O’Donovan, Neil Browne, Joshua Rush, Daniel Healy and Colm Shortt held them off to win 3-4 to 1-1.
In the last game, the team knew a win would secure the cup. It wasn’t easy, Kilcoole started strongly, but some more goals from our forwards Darragh Rush and Eoghan Gurrin led us to victory. The first Division one football title for St. Kevin’s in 20 years!!! A big thank you to Mr. McDonnell for all his work and to Mr. Vance and Mick the bus driver for bringing us.
Panel: Luke Dorgan, Neil Browne, Joesph Prendergast, Eoghan Guirrin, Darragh Rushe, Colm Shortt, Conor O’Donovan, Joshua Rushe, Daniel Healy, Fionn Brauner, Charlie Healy & Jack O’Sullivan. Also, Freddy Happonen who was unfortunately injured on the day.
The St. Kevin's team was backboned by some very talented players from the Éire Óg u-12 squad of 2014.
Unfortunately our focus must now turn from the no-thought-for-the-morrow sporting of youth to that of filthy lucre which is an important limiting factor on any club's activities. For example the hurlers within the club are forever bringing up the topic of a ball-wall. We all agree that it would be a wonderful addition to the club's facilities but, then, where is the money to come from?
The Éire Óg Lotto is our main financial stream which sadly at times is reduced to a trickle. So if you are not a contributor, please consider becoming one. Details at fundraising@helpourclub.ie/éire óg greystones. The jackpot stands at 5000euro.
Our Christmas draw for which tickets will hotly be available offers another opportunity to contribute to the club's financial health. The profits are swallowed up in team registration and insurance.
