Match at Crossmaglen on Sunday 18th April
Weather conditions were atrocious and the thought of playing one of the top Armagh teams boasting 6 Armagh u-16 players without 10 of our players was even worse. Who had arranged this match? Should we call it off? But no off we went with our maps, visas and passports. Racing down in a convoy only stopping once for Stevie to check out the hedgerow flowers. At last we arrived in Crossmaglen You knew you were in the heartland of GAA country by the massive British Army camp protecting it.
The Crossmaglen boys flew in in a massive Puma helicopter..these country GAA clubs have a massive budget And boy did their team look big. But the Mackles lads simply spat in there hands and said lets get stuck in. Bad habit all that spitting but at least its at themselves. Meanwhile once we found where Tommy was hiding in the stands the game started.
By this time Nolan had recovered his hearing [remember the Puma Helicopter] and proceeded to dominate in defence. St Brigid’s dominated the play but failed to take their scoring chances whilst Cross scored from their few chances. How Kiwi failed to score in the goalmouth scramble has now been solved – The Cross manager had put a hex on the goals.
That excuse has been accepted as the only reason Cross survived the St Brigid’s attacks. Such was the rain that as well as McCrudden and McAleer getting joint man of the match awards they also gained gold medals in swimming. D Connolly worked tirelessly in the forward line. S O’Brien grafted throughout. M Kelly had one of his best games in the blue and yellow. McGrady made space time and time again. McLoughlin got his wish to play up front Kervick had another excellent game but all of the players excelled in their football and their commitment They left Crossmaglen with the respect of the Armagh team for the quality of football they displayed They did the club proud .Many thanks to Crossmaglen for the tea sandwiches and treats after Maybe our eating habits were not the best but we look forward to reciprocating the great hospitality shown.
