Wednesday, 08 May, 2013
May Day Magic by P5 Munster Side
What a storming performance by the P5 Munster side, supported by some quality additions from the P4 squad.
The tournament started in a match that was a rude awaking to tournament football. Through a misunderstanding Na Fianna from Dublin had brought a side that were at least a year older than the rules allowed. The difference in size was a big factor and the physical difference told in the opening half. We shipped some early points as the strong Dublin outfit used the wind to power through. The second half was a much more balanced affair. Some tight marking by Dara McKay helped in getting a better grip of the game. Samir O’Hare and Jack Toner got chances to get on the ball more and showed real heart and skill to balance the play more into the Dublin half. Both players with real natural ability. Thomas Graham was also showing the fighting spirit we needed with his handling skills proving vital in winning back the initiative.
Many teams would have found the first half experience confidence sapping, but not this group of players on this day. They came out powerfully in the next match against a skilful St Galls team and grabbed the initiative from the first whistle. Conor Brown controlled midfield covering every blade of grass on the pitch. He was supported by a more defensive display in midfield by Brian O’Shea. His defensive work breaking up the play when the opponents had the ball complimenting Conor’s attacking instincts. Conor McCann also showed his versatility when he came on, slotting into what role the team needed at the time. Vitally important to the squad in such a tournament. Liam Magee had a great game, using his speed to pull his marker out wide opening space for his fellow forwards and getting on the score sheet yet again. What a performance from the side bouncing back to a great win from the opening defeat.
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> Not content with that win, the boys moved it up another gear against an accomplished St Paul’s team. Rory Birt put over a great score after fine work to win possession from his marker. The confidence in the side was really flowing with Jack Toner having his best game of the tournament. Eoin McCarney was a strong influence on the game muscling his opponent and bossing the midfield. Ronan McKeown had a classy match, mopping up in defence and distributing the ball with intelligence. That ensured the initiative was never lost and the second win was well in the bag.
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> The superb back-to-back wins had the team marching into the knock-out stages. In the semi-final St Paul’s were fired up to get revenge. Matthew McCann took charge in the early stage and made sure the game was going to be a tough one again for St Paul’s. His good work fed Jack Toner and Samir O’Hare with the type of ball they thrived on. A number of early scores settling any nerves. Thomas Doherty made some great defensive tackling showing again why he is having a season to remember. Good contributions from those who started and came in from the replacements bench covering each other well. Dara McKay showing great bravery nearly being knocked out, putting his head where few would put their feet. Young P4s Owen McCarney and Colm Finnegan, vital back ups for the day, got some game time, and proved they were more capable of holding their own against this opposition. Both will be back next year playing again.
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In the final we met the imposing Na Fianna team again. Garrett Gilleece made sure they were going to have to be at their best to take the trophy. He showed no fear in blocking and tackling his marker a full head taller than him. The gap at the final whistle being much smaller than in the opening fixture. Conor McAteer contributing well in making sure the match was a tight affair. Niall Duffy had a lively match at corner forward, and James Kilpatrick performing strongly in the last half.
All in all a brilliant tournament, and bar the misunderstanding on the age limits, the tournament would have been ours. This is a strong squad, greatly complemented by the P4s who joined for the event. The only gap to fill being a starter for nets, a vital position that needs someone to make that position theirs.
