Junior 1 All County Final
Clontarf v Templeogue Synge Street
Pitch 35, St, Anne's Park - 21/11/21
“When all will harmonise, and know it's in our hearts
The dream will realise…Heaven knows no frontiers”
The highly anticipated final was played out on our home pitch purely by the luck of the draw. Templeogue Synge Street (TSS), captained by the Galway-born broadcaster and journalist Ciarán Murphy, were looking to even the score with us as our paths crossed again. Clontarf had just edged the victory in the group stage. The TSS line-up again included Danny O’ Reilly of the Coronas with mother, Mary Black one of the many keen supporters on the “away” side of the pitch next to Mount Prospect Avenue.
On the opposite side, the massive home support faced into the low winter sun, hampering the view somewhat. Though the day was dry, the northerly breeze made shooting conditions difficult. This was very apparent as the match got started with Clontarf playing into the tricky wind and missing several chances. Though we were dominating possession, TSS massed-defence approach was paying dividends at both ends. Quick and accurate counterattacks gave them a lead of 0-3 to 0-1 at the first water break with just Kevin McGrath scoring for the home team.
The dogged pattern continued to half-time with just two more scores, one at either end, to leave Clontarf down by 2 at the break, 0-2 to 0-4. Liam Ennis kicked a much-needed score with his left boot to keep our spirits up in this phase. We knew we had the advantage of the elements in the second half but as is often said, that never won a game.
The lads got some harsh words at half-time but knew themselves they were capable of much better. The performance really took off in the third so-called championship quarter with another beauty from Liam Ennis, followed by three scores from Shane McIntyre, playing a captain’s role and a super long-range point from Seán Prendergast. Our defence and midfield were on top now limiting a tiring TSS to a single score in the period; we were glad to see that shot go above rather than underneath the crossbar though after a vital intervention from Brian Dufficy’s shoulder. DJ O’Flaherty rounded off the quarter with an exceptional 45 out on the left-hand side to leave it 0-8 to 0-5 at the second water break.
Into the fourth quarter then and a very well worked point from Karl Millar, the third sub to score, extended the lead to 4 and you could sense a famous victory was ours for the taking. Nothing ever comes easy in finals though and we failed to score again as we retreated into a more defensive shape and TSS threw caution to the wind. Thankfully, Rory Doran and Conor Mullins were in imperious form at the heart of the defence while Rory Goode’s pace and application gave us some breathing space at the other end.
Naturally enough though, we were all afraid of a possible late sucker punch, especially when TSS narrowed the lead to 3 late on. The final whistle never sounded so sweet. We had held on for a 0-9 to 0-6 victory and the raucous celebrations could begin.
What a year for our second men’s football team completing the double: first the Division 4 League title back in August against Cuala and now the most significant adult men’s football trophy in the club’s history. How fitting that we should do it on our home Pitch 35 in the Club’s 60th Anniversary year, rewarding many years of hard work by volunteers both on and off the playing fields.
Sincere thanks for the expert coaching and team management of John Treanor, Anthony Eames and Michael Murphy in their debut year. Using over 40 talented players in a 14-game-long unbeaten season is some feat. Heartiest congratulations to all involved, in any way, with this well-earned success.
Cluain Tarbh Abú!
Match Report by Pat Cunningham.
