Yesterday saw the return of silverware to Naomh Olaf GAA club in Stillorgan as the U14 football team overcame Scoil Ui Conaill of Clontarf in their Dublin divisional Feile final in Parnell Park, in front of a large gathering of family and supporters alike. Led by their captain Adam Blunden, the team gelled magnificently from start to finish under brilliant sunshine on the hallowed pitch which Dublin call home. Olafs were conceding height to 4 of the Scoil players but through grit, determination and a will to win, these obstacles were overcome to achieve victory.
With the match only 20 minutes aside, it was vital for both teams to settle early. After a tense few opening minutes Scoil got the first point. That seemed to spur Olafs on and from a kick out by Peter Durrad, the ball moved through midfielders Harrison Brewer and David Byrne, ending with Conor Leavy who took a great point to level the match. From that moment, with the wind at their backs Olafs kicked on and with sterling work from Mark Gallagher and Stephen Mulvany at half backs and great effort form David and Harrison, Olafs managed to create a number of chances for the half forwards to forage and score. Eoin Murphy at half forward got the next 3 points-2 from play and 1 from a free having been ably assisted by Conor, Daniel Coen and Dylan Moore. Scoil tried as hard as they could to mount attacks but when they came near our goal they were thwarted by Adam, Ronan Lewins and Oleg Mihalis in the full back line. Nearing the end of the first half John McCarthy at halfback got free on the right and combined with Kevin Power-Kelly and Harrison to send a ball in which Daniel converted with ease to give us a 4-point cushion at half time. Both teams were very tired due to the heat and the size of the pitch.
The second half started the same as the first and after 2 minutes Stephen collected the breaking ball in midfield and with a tremendous burst got within firing range and scored a great point to leave the score at 0-6/0-1. Scoil knew they had to fight back to have any chance of winning and they did just that scoring 4 points without reply to bring the tie almost level. Olafs defence held firm with everyone trying as hard as they could to keep Scoil from scoring-Adam made a great block full in the face at one stage but managed to keep upright. As the pressure mounted, the mentors and supporters rallied the team and between Marc, Ronan, David and Harrison Olafs managed to move up towards the Scoil goal and after much pressure from Harry O’Brien and Daniel, the Scoil keeper made a serious error resulting in a penalty for Olafs. Without hesitation Daniel Coen stepped up to the plate and with onlookers barely able to watch, converted with aplomb. Mark Fitzsimons then came on and played the remainder of the match at full forward. For what seemed an age, Scoil tried their hardest to claw their way back. They did get another point back but time was their enemy and Olafs hung on for a memorable win 1-6/0-6.
To see how upset the Scoil players were and how overjoyed the Olafs lads were, was a testament to the contest they fought, and just how much winning the game meant to both sets of players. Winner’s medals were collected by all and finally Adam lifted the cup to great cheers from player’s mentors and supporters alike. The Olafs team dedicated their win to fellow player Eoin Geraghty, who unfortunately was unable to play the match on the day. Other players absent on the day were Matthew Norgrove and Ryan Letmon.
A great day for Naomh Olaf GAA club!!
