Junior C Championship
Réalt Dearg A 3-15 v 2-7 St Sylvesters Drimnagh Castle, 24 April 2016 Insomnia prevails in Malahide. Peaceful sleep is but a memory to the Syls men whose nightmares are now continually inhabited by monstrous creatures bedecked in black and red. Freddy Kruger, Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers combined do not present the same threat to restfulness as the mere whisper of the fabled Réalt Dearg men - modern day Men in Black spreading fear and terror. Ghoulish visions of the Drimnagh Castle fortress dominate the witching hours following two morale crushing defeats to their conquerors. The tormentors in chief, the terrible twins. Similar to the suffering inflicted on the citizens of London’s East End by the legendary Krays, the Star’s Martin Murphys tortured their gallant foes. The telepathic understanding between the two, an oft-noted cerebral attribute of twins resulted in Sylvesters’ minds mirroring their blue jerseys. Desolation, defeat, a desire for the sweet sanctuary of home. To the victor, the spoils. But to the objective observer, the result of the duo’s escapades was beautiful, sweet music. No Blaming it on the Weatherman like those notorious twins Keavy and Edele Lynch. This was pure gold. Think the luscious tones of Maurice and Robin Gibb, or the real Deals, Kim and Kelley of Breeders fame. This was awe-inspiring to those fortunate enough to be in attendance witnessing their perfect performance in the flesh. The morning started slowly, gentle sounds of spring lilting through the Drimnagh hinterland. Then, the opening interlude...awakening the senses. A long delivery towards the Sylvesters square, the pirouette turn from the Kilkenny Murphy, a marauding run stopped short, illegally...a poleaxing. His counterpart not taking that affront lying down. The Clare version standing over the penalty to avenge his fallen comrade. The net billows...the drums begin to sound. But beautiful music needs a worthy conductor. Gary Hurney between the dual torment, directing the orchestra with soft hands and silky touches. Sleight of hand, feints and counter-feints...the opposition defence struggling to adapt. Like the pub fiddler attempting to keep perfect time with third viola at La Scala...a fish out of water. Jamie O’Hara and Conor Maharaj leading a merry dance. John Tarpey taking punishment but not losing sight of possession or his colleagues, offloads to Hurney...onto the Kilkenny Murphy….net billowing again...the drums take on an ominous tone. Another delivery, this time the Clare Murphy takes the punishment...illegal contact, outnumbered...outgunned? No chance, no matter the immediate presence of hapless defenders, this twin is not to be overshone by his counterpart….Net billowing once more...the big bass drum enters the psyche to overpower the Syls senses. The shrill peal of the referee's whistle an unwelcome interlude to the composition. 3-4 to 1-5 at the break...time to finish the masterpiece. Gahan attempts to remix the opposition...A corner-back discombobulated by the sheer force of nature that is the man from Buffer’s Alley. Dazed, mesmerised, confused. There will be no West Side Story style comedic dance battle...there is only one crew performing today. Réalt Dearg shutting down all alleys of escape, no buffers here. Relentless swarming of the asphyxiated foe, World War Z style. No escape for the Syls men, each attempt to sound their bugle quietened to a whispered postscript. But suddenly, a noise offstage interrupts proceedings. The net dancing at the other end. A long delivery goaled by a Syls man who had got his ticket and decided to camp out in the Stars square...probably needed a permit for that campsite. Drimnagh zoning laws may need to be consulted. Suitably chastised, the Réalt Dearg defence took this affront personally. Derek Kenny giving a virtuoso performance from the wings. Brad Harte sweeping opposition off their feet with his force of will. Brendan Walsh bridging defence and attack with some excellent link play. Time for the final flourish. The young impresario Podge Buckley enters the fray. All attempts at drowning out his youthful virtuosity soundly punished by the Clare Murphy and the maestro Maharaj. One dud note...Gahan’s attempt to lay siege to Drimnagh Castle itself a few feet from the goal line...visions of the aforementioned Breeder’s Cannonball. A mere footnote from an impressive programme though. To paraphrase the twin Gibbs...we win again. Six starting forward scoring from play. Impressive championship debuts from Derek Kenny, Brendan Walsh, Jamie O’Hara and John O’Callaghan. Hopefully a portent for things to come. Bigger venues await these burgeoning talents, be sure to get your ticket. Réalt Dearg: Gary Thompson, Brad Harte, Cathal Hester, Brian Gavin, Eoin O’Dwyer, Niall Mullane, Derek Kenny, Paul Warren, Conor Maharaj, John Tarpey, Colm Gahan, Jamie O’Hara, Martin Murphy (KK), Gary Hurney, Martin Murphy (Clare) Brendan Walsh, John Barry, Padraig Buckley, John O’Callaghan
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