Junior F Championship
Réalt Dearg B 6-14 v 0-1 Erin’s Isle Drimnagh Castle, 25 April 2016 Some shooting practice took place at Drimnagh Castle on Monday evening, an enjoyable occasion for the Stars men. Early in proceedings Rory O’Loughlin became the latest addition to the famed Réalt Dearg hat trick club with three well taken goals. His place in club history secured, O’Loughlin turned provider…Shane Murphy bludgeoning another past the hapless keeper. Murphy claimed to be dazed and suffering slight concussion after the event. Whether from a blow from an opponent or from the effort involved in attempting a pass to a colleague later in proceedings is still unclear. After the interval Stephen Barry took the opportunity to show his credentials with a blistering effort. Those fortunate enough to be in attendance will surely reminisce fondly over memories of the fabled strike in years to come. With the opposition reeling and spent, leading by almost 30 points Keith Lawler stepped over a penalty…time for some charity? Not a hope, the penalty buried in a similar fashion to Erin’s Isle chances…no hope of resurrection either. Their flame flickered and died. Elsa may have sang that the cold never bothered her anyway but surely Marc was Frozen performing sentry duty in the near-Arctic conditions. Unconfirmed reports that emperor penguins had taken up residence in the Castle Moat have not been substantiated. That said, the moat was the subject of a minor scientific discovery carried out by the erstwhile Jack Mac, renowned for his expertise in the field of experimental physics. Modern sliothars, no longer manufactured with a cork core, it must now be noted, do not float….regardless of the velocity or angle of entry into the shallows. The biting conditions resulted in inconclusive conditions however. Further testing in warmer conditions will be required. Ciaran Butler, in a position noted for men in white coats, outscored the entire Erin’s Isle team with two very questionable calls. Whether the affliction which caused the momentary lapses in concentration and lateral reasoning was a symptom of optical or psychological deficiency will need to be determined. The club is hopeful that the good doctor Lanigan, unquestionably man of the match on the evening, despite not taking to the field, will be able to diagnose the ailment. Despite these asides, the evening’s entertainment was drawing out to a glorious conclusion. The stars men living personifications of the Julius Campbell’s inspiration from Remember the Titans “This team is perfect…we stepped out on that field that way tonight. And if it’s all the same to you Coach, that’s how we want to leave it”. The team’s perfection and purity destroyed by the lecherous old man. O’Droma fresh from a weekend of kleptomania secreting vital club property epitomising Yeats’ “drunken vainglorious lout” in the needless concession of a late free. A mere ink-blot for the annals but a crushing blow to the prospect of a perfect game. It is feared that calls for management to reconsider his place on future teams are likely to fall on deaf ears. Réalt Dearg: Marc MacLiam, Brian Kelly, Caomhin Concannon, Mike Richardson, Tom Kehoe, Derek McKenna, Ronan Moloney, Keith Lawler, Colm O’Gorman, Stephen Casey, Stephen Barry, Conor O’Droma, Jack McNamara, Rory O’Loughlin, Shane Murphy David O’Connell, Gavin O’Connell, Kevin McEvoy, Kevin Deady, Kieran O’Brien, Ross Kelly, Mike Butler
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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 The Annual Realt Dearg No Phone Table Quiz takes place this Thursday 28 April in D2 nighclub on Harcourt Street. Entry is €10 which includes finger food and entry to the nighclub afterwards. We would ask people to arrive between 7 - 7.15 for registration and aim to kick off proceedings shortly after 7.30pm.
Dolphin Park: Kevin’s 1-14 v 4-19 Réalt Dearg A
St Catherine’s Park: Na Gaeil Óga 0-14 v 2-17 Réalt Dearg B Farnham Drive: Erin’s Isle 1-8 v 5-10 Réalt Dearg C “When everything falls into place, like the flick of a switch, Well my mama told me, there’ll be days like this” - Van Morrison, Belfast 1995 In fairness to her, Van’s old lady had it sussed. When Padraig Pearse stepped out onto the plinth of the GPO on that fateful spring morning 100 years ago, he could have only dreamed that a collection of young (and some not so young) Irishmen from all corners of this island could produce such a perfect storm of Gaelic expression. The proclamation of this great nation that Pearse eloquently read on those steps so many years ago encapsulates the Réalt Dearg achievement on 20 March 2016 in a far better fashion than I ever could: “having patiently perfected her discipline, having resolutely waited for the right moment to reveal itself... now seizes that moment, and supported by... exiled children in America and by gallant allies elsewhere, but relying in the first on her own strength, she strikes in full confidence of victory.” These results reverberated in far flung places. Most notably South Bend, Indiana where pints were drunk, tears shed and cows left unmilked as the Stars made their proud declaration of victory to the world. In similar conditions to that unseasonably sunny spring dawn in 1916, Dubliners went about their business unaware of the great historical occasion that was taking place in their midst. Garrisons spread throughout the city would become battlefields where young men’s blood would be spilled in pursuit of their “august destiny”. The opening skirmishes were played out in front of the bemused residents of Dolphin’s Barn. The early engagements were a whimper compared to the heavy artillery employed later on. Perhaps disbelief that the ultimate goal could be achieved, or perhaps a confidence that can exude from the efficient execution of a well-laid plan. Retrospection will surely tell all when the annals are documented. Then the battle raged. John Tarpey plucking grenades from the sky, Conor Maharaj with some warrior poetry from play and placed balls (and two well executed penalties) that Thomas MacDonagh would have relished, and Colm Gahan with some interesting horizontal hurling due to faulty boots, the excitement was building. Four points up at half time, not enough. More ammunition required. Second half, the deluge arrived but there was no Helga to provide artillery against the rebels this time. Jamie O’Hara’s beautiful sortie proving fruitful, Tarpey’s scud missile elusive but deadly. Excellent interplay was the order of the day. Possession worked to the right man in the right place to take the shot. Niall Mullane leaping high to win possession and battering opposition out of the way. No roadblocks now, no backward steps, no surrender. The opposition spent, the battle petered to a finished. Throw on John Barry, back from a broken leg inflicted by an uncivilized weapon on a former battleground...sentimental applause? Not a chance, disciplined soldiers to the last are these men…. The opening battle won, focus shifted to Lucan where the young upstarts Na Gaeil Óga were encamped. In a bittersweet homage to the Sherwood Foresters on Mount Street all those years ago, the fresh raw recruits were ill equipped and under prepared (I am aware of the irony of metaphorically comparing an all-Irish speaking club to the British Army but the narrative works so I’m sticking with it!). O’Droma in an all too familiarly Irish role of the insider plotting their downfall. Again, excellent interplay and execution of the gameplan was the basis for victory. Stephen Casey in particular encompassing all of Pearse’s republican ideals, a living representation of “In this supreme hour ….. by its valour and discipline, and by the readiness …. to sacrifice themselves for the common good”. Timely offloading of possession to men in the best position to inflict the most damage. Jack Mac, Stephen Barry, Kieran Kelly to the fore on the scoreboard but Deise was well prepared to take pot shots himself, successful on occasion. Keep the enemy guessing. But battles are not always won on offensive tactics alone. Impressive rearguard action from Tom Kehoe in particular with able deputies in Concannon and O’Connell stifled many potential flashpoints. Podge Buckley, the young whippersnapper entered the fray and immediately plundered two goals. Can’t be having a Corkman score a hatrick today - move him out the field before he gets cocky. Impressive management amid the tempest. The south and west of the city defeated, attention turned to the northside and the fields of Finglas. Keith Barr of that address once publicly declared that there wouldn’t be a cow milked in Finglas after their Dublin club final victory of 1997. Well I’m sure the cows slept easy on Sunday night with perfectly empty udders as their hurlers were laid to waste. The C men were not to be denied on this day of days. Fielding a half back line with a combined age older than the Proclamation itself, the Réalt Dearg men were brimming with life, if not hurling, experience. The fact our right half back was around to see the excellent documentary Insurrection (you should watch it, it really is very good) for the 50th anniversary celebrations was no impediment. Leon rolled back the years with a superb exhibition of hurling. The two Nialls, Kelly and Heavey dealt early hammer blows. Hero of the hour though must go to John Barry. Succeeding in finishing the work of his fellow Corkonian earlier in the day, he completed a hatrick on his full return to competitive action. Perhaps there is some sentiment in our ancient game after all. Shout it from the rooftops - St Patrick’s representation of the Holy Trinity has been usurped. Forevermore, when Irishmen and Irishwomen gather together, the three leaves of the shamrock will represent the three famous victories won by Réalt Dearg on 20 March 2016. “All changed, changed utterly: A terrible beauty is born” - Easter, 1916; WB Yeats. Réalt Dearg A: Gary Thompson, Derek Kenny, Cathal Hester, Brian Gavin, Eoin O’Dwyer, Niall Mullane, Colm O’Gorman, Paul Warren, Conor Maharaj, Matt Lynch, Padraig Buckley, John Tarpey, Jamie O’Hara, Colm Gahan, Gary Hurney Martin Murphy, Kieran Kelly, David O’Connell, John Barry Réalt Dearg B: Marc MacLiam, Caomhin Concannon, David O’Connell, Conor O’Droma, Brian Gavin, Tom Kehoe, Kieran Kelly, Keith Lawler, Stephen Casey, Rory O’Loughlin, Stephen Barry, Jack McNamara, Shane Murphy Colm O’Gorman, Martin Murphy, Padraig Buckley, Colm Gahan, Mike Butler Réalt Dearg C: Marc MacLiam, Kevin McEvoy, Kieran O’Brien, Brian Kelly, Leon Flanagan, Cillian Thornton, Ross Kelly, Brian Finn, Shane Murphy, Dave Sheehan, Mike Butler, Paddy Ryan, Niall Kelly, Niall Heavey, John Barry Mick Butler Réalt Dearg B 2-8 v 2-13 St Sylvesters
Drimnagh Castle, 8 March 2016 A similar story for the B team where a slow start ultimately proved the difference between the sides. A extremely strong fightback in the second half when the Stars held the lead for a brief period is a positive indicator for future games. Goals from Shane Murphy, and an impressive team effort finished emphatically by Rory O'Loughlin were key to the turnaround in fortunes. Unfortunately, the trojan effort to reel in the deficit on sticky ground proved to be the Stars downfall when weary legs were unable to prevent a few late scores by Sylvesters at the death. A last minute goal resulted in a scoreline which did not truly reflect the effort put in by the men in black. A very impressive debut from Colm O'Gorman at both wing back and midfield was notable on the day. Réalt Dearg B: Marc MacLiam, Gavin O'Connell, Caomhín Concannon, Brian Kelly, Colm O'Gorman, Brian Gavin, Ronan Moloney, James Kenny, Tom Kehoe, Stephen Casey, Stephen Barry, Rory O'Loughlin, Shane Murphy, Niall Mullane, Jack McNamara Kieran Kelly, David O'Connell, Kieran O'Brien, Paddy Ryan, Kevin McEvoy Réalt Dearg A 0-11 v 2-9 Na Fianna
Drimnagh Castle, 6 March 2016 2016 did not get off to the best start for a depleted Realt Dearg side who were short of match practice. The testing underfoot conditions proved difficult to adapt to on a day when scores were hard to come by. Impressive debut performances from Derek Kenny and John O'Callaghan, as well as valuable contributions from Conor Maharaj, John Tarpey and Colm Gahan were the highlight of the day for the Stars. A strong second half showing promises better days for the remainder of the year. Realt Dearg A: Gary Thompson, Ultan Dillon, Cathal Hester, Brad Harte, Derek Kenny, Niall Mullane, Brian Gavin, Conor Maharaj, Eoin O'Dwyer, John Tarpey, Colm Gahan, Stephen Casey, Kieran Kelly, John O'Callaghan, David O'Connell Sub: Matt Lynch Training began back on Monday night 8 February in Stepaside from 9-10pm. Thanks to everyone who turned up. As per Leon's email there is a discounted rate for anyone who wants to pay upfront for the 8 weeks, otherwise its €5 per week. Training continues tonight and every Monday and Wednesday until late March in the 9-10pm slot.
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