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Ballyboden complete memorable double

Wednesday, 10 December 2008

BALLYBODEN St Enda’s completed the league and championship double when they defeated Naomh Mearnog/St Sylvester’s 0-13 to 0-11 in Portmarnock on November 22. Mearnog/Syl’s required a win to hold onto their Division 1 League title, while Ballyboden needed a draw to return home with the trophy. A thrilling contest was anticipated, with both teams having vied for several titles in recent years. Ballyboden weathered the storm in the first half with Mearnog/Syl’s availing of a strong wind. However, despite this advantage, the Northside team only led by a point at the interval. On the restart Mearnog/Sly’s hit three points without reply to leave them 0-9 to 0-5 ahead. Ballyboden then summoned all their inner strength to turn the game in their favour and with 10 minutes to go they led by a single point. The home side then hit the woodwork when a goal looked on, but they were not deterred as they went searching for victory against an excellent ‘Boden team. With two minutes remaining, ‘Boden were feeling the pressure being asserted. However, the management team instructed their girls to hold onto possession rather than attack to ensure Mearnog/Sly’s could not get their hands on the ball. The large crowd were warmed by a riveting display from both sides in a keenly contested decider, with ‘Boden eventually running out narrow winners.  In his post match speech, Dublin Ladies’ chairman, Camillus Kilpatrick, praised both sides for putting on a great game of football. Mr Kilpatrick acknowledged the fact that both teams were the most consistent performers in recent times in Dublin football. He also asked the girls present to support the newly appointed Dublin Senior County management team to ensure that Dublin builds on last year’s successes at county level. Gemma Fay and Orla Colreavy were best for Ballyboden St Enda’s and Naomh Mearnog/St Sylvester’s respectively.