Last weekend saw teams from all over Ireland and abroad descend on Laois / Offaly and surrounding counties for Féile na nGael 2009. Ballyboden St Endas were representing Dublin in Division I where they were drawn against their host Nenagh, Roscrea and Clarecastle.

The weekend started at 9 am in Páirc Uí Mhurchú with a short prayer at the Cian Durkin Memorial. Arrriving in Nenagh the team was greeted by  the Lord Mayor of Nenagh on his first official engagement following the recent local elections (see pic below). The Main Street in Nenagh had the Ballyboden flag and banner flying high to welcome us. The team were in great form and delighted to have Team mentor John Robinson with them after flying home from New York, where he is currently working.

Our first game  on Friday afternoon was against our host team Éire Óg Nenagh.

Ballyboden were slow to come up to match pace after the journey down and felt at the end that they didn't do themselves justice in going down by 5 points. Disappointed with the result they knew that they had lots more in the tank and were determined to do better on the following days games against Roscrea and  Clarescastle.  

Ballyboden  2 - 4  Nenagh Eire Og 2 - 9

Fionn Maguire 1-0; Keith McCarron 1-0; Keith Robinson 0-2 and Cathal Bergin 0-2

On Saturday morning the second game in the group was against Roscrea and Ballyboden were determined to show their true colours and ability. Led by Midfielder Cathal Bergin who scored three points in a row to settle the team, Ballyboden went on to forge a good win over well - respected local opposition, Roscrea. The team was beginning to come into form.

Ballyboden 2 -7 Roscrea 0-4

Rian Cannon 1-0; Tom Hanifin 1-1; Cathal Bergin 0-3: Keith Robinson 0-1; Tom Hanafin 0-1; Morgan Ryan 0-1; Colm Ó Néill 0-1

The third game  for Ballyboden saw them opposed by Clare Champions, Clarecastle. Anthony Daly was in attendance on his way to view Galway and Kilkennny in Tullamore and he must have been very impressed by the Dublin Champions who gave the display of the group. Each and every player played up to their potential and with goals from Ó Néill, Mc Carron and Hanafin, Ballyboden went in at half time 3-4 to 0-2 in front, having played with the aid of a strong breeze.

The second half proved what a good team this Balyboden outfit is by defending, hooking and blocking to ensure that they were still in front at the final whistle. Led from the back by ace full-back Kenny Wiggleworth who vied with midfielder Cathal Bergin as player of the tournament, Ballyboden showed the true grit and determination of true Dublin Champions as they held out for a two points victory in a game of high skill and intensity which had the crowd on their feet to the final second.

Ballyboden 3-5 Clarecastle 2-6

Colm Ó Néill 1-1; Keith McCarron 1-0; Tom Hanafin 1-0; Keith Robinson 0-1; Morgan Ryan 0-1; Eamon Gorman 0-1; Fionn Maguire 0-1

Team;

Colm Basquel, Alan McGrath, Kenny Wigglesworth, David Gilheany, James Madden, Dara Bolger, David Mahon, Cathal Bergin, Fionn Maguire, Morgan Ryan, Tom Hanafin, Colm Ó Néill, Keith Robinson, Eoin Giles, Eamonn Gorman.  subs. Dara McCarney, Keith McCarron,James Hamm, Conor Ryan, Ciaran Brennan, Brian O'Shea, Owen Wigglesworth, Rian Cannon, Fergal Murray.

Team Mentors: Ciarán Maguire, Séamie Ó Néill, John Robinson.

After the group stages when all the points were totted up , Ballyboden and Nenagh were level, having won two games each out of three. However, as Nenagh had beaten Ballyboden in their group match, Nenagh were deemed the group winners and went on the the semi-final where they met a fine Dicksboro team who went on to win Division 1 outright.

Ballyboden would like to thank especially their host club Nenagh who pulled out all the stops to make the Féile Weekend something special.

When Ballyboden were out of the competition they went on to support Nenagh in their semi- final game against Dicksboro of Kilkenny.

Later on Saturday evening Nenagh organised a disco for visiting teams - the first disco ever where the girls carried camogie sticks!

On Sunday morning Ballyboden were invited to take part in the local Sunday mass where the Ballyboden flag and jersey was presented at the offertory procession.

There were many sad faces after mass when it came to say goodbye to their new friends and aquaintances. Plans are already advanced to have Nenagh in Ballyboden in the near future.

Each and every player, mentor and parent had a weekend to remeber and memories to carry with them for the rest of their lives.