Ballyboden St Endas 2-13

Round Tower 2-11

O’Toole Park 25^th July 2011

In the summer of 1977, a youthful John Maher won the Dublin Division 2 Hurling League with O’Tooles in a close win against Whitehall Colmcille.  On Monday evening, 25^th July 2011, history was repeated for the Maher family, as Conor anchored Ballyboden St Endas from the key full back position to win the title in a tremendous match against Round Towers.

A large crowd travelled under overcast skies for this eagerly anticipated final. These two teams topped a well-contested league that, for Boden, began at the end of February with a win against Naomh Barróg. As the ball was thrown in, it was clear both teams were up for this one and Niall Keegan got proceedings underway with a fine long range point from out on the right. This was followed by a well taken goal by Evan Flanagan who, with great speed, broke free of his marker to give the blue & white a 2 point lead after 10 minutes. With Keegan dominating the puckout wins at midfield and Kenneth Wigglesworth adopting a policy of “thou shalt not pass” in the corner, Boden more than held their own against a physically strong Towers team.

A goal from a free by Round Towers on 20 minutes gave them a slender lead but it was countered soon after by a low driving shot to the base of the net by James Roche, who burst free from a group of players on the edge of the square.

A feature of the first half also was the superb attacking play of Darragh Bolger at half back, who put a stop to many Towers’ attacks and drove the ball upfield.

The teams traded further points before half time to leave the score at Towers 1-7 to Boden’s 2-3. The crowd were enthralled as the game ebbed and flowed and the lead changed hands five times in all – a sure sign of an epic encounter. Best for Towers were Jack Whelan in midfield and a strong full forward line who put over some nice scores.

Following a welcome break for half-time, Boden got in front immediately upon the restart with a well-taken point by David Neylon following a strong run from midfield. Again Towers levelled but then after ten minutes, Boden tagged on five great points to give them the momentum – accurate long-range free taking by Roche and a fine point by Ronan McGee were highlights. They were now 2-12 to 2-9 in front. Strong running by Chris Lambert and Jonathon O’Driscoll, breakdown wins at midfield by Eoin McKenna and great defence led by captain Conor McHugh kept the Towers attacks at bay. Despite great Towers pressure, the fullback line led by Conor Maher withstood the onslaught. Two late long range efforts were expertly caught by netminder Keith Robinson and cleared with the composure of a player many years his senior.

As the crowd checked their watches, Towers threw everything they had at the Firhouse Road team. Ray McKenna’s men held firm including great defence of a 21m free right at the end. As the final whistle went, players on both sides dropped to their knees. It was a classic match and full credit to both sets of players for a fine, sporting contest. There were great scenes of jubilation as Boden won out on a scoreline of 2-13 to 2-11.

The fine crowd in attendance showed their appreciation for both teams at the end of the match. It was a great victory and particularly sweet for manager Ray McKenna who played in the green & white of Towers for many years.  Thanks to all who travelled in support – it made a difference. Great thanks to the Kerry Courier, Frank Neylon, whose efforts ensured that Boden had a full squad available for the match. Well done lads, a minor title in your first year at that level is a great achievement. We look forward to many more great days like this.