Boden’s Under 15 hurlers, in an attempt to add to their 2009 league title, lost out in the championship final on Sunday afternoon to southside rivals, Cuala. Having won the toss, Cuala elected to play against the breeze and this proved crucial. Early points from James Roche, Evan Flanagan and Donal Butler were countered by a goal from Cuala’s corner forward at the other end. Boden tried hard to take advantage of the breeze but could not make the breakthrough. Further points from frees by Jonathon O’Driscoll and Conor McKeon brought the teams level as half time approached. Then a key interception by Andrew Hughes followed by a neat pass to Donal Butler led to the midfielder firing an unstoppable shot to the net.

Half-time Boden 1-5 Cuala 1-2.

Cuala’s spirits were lifted by a goal shortly after the restart and they quickly picked off three points in succession, with captain Colm Cronin playing a key role. Boden fought hard to establish a foothold with Ben McEntee & Eoin McKenna to the fore and points by McKeon and Butler saw the margin down to two points with ten minutes to go. However, the Cuala defence held firm and Boden’s brave efforts were in vain as the Dalkey outfit closed out the game on a scoreline of 2-8 to 1-7.

Despite their disappointment, the team can look back on a great year saw wins over Na Fianna and St Jude’s in the championship allied to a fine league campaign in which they went unbeaten and a great tournament win in the 2009 Cian Durkin Cup. Great thanks and appreciation to all the players, particularly the Under 14’s who support this team so strongly. Well done lads, it’s been a truly memorable year. Thanks also to Ray, John & Eugene for the huge effort and success in coaching the team throughout the year. It’s hard to believe we set out on the road in early March to play Dicksboro in Kilkenny and here we are in late September. As the saying goes, time flies when you’re enjoying yourself !

Finally, appreciation for the wonderful support of parents and friends of the team throughout the year. The full squad for the 2009 season was – Keith Robinson, Kenny Wigglesworth, Conor Maher, Andrew Hughes, Niall Keegan, Fionn Maguire, James Madden, Morgan Ryan, Conor McKeon, Tom Hanafin, James Roche, Ronan McGee, Jonathon O’Driscoll, Eoin McKenna, Chris Lambert, Tommy Doyle, Donal Butler, Eamonn Gorman, Ben McEntee, Evan Flanagan, David Neylon & Conor McHugh.