Double Champions.
Its amazing what a few wins does for the mind. Cahir came like a steam train in the final quarter in Dundrum on Sunday last but yet somehow you just knew that we’d hold out. For many many years supporters of GAA in this parish have suffered the complete opposite. That air of inevitability. The expectation that the opposition would get the winning score. And generally they did. But holding out to win a County Final generates something different in the head. You’re the best team in the County now. An hour after the final whistle in Golden following last years U-21 success Muller said he didn't want to leave the ground. He wanted to savour that feeling for as long as he could. The mindset changed that day. Four seasons later, four county championships later and Brackens are becoming a dab hand at sealing the deal. Tom called the toss correct and once again the elements favoured us for the opening act. Not much to report for the first ten minutes but once Neil Quinlan fielded Lyndons bomb and rattled the onion bag the boys were up and running and built a healthy 8 point lead. “You’d want to be 10 up with that wind” one worried supporter was heard to say. But Cahir weren't here for the day out and a very strong finish to the half saw them land three minors without reply to leave us 1-5 to 0-3 ahead at tea-time. But once again a mighty third quarter proved pivotal as we landed three minors of our own to Cahirs two against the howling wind to give ourselves a couple of guards to the knave. And how vital they proved when the charge of the South Brigade finally came. The last quarter was like a tsunami but that little bit of know-how garnered in the last 12 months saw us over the line. Four South Champions defeated in four West venues. Cue the wild on-field celebrations which continued in the dressing room under piper Ger and later around the parish bringing that lovely warm feeling of satisfaction to all our supporters. And to Dublin too where another great fan Kathleen Egan passed to the next world happy in the knowledge that her special Mikey had another medal in the bag. And Paddy Nolan too. Another so proud of his grand-son. Perhaps he and his neighbour Kathleen will sing songs and play cards above the clouds. To John Dunne, Anthony Shelley, Michael Lynagh and David Ryan we salute you for a job well done. They say anyone can win it once - the great players win it twice. Brackens Abu.
The County U-21 Football Championship was first introduced in Tipperary in 1963 when Ardfinnan defeated Naomh Padraig to win the Quane Cup. Only 2 men lifted that cup twice - Denis Burke of Fethard in 1966 and 1967 and his second cousin Brian Burke did it again in 1987 and 1988 as Fethard defeated Templemore on both occasions. The Quane Cup was retired and replaced by the Shelley Cup in 1999. Michael Carroll became the third Fethard man to achieve the feat in 2000/2001 and last Sunday in Dundrum Tom Murphy became only the fourth man in 57 years to captain his club to back-to-back titles. Well done to you. Other notable winning captains include Babs (63) Nicholas English (82) Franny Kelly (83) John Owens (86) and Michael Quinlivan (14). The future bodes well.
David O'Shea receiving the man-of-the-match award from Football board Chairman Barry O'Brien.
Congratulations to our Under 14 hurlers who captured the Mid Feile B crown on Sunday morning last when they defeated Drom on a 2-14 to 1-2 scoreline. Bord na Nog Chairman Michael Delaney presenting the cup to joint captains Michael Coffey and Ned Delaney.
