Naomh Olaf U13 trip to Scotstown, Co. Monaghan

After winning their U13 league two weeks ago, the Naomh Olaf boys brought their unbeaten record to Scotstown GAA Club to play their U13 team that recently won the Division 1 title in Monaghan.

The trip was arranged by Donie McDermott, who hails from Balinode, a village just a mile from Scotstown. Scotstown GAA Club holds a unique record in that they have as club members, the current GAA General Director Paraic Duffy and ex-GAA President Sean McCague.

The game got underway in very foggy conditions and for the first few minutes, both teams were a little bit nervous, however it was Naomh Olaf that settled quicker and Sean Flynn , in particular, n the forward line was causing the Monaghan defense some problems - Naomh Olaf scored first, after a good passing movement by Conn O’Sullivan and Craig Ronayne and finished off from a tight angle by Jamie O’Malley. Not to be outdone, Scotstown moved the ball up through the pitch and equalised. Naomh Olaf got their heads in front again with Conn O’Sullivan and James O’Connor all contributing with well taken points.

Scotstown went ahead however with another great move from the back with their midfielder running through the middle of Naomh Olaf’s defence and scoring a great goal.

Shortly afterwards, Scotstown had another great goal opportunity but this time Dillon Rafferty was up to the challenge and made a great save. The game at this stage was going in favour of Scotstown and the Naomh Olaf defense were being asked several questions however they stood up to everything thrown at them and in particularly Oisin McDermott in full back was his usual composed self and dealt with everything – Mark Doyle in the corner beside him as his able wing man swept up all the loose balls and relieved the pressure with his clearances.

Shortly before half time Naomh Olaf got their goal – Conn O’Sullivan was again the creator and when his shot was well saved by the goalkeeper, Jamie O’Malley was in the right place to punch the ball into the net from the rebound. The first half ended again with Conn and Jamie linking up – this time from a free after Craig Ronayne did brilliant defensive work and caused the Scotstown defender to overcarry – the resulting free found the Naomh Olaf full forward getting in front of his marker and kicking the ball over the bar for the last kick of the half.

The second half started as the first half ended with Conn O’Sullivan scoring a point within a minute of the restart. However that was to be Naomh Olafs last score for some time as Scotstown hit a purple patch and scored 4 points in succession. The game was level now and tempers were beginning to fray despite it being a challenge game – pride was at stake. Conn and Keith Noonan in midfield began to take charge in the middle of the park and Olafs replied with a purple patch of their own and raked up 1-5 without reply with Luke Boyle coming up from half back to get a point along with O’Sullivan scoring Olafs second goal. Chris Pollard and James O’Connor were beginning to cause more trouble to the Scotstown defenders and along with Craig Ronayne, their was no respite for the Monaghan boys. Sean Flynn came off for Aaron Sutherland and he continued Sean’s hard work. In defense, it was a similar picture with Conor Watters, Tagdh O’Keeffe, Andrew Kyne Delaney, James Kelly and Aaron Walsh all making life a misery for the Scotstown forwards. In the last 10 minutes, Scotstown bombarded the Olafs goals but only came away with a single point. Another great save by goalkeeper Dillon Rafferty and a last gasp goal line block by Aaron Walsh ensured that the honours went to Naomh Olaf with the final score of Naomh Olaf 2-10 to Scotstown 1-7

Now with the game over with, we were welcomed back into Scotstowns clubhouse where coffee and tea was available for the cold and damp supporters (and pints for the management team). Chicken and chips and burgers were then dished out to everyone while we sat in the warmth and watched the second half of the Ireland – South Africa rugby game.

I would like to thank Donie, Scotstown GAA club and all the parents who travelled up with us to make this a great day and finally an even bigger thanks to all the players who have played magnificently all season and have behaved impeccably throughout the season

Ger O’Malley

Naomh Olaf U13 team that played Scotstown GAA Club 28 November 2009

Back Row (L-R) Luke Boyle, Keith Noonan, Conn O’Sullivan, Dillon Rafferty, Mark Doyle, Andrew Kyne Delaney, Tagdh O’Keeffe, Aaron Sutherland
Front Row (L – R) Conor Watters, James O’Connor, Chris Pollard, Jamie O’Malley, Sean Flynn, Craig Ronayne, Aaron Walsh, James Kelly

Scotstown GAA U13 team that hosted Naomh Olaf 28 November 2009