Drumconrath 1-12
Dunderry 0-8

A mixture of youth and some of the 40 plus brigade traveled to this famous old venue of the 1970's when it was one of the premier pitches in the County.

Once again a good following of wives, girlfriends (not too sure if Ger Brennan's all inclusive speech can be added here) along with the little ones some with chocolate marks visible given the Day that was in it.

Some of the Drumconrath lads and maybe the Dunderry lads too have children almost as old as their teammates as Brendan Crosby and Colm McEvoy would be more used to playing underage Football with Daniel Byrne rather than his Dad, Shane who opened the scoring in this game.

While the kids explored every inch of the venue on this beautiful Easter Sunday morning suffice to say maybe there where some parts of the pitch that remained untouched for the hour.

Junior D is great crack, the phone calls and text fly everywhere in the days coming up to the game as teams do there damnedest to ensure a team is fielded especially for the 1st round of "De Championship"

Drums had appointed a new manager such is the seriousness that the small North Meath club takes getting out the 2nd team, Thomas Dardis only appointed on Tuesday had a frantic few days gathering his forces and did well in having 20 lads togged out for the day.

Anyway as the Wags kept a careful eyes on the small ones (and maybe a closer eye on the not so small boys clad in Red) as the hinges in Martry stood up to the charge from Dressing room to pitch. A couple of points to note;

1. By the time the charge reached the 45m line it noticeable slowed.
2. Most of the foot attire where the traditional black colour
3.The smell of winter green was nearly over powering
4. Shots still had his famous Knee bandage and yes it was still slipping down to his calf

Any way only the most keen eyed spotted this as the Kids and toddlers waved their Red and White flags and some of the teenagers kinda wished the ground would open up as it seems its not cool to have a Dad playing along with your school mate.

Shane Byrne rolled back the years when he pointed on the 1st Drumconrath attack a shot that Daniel would have been proud of and soon Leighton Irwin had Drums two up as Noah cheered him on, Leighton pointed again on 20, 22,25 and 29 minutes by which time the child had grown tired and was busy trying to catch a Rabbit that appeared from the bushes and of course he had to be the Easter Bunny.

Sean McMahon struck a 45 between the posts just on half time as Drums led 0-7 to 0-2 with the other 40 plus lads Ollie McMahon, Paudi McMahon, Paul Carey and Shane Byrne showing some good touches while there appeared to be more concern form young Alex when Mickle was bundled into the net by an over zealous Dunderry "attacker" but Daddy survived to play a starring role in between the posts.

Naturally the teenagers and the Under 25's that came more into the game as the secound half started with Tomas Conlon hitting a great goal on 31 minutes to give Drums a great start to the second half. Dunderry got more into the game and soon picked off three points of the own to narrow the gap, Conlon pointed on 41 minutes to ease the pressure somewhat but Dunderry narrowed the gap to 4 points as the 3rd quarter ended.

Drums side line acted and the late arriving Patrick Farrelly was introduced along with Niall Martin and this brought a great impetus to the boys sorry men in Red as points from Paudi McMahon, Terry Halpenny and another 45 from McMahon stretched the lead with David Hickey Colm McEvoy and Alan McEvoy doing well.

Dunderry pulled one back when a goal looked on but was tipped over by the vigilant and acrobatic Mickle in the Drumconrath goals. A late Kevin Dardis free finished the scoring as the younger generation where gathered up and strapped into car seats sure to sleep well tonight and its fairly certain a few of the players will sleep well also but are sure to feel a few aches in muscles that have not been tested in a long while........

Drumconrath; Sean Reilly; David Hickey, Ollie McMahon, Paul Carey; Brendan Crosby, Alan McEvoy, Colm McEvoy; Tomas Conlon (1-1),Leighton Irwin (0-5); Daniel Myles, Terry Halpenny (0-1), Sean McMahon (0-2); Gavin Finnegan, Padraig McMahon (0-1), Shane Byrne (0-1). Subs; Patrick Farrelly for Byrne, Niall Martin for Crosby, John Clarke for Finnegan, Kevin Dardis (0-1) for Halpenny, Keith Sheerin for P McMahon. Tweet

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