Coach Reilly masterminds Baltimore victories
October 24, 2011
Baltimore footballers added the National Junior C title to their list of honours
Coach Owen O'Reilly, a Cavan native, seems to have the "Midas touch" as his Baltimore footballers added the National Junior C to last year's Junior D success. A victory borne out of disciple, organization and skill ensured that Baltimore executed his game plan to succeed at the 2011 North American Championships at Treasure Island in San Francisco.
To claim this championship, Baltimore 's semifinal saw them pitted against a Denver team that exhibited great mental strength to overcome a resolute Charlotte team in the Quarterfinal.
Baltimore Bohs took the decision to play with the strong wind in the first half. The intention was to take a big lead in at half time but the plan started to unfold quickly when, with two attacks and two shots, Denver had two goals. Eventually, the nerves settled and the Bohs started to play some stylish football, spraying the ball from back to front and taking some very classy points.
At the hub of this impressive display was Jimmy Zabel. When Zabel plays, Baltimore plays. His midfielder partner, the dapper James Maher, was rolling up his sleeves and made some lung-busting runs that curved open the Denver defense allowing his fellow Dubliner, Seamus Cussen to knock over 5 points in a productive first half.
Just before half time, Bohs struck for their goal. Pat Neubert solo-run set up the man-mountain Joe Devoy to wonderfully gain possession at the edge of the square. He went to ground and a penalty was awarded. Bambi probably made a better effort to stay on his feet but the referee's decision is only one that matters much to Denver's annoyance. After Cussen slotted the penalty into the bottom corner there was a sense of calmness and determination about the Baltimore play which allowed them to take a 5 point half time lead (1-10 to 2-2).
The second half was scrappy and the Bohs had to dig in like never before, Denver started to rally with the wind behind them and started closing the gap; however everyone on the Baltimore team fought and scrapped to make sure that they always stayed ahead, fighting for every ball and putting their bodies on the line. Veterans Damian Devlin and Bill Freeman exemplified this spirit. Baltimore goalkeeper Tom Hannigan was sure to clear any ball that came his way as the last line of defense. It was nervy stuff at the end but Mairtin Lally was playing like Mike Lyons and ensured that Baltimore held on for a 1-12 to 2-6 victory.
Bohs celebrated the win but realized quickly the main prize was beating San Francisco Eire Og the next day. Coach Reilly and chairman Vincent ("Tony") Holloran managed to keep everyone to water and milk for another day and night in San Francisco.
On the morning of the final, there was an air of focus and determination like has never being seen before, everyman in "Black and Yellow" wanted to win and held the belief that Baltimore were not leaving that pitch without a trophy. That was the message from the Coach that rang in the ears of his charges as they hit the pitch.
Baltimore came out of the blocks at lightning speed with Limerick-native Eoin Breen scoring a goal with the first attack, followed shortly by Joe Devoy slotting home a second goal. San Francisco Eire Og and their large group of followers didn't know what hit them. Damien Devlin followed up with 3 points from the half back line where he, the industrious Mike Cleary and Pat Neubert were outstanding throughout the tournament. The first-half finished with the Messi-like Diarmuid Coughlan bedazzling the Eire Og defense with his slinky skills to add 2 points that were worth the admission fee. However, Eire Og refused to roll over and trailed by only 6 points at half time (2-5 to 0-5)
The second half was a battle, no other word for it. The young and fit Eire Og men threw everything they could at Baltimore; running from deep, kicking points, hitting hard but credit to every Baltimore player as they battled and ran with them and defended like champions. A pivotal moment of the game was the awarding of a penalty to Eire Og that would have put Eire og ahead. Perhaps the weight of expectation was too much and the Eire og number 10 dragged his effort wide. Baltimore was rattled but cometh the hour, cometh the man, step forward Conor Doran to steady the Baltimore ship. His sweetly struck left footed effort from almost 50 yards, was inspiring considering that his hamstring was torn. Cussen too played the second half with a torn hamstring. Must be contagious.
The final few moments were not without drama with Eire og throwing the kitchen sink at the Bohs. With the winners post in sight, stalwarts like Zabel and Maher continued to run, block, hustle as if their lives depended on. The game started and finished with the dance-floor Lord, Eoin Breen scoring. Sealing the deal with a pointed fist ensured the Junior C National title for Baltimore GAA.
If ever the word 'teamwork' can be described as reason for victory it was this win - everyman that travelled to San Francisco and every player that couldn't travel but trained all year played a part in this historic win for the club. Our chairman and club leader, Tony Halloran, organized everything from dinners to waters to celebratory beers! Pete Riley and Keith Brownell, epitomized what Baltimore GAA is all about, warming the starting team up, ensuring injured guys got stretched properly enabling them to play in the final. And then there was Mike Escol, a constant source of encouragement and motivation to every man when the chips were down. Prior to departure, Pat Graham had the Bohs looking stylish in the fashion stakes. A heartfelt thanks to all.
The great feeling that each Baltimore player experienced when the final whistle was down to the fact that coach Reilly had got his troops in shape, he motivated them and ensured that they all executed their respective jobs. Suffice to say that Baltimore celebrated at the clubhouse like champions!
G'wan on the Bohs!
Results
Semi Final: Baltimore 1-12
Denver 2-6
Seamus Cussen (1-5) Jimmy Zabel (0-3) Damien Devlin, Joe Devoy, Conor Doran, Pat Neubert (0-1 ea)
Final: Baltimore 2- 7
Eire Og 0- 10
Eoin Breen, (1-1) Joe Devoy (1-0) Damien Devlin (0-3) Diarmuid Coughlan (0-2) Conor Doran (0-1)
Squad: Tom Hannigan, Mairtin Lally, Keith Brownell Bill Freeman, Mike Cleary, Damian Devlin, Pete Riley, Pat Neubert, Jimmy Zabel, James Maher, Diarmuid Coughlan, Eoin Breen, Seamus Cussen (Capt.) Joe Devoy, Michael Escol, Conor Doran, Tweet
