Dublin Intermediate hurling  Champions 2020 Naomh Mearnog A Different Season.

Well after the struggles of getting our games up and running our boys done the job. A first adult hurling title since 1995. 25 years in waiting. Many of these group of players weren't even born back then. The boys showed huge endeavor after being beaten by Fingallians first time around.  Manager Gary Deloughry focused on the skill of the team and finding a balanced possession game which paid off as the championship unfolded. There have been many highs and a few lows along the way which makes this championship all the more sweeter.  Thinking back to the performance against St Marks, the first hurling game to take place on our re-developed pitch one, springs to mind. Other highs include the tactics which have been implemented in games. The industrious use of the ball from the likes of Cian Hendricken, Shane Kavanagh and the economical finishing of forwards Shane Nangle, Dermot Keevney and Mark Phelan was something which developed from hard work on the training ground. There were some low points also. Injuries to key men Cian O’ Daly, Niall Cafferkey, Dermot Keevney interrupted momentum and while this could have been dwelled upon the management team instilled a winning belief in players, and this helped them push through the adverse situations which were ever present. Back to the championship, covid -19 could have been used as a crutch for many teams. Meetings between management and players took place in the gaa club and the Naomh Mearnog  players made a promise to put the shoulder to the wheel, following that damaged defeat away to Fingallians. In the 2 home games which followed the boys put in a massive effort of team work and skill, which St Judes and St Marks simply had no answer to. The lads finished the group level with Fins and only missed out on top spot by head to head. The quarter final draw brought with it a familiar foe. St Maurs had beaten our boys 2 years ago in the Junior A final  and if anything this was a factor that drove training on prior to the match taking place. As mentioned earlier the lads focused on the improvements they could make in training. Working the ball down the sides, and creating space for themselves were factors considered. 

The quarter final was upon us and after a free taking shoot out our boys got the job done by 2 points. Many hurling followers saw Mearnogs in bonus territory now, so the shackles if anything were thrown off. The team had a new lease of freedom  and there was a real buzz about the place. Erins Isle of Finglas were the team next in line. A semi final date and unfortunately due to Covid 19 supporters could not attend. Portmarnock being the place of communal goodwill however,  brought the game via livestream via the expertise of Adrian Kavanagh, Niall O’ Driscoill and Barry Nangle. The game took place in O’Toole Park and the performances of Jack Kehoe, Gavin Nangle, Tom Cosgrove and Mark O’ Callaghan showed that the youth of the team were fearless and were backed up by the more experienced  players Niall Cafferkey and Ronan Lenihen. A 1-20 to 1-15 victory was sealed and with that a county final against our rivals Fingallians awaited on September 19th. Not many people knew if supporters could make the final and with the government guidelines in place, Dublin unfortunately was moved to level 3 of restrictions meaning no fans would not be seen in Parnell Park for the game. 

The air of frustration was evident and if anything this brought an extra incentive for the players. Everyone locally needed a boost as our lives have been curtailed by the covid - 19 pandemic and some good  news was needed. The game was live on DubsTV and the game threw in at 5pm last. The nerves were evident from the throw in but after some early frees from Liam Mullin and a few scores from play by Mark Phelan and Shane Nangle, Fingallians responded and the contest remained even. Naomh Mearnog had a strong wind but the hassling of the Fingallian players ensured that the game would be in the melting pot throughout. Just before half time Fingallians were reduced to 14 men with the dismissal of Barry Rodgers, the wing back reacting badly to a challenge from Jack Kehoe. 

Even still Fingallians went into the break 0-7 to 0-6 up. In the early stages of the 2nd half, Naomh Mearnog struggled to adapt to playing 14 men with Shane Kavanagh eventually being used as the roaming player. It was indeed Kavanagh 41 minutes in who cut in from the right hand side and struck a shot, which trickled past the unfortunate grasp of goalkeeper Shane Nolan. This score opened up a 4 point advantage. Shane Nangle added a further score and this left 5  in it along with a quick response by Fins, sub Chris Farrelly added another score heading into  the water break. On the resumption Fingallians came back all guns blazing and were awarded a penalty. Bobby smith was unfortunate to see his save fall at the feet of the Fingallians forward Danny Lynch who dispatched it to the net. Fingallians try as they may couldn't reign in Mearnogs and with 3 added minutes played the referee finally blew his whistle, much to the joy of the Mearnogs players and management. The final score read 1-11 to 1-10 in favour of the Portmarnock men. Indeed a long season of uncertainty was forgotten when joint captains Shane Kavanagh and Cian Hendricken hoisted the trophy aloft.  With no promotion and relegation in the Dublin club championship our boys will look to defend the crown in 2021. A heartfelt congratulations to all the players  and management on the great success. This team is well capable of reaching senior status in the coming years and hopefully this is just the tip of the iceberg going forward. The celebrations I'm sure have been going on all week and it's richly deserved. Pre season won't be too far away and I for one cannot wait.  Naomh Mearnog Abu’.