Wearing Two Hats and Loving It
I get to wear two hats. Notes writer and Brosna GAA PRO. They aren’t mutually exclusive roles. In fact, both hats shelter neatly under the happy umbrella of proud Brosna citizen.
Never more so, did I relish my roles as I watched two significant games unfold this past weekend.
It’s Major, Not Minor
The KnockBrosna juggernaut that’s our minor squad competed in the Division 2, North Kerry Football Championship Final on Saturday in Moyvane.
Taking on the might of a well organised St Senan’s side, KnockBrosna had to contend with brutal weather conditions and the loss of Brosna’s talented forward Maurice Lane who came off with an ankle injury at halftime.
Dominating the first half, KnockBrosna looked the better side but the unlucky concession of a goal to Senan’s on the cusp of half time proved to be a turning point.
Senan’s returned to the pitch with renewed vigour. The tide had certainly turned and Senan’s looked like they had the game in the bag. If you ever wonder what true winning spirit is about, well, it’s to do with a team holding fast in the face of difficulties and errors but staying focused.
David Horan’s Super Point
A super point by Brosna’s David Horan re-energised the KB side and Knock’s Ciaran Mangan drilled a goal.
His fellow club mate, Shane Browne got a great point from a mark that had all the hallmarks of a Seanie O’Shea pressure kick.
KnockBrosna hung on to win by the slimmest of margins. Ciaran Mangan 2-5 – take a bow, young man!
Shane Browne 0-3. David Horan 0-1. Captain Jack O’Sullivan received the shield from Sadie O’Connor, of the sponsors O’Connor’s Duagh, whose mother is our very own Tina Cross. Congratulations to all involved. It was a most memorable day! Full time score: Knock/Brosna: 2-9. St Senan’s: 1-11.
Ground Hog Day as Brosna Seniors Go Back to Duagh
It was a tense affair back to Duagh for the North Kerry Senior Football Championship Semi Final against Listowel’s Emmets.
Brosna had the much better start with quality scores from play but the curling wind played havoc with our target kicking and we racked up a number of costly wides too. At half-time we were one point down to Emmets.
Game of Cat and Mouse
It was a game of cat and mouse in the second half with Emmets capitalising on frees and the fact that the wind had dropped.
Our newly constructed defence line held well under repeated pressure and Steve made some great blocks and clearances. Well into injury time, Brosna was still one point adrift.
The Brosna supporters showed their true colours and the crowd really got behind the team.
A Brosna free around the halfway line was passed to a cool headed Conor Lane who sent the ball neatly between the uprights for a last minute reprieve.
Getting out of Jail
Getting out of jail never felt so good. Thanks to our faithful following who never lost faith in their club.
Special thanks to all the players and especially those who travelled some extraordinary distances to slip on their much loved jerseys – that’s you, Adam, Eamonn and Timmy. It’s a pleasure being part of Brosna GAA.
The replay is on Sunday, November 27th at 1.30pm in Duagh. Yes indeed it’s Ground-Hog Day. Third time’s the charm.
With Sympathy to the Roche and Dennehy Families
The parish said a sad farewell to Mrs. Margaret Roche this past week.
Formerly of Duagh Village, Margaret had become one of our own. A lovely lady who was much loved by all her friends and neighbours.
We send our deepest sympathies to her husband John, their children and Margaret’s extended family. She was a wonderful family person, so proud of her children and grandchildren. May you all find comfort at this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Margaret.
Black Friday and Wellies from Mountcollins
Getting in on the retail madness that’s sweeping the globe, can I put out a request that as a parish we look to local shops and businesses for Christmas gifts.
A new pair of Dunlop wellingtons from Mountcollins Creamery mightn’t have the same cache as a pair of Louboutin’s – look that one up, lads – but the lucky recipient will get more mileage out of them over the coming year.
Large bags of pet food, bird seed, and solid fuel, there’s a lot to be picked up at Fealesbridge too. Not forgetting our local shops and Post Office. An annual subscription to a daily paper or Ireland’s Own is a wonderful present for a loved one.
Shop local, support our community. Let’s be creative in our gift giving and choose something meaningful yet practical.
With soaring electricity bills, a lump of coal might not be the worst gift to end up under your tree this year!
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