Junior A Football Team 2003-2004

 Junior A Football Team – 2003 & 2004   

Operating in the shadow of the Seniors, St John’s second team was clearly the most successful adult male football team in the club during the seasons 2003 & 2004. The main achievements were:

• Winners of the prestigious Stacey Cup in both 2003 & 2004

• Runners-up Adult League Division 6 in 2003 and again in 2004

• Promotion to Division 5 (the former Junior 1 Division) in 2004

• Quarter finals Junior 1 Championship in both 2003 & 2004.

This team exhibited all of the qualities, which are prerequisites for success – spirit and skill, cohesiveness and cooperation, discipline and determination. The players themselves made the task of management simple. To a man they were and remain gentlemen. Just imagine – no red card and very few yellows in over 60 games. At the same time this team was no pushover and even teams with serious reputations or history failed to cow it. The team was a joy to watch, playing a brand of free-flowing football characterised by intelligence, pace and strength.

There were some difficult times during the two years. Players sitting examinations, requirements of the senior football panel, others heading for places far afield, mainly Australia, niggling injuries and the like caused the selectors some sleepless nights. Looking back it seems that many of the key matches, play-offs and finals, were played in atrocious conditions that militated against the team’s style of play. However, the tremendous spirit of St John’s prevailed and the team marched on to its various victories.

The players’ prowess was not just confined to the pitch. Other emerging talents were identified during the course of victory celebrations in the clubhouse. Singers, soothsayers, some serious comedians and at least one alto emerged and entertained.

The team captains, George Walker (2003) and Conal Ellis (2004) exhibited great leadership and drive. The mentors, Seamus Connolly, John Kelly and Denis Ward provided the ballast to keep the team focused and on an even keel. Laura Connolly’s efforts in pitch preparation and sideline assistance deserve special mention as does the band of loyal supporters.

Many of the team remain with the club, some advancing to the Seniors with others playing at a more relaxed pace or even taking on the chores of team management. A number work and play abroad and we look forward to meeting them during the Gathering in 2013, DV.

The years 2003 & 2004 were most enjoyable and fulfilling for all involved with the team. They are etched forever in our memories.

Player Panel – Ballinteer St John’s Junior A Football 2003 & 2004.

Dave Butler Jonathon Byrne Ronan Clabby

Diarmuid Desmond Tommy Desmond Bob Doyle

Cian Duffy Shane Duffy Conal Ellis

Frank Farrelly Seamus Farrelly Brian Gibbons

John Glendon David Gillick Ferghal Hand

Mark KavanaghRory KavanaghAidan Kirrane

Kevin Kirrane Ciaran McCabe Robert McCormack

Niall McGrathPaul McGrathRonan Minogue

Brian MonahanAiden MurphyDarren Nangle

Cian O’ConnorFiachra O’ConnorPaul O’Donnell

Shane OliverRory RichardsonJohn Rowland

Andrew ScollanGraham SmithAidan Tahaney

George Walker Denis Ward     Michael Wren

Saturday at Broadford and the All Weather Pitch