13 March, 2011
A massively under strength senior team put up a heroic
performance before going under to a last minute goal by St Pat's in
Wicklow town on Sunday morning.
Bray travelled with only 16 players in their squad as a
rash of injuries and illness to a number of regulars allied
to county duty and unavailability due to work and study commitments
meant the team were down to the bare bones. But credit to the
players on duty in the performance they delivered. They showed a
great energy and willingness to work which was refreshing with the
like of Mo Doyle (two points from the corner back), Rory Breslin,
Eoghan Wogan and John Henderson playing out of their skins in
unfamiliar roles. The return from long term injury of Ronan
Cunningham had a massive bearing on the early proceedings as his
aerial power gave Bray a decided advantage in the midfield area
where both Brian O'Keeffe and Dave Farrell were in superb form.
Cunningham got injured shortly before half time and that curtailed
the team's dominance thereafter. With a stiff breeze aiding them,
Bray led by 1-6 to 0-2 at half-time. Conor Power, who also got
injured in the first half, got the first score after a run
reminiscent of his minor glory days and another underage star
Eoghan Wogan was a revelation in attack and scored a goal to prove
his worth away from his normal corner-back position.
Farrell scored two great points and Rob Ryan and Cunningham also
raised white flags to give Bray a fighting chance on the
resumption. Pats as expected came on strong with the wind at their
back and two great points from Bray suggested they might hold
out. Pats, minus their county stars, used their bench wisely
and kept the points ticking over, a goal at the death separated the
teams in the end. On a day when the clubs involved would have
preferred to have put the match postponed, one can only salute both
sets of players for making it a gripping game. The two teams showed
great pride in their respective jerseys with a commitment which was
laudable and exemplary for younger members watching.
The team would liked to have marked Paddy Moynihan's 30th birthday
on Saturday night with a win and wish him well in his
enforced retirement through injury. We hope Paddy continues to be
part of us as the season unfolds.
Bray Emmets: P O'Keeffe; R Breslin, P Barry, M Doyle (0-2); C Power
(0-1), M Browne, A Murphy (0-1); B O'Keeffe, D Farrell (0-2); T
Denver, J Henderson, R Cunningham (0-1); R McAnespie, R Ryan
(0-1f), E Wogan (1-0). Sub D O'Sullivan for R Cunningham (inj)
