Rival clans clash in brilliant encounter
AS the sun shone on St Stephen’s morning, the Coolboy and Coolafancy camps gathered their troops to do battle as the long awaited ‘Clash of the Clans’ finally got the go ahead following an early pitch inspection.
As rumoured team tactics were finalised and the jerseys put on, a sense of pride could be felt as a crisp wind blew over the Community Field.
With the border creating and increasing the rivalries even further, almost 50 footballers took to the field to represent Coolboy and Coolafancy which in turn created an even split in the current GAA team.
Many present footballers along with legendary retirees returning to the field under the leadership of Coolboy captain Tony ‘Turbo’ Donohoe and Coolafancy captain John ‘Wobble’ Rawson.
As the game got underway the community came out in force to cheer on their respective team while the trustful eye of referee Christy O’Rourke kept the footballers on their toes.
With nothing left to chance, each and every one of the footballers gave their all and proved that although they play together and represent the whole community, when it comes to where you’re from, you wear your heart on your sleeve.
As many and sometimes controversial tackles were made, the game drew to a close and with the outcome unknown, the crowd gathered around Christy to hear the result.
A draw was decided as the sides couldn’t be separated and the referee ordered both captains to fill the cup later that evening at the presentation night.
Chairman Sam O’Keeffe thanked everyone who came to the match and the footballers for playing on the day before President Christy Gregan presented the cup to the winning captains.