Thankfully, All-Ireland title wasn’t decided by free kicks

BIG moments decide games and in Boherbue’s case, the concession of a goal four minutes before the end of extra-time decided their epic contest with Ballybay Community College.

Maybe Boherbue came up short and on the balance of play, the Farney boys probably deserved a first time All-Ireland senior triumph. That was hardly surprising given a number of their players that included team captain Aaron Mulligan, Joel Wilson and Darragh Dempsey were involved with a Monaghan minor team that won only their fifth Ulster MFC title and proceeded to run a five in a row Kerry side to two points in the All Ireland semi-final.

But all credit to Boherbue Community School, giving it their best shot, but on this occasion it wasn’t enough. Indeed, Boherbue didn’t make it any way easy for their opponents; their game plan and response was what we would had expected of a dedicated bunch.

All through the campaign, one sensed, Boherbue were on to something where their polished game got the verdict over Beara CS as did a slick showing against both Schull Community College and St. Josephs of Spanish Point (Clare). And, of course, in a thrilling provincial decider, Boherbue held their nerve to overcome the stiff obstacle provided by Colaiste Ghobnatan from Baile Bhuirne.

A good over semi-final Bettystown earned Boherbue a place for the big prize, and here Boherbue contributed to a wonderful game.

And though Boherbue lost ever so close to the finishing line, thankfully the game was decided in the end to end fare. For if proceedings continued on for another five minutes and a stalemate situation continued, the referee was instructed a free taking competition would decide the destination of the Edmund Rice Cup.

It’s doubtful if Boherbue coach Kevin Roche or his Ballybay counterpart would have factored in practising for such an eventuality. From this observers view, it’s difficult for young shoulders to be asked to undertake a free-taking competition to determine an All-Ireland final.

It didn’t come to pass on this occasion, maybe it would had freed up another date yet by my reckoning, both sides deserved another day out and patrons wouldn’t minded an outing to view two skilful teams.

It wasn’t to be, within 24 hours, members of the Boherbue Comprehenive School looked forward to the next challenge when school colleagues on Saturday were on opposing sides Boherbue and Duarigle Gaels in the Duhallow U-21 BFC.