Wanderers end 40 year Championship Famine

  • Aug 28,2008

Ballyboden Wanderers v Raheny B - Junior E Championship Replay

The Ballyboden Wanderers crest carries the Hell Fire Club and the replay this evening promised to be a repeat of the hell fire draw in Ballymun last Sunday week. This game started out with 2 points from the Wanderers and Raheny replied with a goal just 7 minutes in. A second goal 3 minutes later - on the stroke of 8 oclock - put the Wanderers under some pressure. But they rose to the challange and came back point by point to level the score at 0-7 to 2-1 with about 5 minutes left in the first half. A late goal by Wanderers put them in the lead at the half time.

There is a slight hill in Carrs Lane and the breeze was behind Raheny for the second half. Seasoned supporters on the sideline gave the advantage to the Raheny girls and in the first 10 minutes or so the ball seldom crossed the lower 45m line. But despite their best efforts, Raheny were unable to capitalize on their advantage and when the Wanderers got a run they put in 2 quick goals of their own at the top of the pitch. Play continued with points being scored on both sides til Raheny placed another in the back of the net. This game could go any way. Raheny got another point - 4 minutes left. But luck was not with Raheny this evening and another point by Wanderers sealed the win for the Whitechurch team.

Camillus Kilpatrick, Co Chairman opened the awards ceremony and thanked Innisfails for the use of the pitch and premises. He extended his thanks to the staff and members of Innisfails for their help in hosting the event. The Referee had done an excellent job in a very fast moving game and he acknowledged this. He thanked both teams for two exciting games of football. Both teams should be proud of their achievements in reaching the final and it was a testiment to both sides that it took two games to decide the outcome. Even deciding the Player of the Match was a difficult choice as there were outstanding players on both teams. Jenny Clifford, Wanderers keeper had been a keystone in an excellent defence. But for consistancy and determination the award was presented to No.15 Nicci Daly.

The Cup was presented to Ciara Lalor [capt] who thanked the management, members and supporters of Wanderers without whom their success would not have been possible. She thanked her team for the efforts that they all had put into competition.Thanking her opposition she called for three cheers for Raheny.

The Wanderers website has a how to get to Innisfails link. No doubt the 32.6kms back home was shorter than the 28mins travelling time on the map as they brought their first Championship win to Mt Venus in 40 years!

Final Score Ballyboden Wanderers 3-11 v Raheny B 3-7
Referee; S Finucane [Templeogue Synge St]

Photos courtesey of www.davemcmanusphotography.com/

Wanders Team- Celebrate