26/12/02 Annual Boxing Day Match - Over 30's v Under 30's

The Boxing Day traditional Under 30's v Over 30's match went off without a hitch this year, after a few years of postponement due to bad weather.

The match was, as always, an entertaining affair with the Over 30's producing some scintillating football (and laying down the gauntlet to the new football manager for starting places in the Senior team), whilst the Under 30's all decided to play out the rest of their careers in the South Antrim league after what can only be described as a shambolic display.

Despite being rumoured to be one of the forerunners to take the full-back position this year on the County Scene Gearoid Adams was less than enthusiastic about marking Packie Nolan in the full back line leaving the defence with an overlapping Over 30's offence every time. When asked about his unorthodox style later in the club (after a few pints) Gearoid replied that he was a "free spirit" and wanted to wander as he pleased around the pitch. Another "free spirit" on the day was Ciaran Anderson who seemed content to talk to the Over 30's goalkeeper for most of the match and then kick the ball wide from 5 yards any time he was given the ball in front of goal.

Conor Gannon, on the other hand, reminded many of the spectators of Pat Spillane in his glory days and was simply immense in the back line as well as up front for the Under 30's, linking well with the other forwards who unfortunately squandered every easy scoring chance he gave to them. Neither ageing cousins Liam Donnelly or Ronan Heenan could keep up with him, although Paul Morgan did give him a run for his money.

Under 30's captain Aidan Kelly led by example scoring 2 goals to keep his team in the game and helped them on to a one point advantage at half time. Neil Reynolds, Stephen Thompson and Conal Kelly registered the most spectacular misses for the Under 30's whilst Brendan Mackin, Rocky, and Packy Nolan rose to the occasion missing rarely and scoring often (Rocky's first goal and expertly taken penalty (his third and final goal) were perhaps the highlights of the game).

Refereeing duties fell to Michael Gannon who, whilst obviously favouring the Over 30's, generally had a good game.

Too many missed opportunities led the Under 30's to their worst ever defeat losing by 10 points in the end, however on the plus side at least next year they can look forward to Gearoid Adams turning 30. The match was not without controversy as the Over 30's fielded a ringer (Barry Mulgrew Senior Football Goalkeeper and Under 30) and accordingly the Under 30's felt that they won the game by default. (It has also been suggested that next year the tournament be changed to Over 40's v Under 40's to give the Under 30's a fighting chance.)

The "Man of the Match" award was shared between Rocky and Paul Morgan who were greeted by a standing ovation in the club afterwards.

Under 30's captain Aidan Kelly eased his team's defeat by announcing his engagement which at least gave them something to cheer about...