FINISHING the decade as they began it - -top of the footballing walk. That’s the story from wintry Fraher Field last Sunday when the mighty men of Stradbally pulled off something of a shock by their 2-5 to 0-9 defeat of reigning champions Nire in what was always a tight, tense, and exciting county senior football final.
Not the greatest of conditions either on a day when many of the fans opted for the comfort of their firesides, but all credit to two wholly committed sides for giving us as entertaining a spectacle as this 2009 decider turned out to be.
Yes, the Nire will reflect on a day when they lost their most influential player, Shane Walsh, after just eighteen minutes with a bad shoulder injury. To under-state his loss would be to detract from the greatness of the player that he is, and it may well be that his enforced departure was, ultimately, the difference between victory and defeat.
But let’s not forget the crippling adversity under which Stradbally went into this final. No “Brick’’ Walsh and no Ger Power, two of their greatest. And to compound the situation even further Shane Lannon wasn’t risked from the start either because of his fitness situation. Thrown into the fray however in the second half Lannon more than proved his worth to the team.
One of the real defining moments of this decider came in the 28th minute with the Nire dominating and well worth their flimsy enough 0-5 to 0-2 lead. Out of nowhere centre back Eddie Rockett popped up and took a pin point Niall Curran pass in full flight and he gave goalkeeper Tom Flynn no earthly chance with a thunderous drive.
Level at half time, 1-3 to 0-6, very much against the run of play the Reds were definitely in the driving seat. But of course the truth of the matter was that the champions were never going to role over, and they were back in front, albeit by the minimum, as the game approached the three quarter mark.
Then another key moment in the shape of Robert Ahearne’s fisted goal giving Stradbally a lead they would never again relinquish. Yes, the Nire threw caution to the wind in the bravest of brave bids to save heir now tottering crown, and a replay loomed large as a possibility when Brian Wall’s superb point reduced the margin to the minimum in the 58th minute.
The final say would be Stradbally’s however with substitute Trevor Curran splitting the uprights with what would be the penultimate kick of this final. New and worthy champions, brave and honourable former kingpins in the men from the Valley.
