After an anxious start to the week, with the final being postponed, the boys of Murrintown and Piercestown N.S. took to the pitch at St. Patrick’s Park on Wednesday 12th November at 7.30pm. Their aim was to fight for a title that they had been dreaming of for the last 16 years. Over the last number of years, Piercestown came so close and yet have been on the receiving end of bitter disappointment, being beaten least year in extra time of the final. Endless hours of training, matches and skills development have taken place this year, with the boys focusing on team work, discipline and above all desire to win.
The match kicked off at 7.30pm and Horeswood were off to a flying start. It took Piercestown a few minutes to settle but a goal by David Cantwell soon settled them down and it was game on! The points flew over and it was a very even match. When the half time whistle blew, Piercestown had edged into the lead by a single point. But Horeswood skill and determination was also to be admired. They opened up the second half with three points without reply to lead Piercestown by two points. It was here that the true character, determination and grit of the boys came to fruition with all boys in every position both on and off the pitch digging deep. There was true team spirit, comradely, hard work, commitment and above all a burning desire to win and when the final whistle blew there was pure ecstasy from the Piercestown perspective with the final score reading 2-7 to 12 points in Piercestown favour. There were tears of joy for Piercestown and tears of anguish for a devastated Horeswood who deserved huge credit for their gallant performance. There is no doubt Wexford Rackard League hasn’t seen the last of Horeswood. But the night was Piercestown’s night, and as Diarmaid O Leary took to the stand to receive the trophy the crowd were vocal in their appreciation of the performance that sees the cup return to Piercestown for the first time since 1998!!!!!!! All agreed it was a moment to remember and a moment worth waiting for.
A huge thanks to all the parents, St. Martin’s GAA, staff in both Piercestown and Murrintown and all who have contributed in any way since this tournament kicked off in September. A special word of thanks to Mr. Johnny Murphy, Mr. Fintan White and Mr. Shane Howard in Murrintown who adopted Ms. Walsh into the Rackard League football scene with great ease.
A special mention to the Farmer’s Kitchen who put on a fantastic spread for the children on the night and to the local shop Londis for their contribution in the celebrations the day after.
Queens’ famous song ‘We are the Champions’ belted out of the speakers on Thursday 13th Nov as we honoured our heroes at a whole school assembly – where the Rackard League team delivered a very special message of NO HOMEWORK to the whole school. Fingers crossed for many more special days in years to come!
In the words of Michael Jordan ” Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen” – thank you to the team of 2014 who made it happen. We are so proud of you. Take a bow!!
For a further insight into the match go to http://www.wexfordgaa.ie/2014/11/piercestown-bridge-sixteen-year-gap-boys-roinn-a/
