St. Stephen’s Day Fundraising Blitz 2018
Once again on St. Stephen’s Day last, Breaffy GAA hosted our second annual fundraising blitz between senior players past and present. Four teams competed to dethrone last year’s champions, “The Oldies”, to determine who would earn this year’s bragging rights.
Teams were once again divided by the ages of all participants with a number of minor and under 21 stars competing against great players from the club’s recent past. The semi-final draw pitted the youngest of the teams, Team 4, against their closest-aged counterparts, Team 3, in the first game. After a strong start from the young lads, including a one point lead at half time, the extra experience of Team 3 told. With a number of our county final senior team in their ranks, they pulled away to earn a place in the final with a 4-10 to 3-09 victory.
In the second semi final, last year’s reigning champions were paired against a strong 25-30’s group. Despite some unfavourable refereeing calls and a hostile crowd unanimously in favour of seeing them beaten, the Oldies bravely stayed in the game before losing on a scoreline of 2-10 to 1-10.
The final paired the strongest sides togged out on the day and the game lived up to the promise of a rip-roaring clash. Extra-time and a penalty shoot out were required until Brian Howley’s final penalty was saved by Steve Jordan to spark wild celebrations amongst the winners.
On the day almost 60 players togged out and equally importantly at this time of year, more again joined in the celebrations which followed in the clubhouse.
We must extend thanks to Breaffy House for the use of their pitch, to Ballyheane FC and Parke Keelogues Crimlin GAA for the loan of aditional jerseys. A special thanks is of course reserved for all the players and supporters who were present on the day and for once again contributing so generously to charity and remembering our great friend David Gavin.
