Boys U15 (2011) Major 1 - Dunlavin

Let's set the scene.

Everything was against this Naas team. It was brutally cold and the air was thin as Dunlavin hosted Naas on what felt like the side of Mount Everest. One corner of the pitch was frozen and the Tibetan guides were nowhere to be seen.

It was 5 minutes into the second half and Naas were facing up the hill into the sun and the wind into their faces.

The ref walked towards Thady Ryan in slow motion and everybody knew what was coming. It was just taking forever for it to happen. RED CARD.

Down to 9 men and 1 woman. Up the hill. Into the sun and wind and bitter cold. And behind on the score sheet.

It was hopeless.

It was over.

Or at least it should have been over.

A smooth sea never made a skilful sailor.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

This group have something that lies within them. Each one of them, 1 to 18. They gave it everything. They fought for it.

They fought harder than Dunlavin.

Up the hill into the sun and wind and freezing cold, outnumbered and behind, they outfought them everywhere.

And hurt them.

Bang went the shot. 2-2.

It could have been 2-3 with a bit of luck. Up the hill into the sun and wind and freezing cold outnumbered and behind and with no luck.

Naas left Dunlavin with a point when they deserved more in the face of adversity.

They left behind every last ounce of energy they had in Dunlavin.

Hard work beats adversity this time.