📝 Tuairisc Cluiche (Match Report - Dads & Lads)

CLG Domhnach Mór Cill Dhéagláin v Bhulf Tón

I think it’s fair to say nobody saw that coming!!!! 

Friday 24th May 2024 started out like any Dads & Lads matchday, early morning team yoga session following by a revitalising sea swim, and then onto Colours-by-Design for a refreshing Coffee and motivational team talk. The scene was set... and yet nobody could have contemplated what was to unfold. 

Captained by the ever-young Michael (Mick) Kennedy and with the McBrearty brothers taking up positions in goals and full forward, the team was ready. Right from the first ball it was clear Wolfe Tones had come to play. They hassled and harried a dynamic midfield featuring the impressive Shane Gargan, natural-born-leader Mark Thomas and up-and-coming tv personality Stephen Reilly. Defences were on top early with important interventions from Karl (the rock) Dexter, Dan Mordukhov, Simon Barker and fan favourite Eamonn (Cheeks) O’Connell. 

Any yet there was still no indication of the masterclass that was about to unfold. 

Both teams swapped early points with Sean Tobin, Ronan McManus and David Bourke ravenous for scores whenever an opportunity presented itself. What started as an innocuous long ball out of defence from Patrick Keogh to Rob Lynch and with Lynch displaying deft hands the ball found its way to Glen Cummings. Glen has been referred to by many names over the years, some affectionate, most not, but today, on this day, he arrived. True, it may have taken 42 years for him to leave a positive mark on a GAA pitch, but for the next 60 minutes both teams played to his tune. 

He started with a curler off the outside of the right which sailed over the black spot. The healthy crowd in attendance were mesmerised. The next ball won at midfield was quickly delivered into Cummings and, with a drop of the right shoulder and a flick of the hips, he was through on goal. Normal service in this situation is for the ball to be blasted wide (usually hitting the corner flag on its way wide) but incredibly, the ball found the back of the Wolfe Tones net. Cummings was on fire, the crowd looked on in disbelief and his teammates were aghast. 

At the first water break, the instruction from Team Manager - Neil Lawlor and team performance psychologist – Gerry Giblin was simple – feed Cummings the ball. 

Over the next three quarters Cummings helped himself to another 1-03 with his last score being a true reflection of the man. Donaghmore had a healthy lead of 4-14 to 0-07 when a penalty was awarded. Cummings steps up with a hat trick in mind. The crowd (which had swelled substantially as word of the Louth man’s exploits had spread) were baying for blood but Cummings, knowing the opposition were beaten, opted to knock the ball over the bar and end the game. 

Following a sporting game and the customary team picture, both teams retired to the bar for a well-earned refreshment with Cummings signing numerous autographs for his adoring fans. 

All prospective Dads & Lads newcomers are welcome. We train on Friday evenings on the All Weather from 8-9. All that is required is a set of boots and a listening ear as no doubt the story of Cummings 2-04 will be unleashed on all unsuspecting newcomers.  

CLG Domhnach Mór Cill Dhéagláin 4-15 

Bhulf Tón 0-07

Maith sibh a buachaillí!