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June 05, 2005

Sons of St. Brigid V. Athgarvan 1895

Leinster Leader 17 August 1895 p. 8 Gaelic Athletic Association. …………………… KILDARE (SONS OF ST. BRIGID) v ATHGARVAN. The Athgarvan team journey over to Kildare on Sunday to try conclusions with the “Sons.” Notwithstanding the heavy downpour of rain during...

Leinster Leader 17 August 1895 p. 8

Gaelic Athletic Association.
……………………
KILDARE (SONS OF ST. BRIGID) v ATHGARVAN.
The Athgarvan team journey over to Kildare on Sunday to try conclusions with the “Sons.” Notwithstanding the heavy downpour of rain during the early part of the day the home team left nothing undone to make the ground (which was kindly given by Mr D Flood), appropriate to the occasion.

The appearance of the renowned nine acres on Sunday, with flags flying at intervals all along the side lines, and point posts, brought back to the mind of every lover of the national game the good old days of the championships, where the best teams of the county concentrated to do battle for the premier place of honour. It was after 4 o’clock when both teams lined up, each fully confident of success. For the first ten minutes the play was very fast, during which time an open occurred for the “Sons” by being awarded a forty yards kick-off, which Moore very scientifically sent into the immediate vicinity of the Athgarvan goal post, which was quickly repulsed. Failing to score, the Athgarvan men took possession of the ball, and rushed it very determinedly up the field, which move was strongly resisted by the Kildare backs, who forced the attack. After some very fine play Athgarvan was favoured with a goal to their credit. On the ball being kicked out both teams went to work with a will, and the ball was kept continually in motion up and down the field, when Coghlan got an open kick-off, which Kildare credited with a point. On sending out the ball again Kildare was quickly favoured with another score. When half time was called the score stood: Athgarvan, 1 goal; Kildare 2 points. On play being resumed the “Sons” seemed to realise their position, and fully resolved not to let their opportunity go,” [sic] went to work with a determination that seemed not to leave victory a moment in doubt. They sent the ball up the field very quickly, invading their opponents territory, and with one rush put the ball out between the goal posts. On the ball being sent in motion again it seemed easy to name the victors, as Kildare was very quickly favoured with two points more to their credit. At this stage, and with fifteen minutes of the time to elapse, the rubber “inside” burst, but was quickly replaced by another. On the men being called on to form up some of the Athgarvan men were missing. On going to look after them they were found dressing, and said they would kick no more. On being pressed by their men to finish the time they refused, which brought the matter to a rather abrupt termination, leaving the Kildare men the victors by 1 goal, 4 points to 1 goal for Athgarvan.


Posted by mariocorrigan at June 5, 2005 12:22 PM