Dug Good Talks . . . Intermediate Cup Final & Skerries

Pembroke have taken the Division 3 Leinster League title for the first time by a 3^rd XI after an impressive 18 game unbeaten run (22 games in all competitions). An amazing achievement by an amazing squad of players. Some people say it was the late nights running through drills and perfecting our set plays. It was blood, sweat, tears and the teddies (Geoff) left on the pitch every Saturday. Personally, I put it down to a great bunch of lads who enjoy hockey. The records and results speak for themselves….

Highlights of the League season, has to be the terrific form of John “Bolt” Orr at left back, the first name on the sheet every time, fantastic in every game. Callum “Bounty” Spencer in goal, had the tricky task of filling in for Brian Cleary, but took the chance and never looked back, he gave everyone more confidence. Ethan “Da Hawk”’ Cairney and Paul “The Blade” Harrington up front grew stronger as the season went on, both clearly have great hockey futures in the Club. No squad would be complete without the backup and help of the Management Team, Rod “One Job” O’Connor’s (One Job) attention to detail on match day must surely have Craig Fulton’s eye by now and as for Matt “Findus” Bentley stepping in and running the bench, the NFL have already expressed their interest, substitutions and are seamless.

That’s looking back, but for us we look forward and take one game at a time, the season isn’t over, one more hurdle, one more trophy and more history to be made. Skerries 1^st XI stand in the way of the first ever League /Cup double for the 3^rds on Saturday. Although Skerries are mid table from the League below, they have beaten some teams which raised even my grey eyebrow, so preparation began after the semi-final a month ago and believe me, we will be ready. Everyone is fit and ready, I very much doubt Skerries will have seen a drag flick with the power and swerve like Paudie “Hollywood” Carley’s before.