On a mighty occasion with unreal facilities in every possible respect Abertay found themselves in a Trench Cup final.

The build up to the game was so professional. Abertay had been straight of the plane from Glasgow to Dublin (Wednesday 24/10/01) and heading for Offaly to play against a Senior team in Ireland in a friendly match.

Thursday came along, as a resting session on the golf course of the greatest quality ("Deer Park Hotel in Dublin"). Mike Kilbane generously sponsored the game and awarded 3 prizes for the winners. It was good craic that made Thursday a nice day.

Training was also another part of the day (Thursday 25/20/01) when Dundee's football coach (Harry Hay) kindly came over to Dublin from his busy schedule to help the Abertay lads out.

The following day (Friday 26/10/01) Abertay were in for a match of their lives. Upon getting up at around 09:00 Abertay had a small training session followed by breakfast, via interviews (a must see video ~ hilarious ~ may be on show at Abertay's Gaelic football night in the union 9/10/01).

Anyway, swifly moving onto the match. Abertay had eventually left the hotel with some nerves and massive anticipation.

Travelling along the route to (Dublins home ground) Parnell Park, Abertay were
ready for action (Parnell Park as below):

(Damien Treacy fielding another great kick)

Dressing room:

Upon waiting for this opportunity for god knows how many years for some lads/manager Abertay took passion in their mental preparations for the Trench Cup final.

The team song "Grace" was started by no other than the man himself Fr. Eugene O' Sullivan (manager) with all the team in a scrum like circle formation giving an extremely passionate version of Grace as tears moved some players.

After this unexpected but feel good mentality Abertay were raring to go. Peter Mossey (Chairman) gave a wee addition.

And out Abertay went with Captain Matthew Reidy leading the squad/family out with a gritty enthusiasm you would expect in an All Ireland final. This was in fact the equivalent in some people's eyes as an All Ireland. As the teletext result illustrates above this was a real occasion in history.

Match:

Up went the "engine room" (mid-field) to win the first ball.

Things were fairly even and there were stages in the first ten minutes that Abertay were in total control, leaving Tallaght IT behind.

(Mickey Rea pointing an early free kick)

The score did not look comfortable for either team as both teams tallies were evenly distributed throughout the first half …..until a goal was hurtfully sunk into Abertay's net. Through no fault of Abertay's keeper, as Damien Traecy pulled off some fine saves.

Half time seemed inevitable as Abertay were not given a chance to retaliate a goal with the break score line of Tallaght 1-7 V's Abertay's 0-4.

The second half seen Tallaght's fitness take over. Although James Carmody had a brilliant game in the second half.

(Forde jumps with passion winning yet another battle)

The forwards of Tallaght had too many opportunities to not win the game. Really it seemed as though Tallaght was going to win. Even though Abertay protested as much as they were physically fit to do so.

Abertay's forwards also wasted some opportunities in the second half (3 in particular) in which a goal may have come from.

However, all the rage, passion and a breath away from a winners medal will most definitely be seen on the forefront in Birmingham 2001/2 in February next.

There is one sure thing that will come out of this. The next British Champions will deserve an immediate trip to (Sligo) Ireland. British teams are getting stronger and Irish teams will eventually get defeated sooner rather than later.

Abertay now are left with a thorn in their sides but a proud thorn as Abertay have made history by getting to the Trench Cup Final. As a wise man said one day…..You have to lose a final to win a final.

(Too much for Abertay players and supporters)

The defeat was a bitter blow Abertay could have done without and for obvious reasons to lose was tiring hence sad for all Abertay players and supporters.

However, inspiration has been taken out of this trip to Dublin at the very least. Abertay are a recognised force now. All I will say now is Birmingham 2001/2 in February.

Thanks:

On a final note thanks really must go out to: first and foremost Fr. Eugene O' Sullivan for his un-humanely efforts and passion for Abertay Gaelic football team, Mick Kilbane and his wife for their kind and appreciated support and craic.

A special thank you also to Stephen Kierns and Tracey Devine for their support. The girls who travelled form Dundee (Kathy, Joleen, Orla and Catherina to mention a few) and all the supporters for their support.

Also the Mardi Gras, Abertay University and O' Neills for their sponsorship.

On a wider scale Abertay would also like to let it be know, that Abertay GFC have a great appreciation of Peter Mossey (Chairman), the GAA itself in Dublin and Tallaght IT for their fair play and good game.

Abertay's Cream of the crop:

Steven Kierns (Dublin), Micheal Forde (Letrim), Eddie Valentine (Down), Ollie Mc Keown (Down), David Keane (Laios), John Stephens (Roscommon), John Bell (Wexford), Richard Mc Redmond (Offaly), John Cannon (Donegal), Ciaran Kelly (Dublin), Shane Kelly (Armagh), Owen Archer (Dublin), Eugene O' Sullivan (mngr/Kilkenny), James Carmody (Limerick), Niall Hegarty (Longford), Francis Mc Cabe (Armagh), Barry O' Neill (Tyrone), Eoin O' Flynn (Kilkenny), Mickey Rea (Tyrone), Matthew Reidy (Capt/Limerick), Padraig Moore (Tipperary), Damien Treacy (Carlow), Daryle Devine (Tyrone), Colm Pyres (Down), Conor Feehan (Armagh), Damien O' Dwyer (Tipperary).

Report compiled by Francie Mc Cabe
Photos courtesy of Abertay Gaelic football team (Eoin O' Flynn in particular)