A year of success and missed opportunities for local GAA

Ciaran D’Arcy

St. Kevin's under 21's celebrating their victory in the final of the C Hurling Championship

St. Kevin’s will reflect fondly upon 2012 as the Dolphin’s Barn-based team illuminated the Liberties GAA scene in a year of contrasting
fortunes for local clubs.

Hotly tipped to vie for promotion in an ultra-competitive Division 3 hurling league, Kevins’ senior team didn’t disappoint as the blue and whites annexed top spot with only a point to spare over Erin’s Isle despite losing out to their Finglas rivals in the subsequent league final.

Indeed, March’s Under 21 ’C’ Championship triumph was further complemented as the Dublin 8 side also annexed the Division 7 league
title after a thrilling final victory over Kilmacud Crokes to leave Kevin’s with a dazzling trophy cabinet come season’s end.

On the contrary, Templeogue Synge Street fans will be thoroughly underwhelmed with this year’s showing as a season that had promised so much, ultimately ended in disappointment.

Synger’s shock victory over Parnells in June’s Dublin Senior Football Championship 4th Round encounter looked to provide the impetus for another stellar campaign down Templeogue way, but a replay defeat to defending champions St. Brigids in the next round coupled with a bottom-placed finish in league Division 1 leaves the Liberties’ premier Gaelic footballers with a lot of soul-searching to do over the winter months.

Of some solace to the club will be the inspired form of Dublin minors Niall Scully and Brendan Bentley. Scully in particular played a
pivotal role as Dessie Farrell’s charges secured a first Minor All-Ireland title for the capital side in nearly three decades.

Meanwhile, Good Counsel’s footballers and hurlers remain firmly entrenched in the intermediate ranks for another year following a
topsy-turvy campaign for the hoops.

Division 4 awaits for the Galtymore Road side’s hurlers after a difficult season saw them rooted to the bottom of Division 3. An
Intermediate Championship Quarter-final appearance after a sensational victory over favourites St. Finian’s in the previous round will do the footballers’ confidence no harm whatsoever as Counsel look to progress further when the leagues recommence next February.

Photo by Alan Condon