"Oh what a game, what a mighty good game!"

Well, this match report is without doubt the one that is giving me the most pleasure, and also the one which I find hardest to write. I really am struggling for those words of wisdom this time! Its hard to define in words the achievement of what we did on Sunday.

Wait...here it is...its coming..."Easts Celts Seniors have won the Queensland Championship Grand Final". Man, how good does that look, eh?! Never mind how it looks, it feels absolutely great! Its been a long time coming, but the taste is ever so sweet. I have herself (the Cup) sitting beside me on the desk here and every few minutes she gives me an oul twinkle, and a wink I give to her! Man she looks the part!

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous before the game. I think everyone was. But the nerves soon disappeared when we set foot on the grounds for the team photo. It was physical from the throw in. Every Easts man put their bodies on the line like no time before. We had come a long way and we knew we weren't going to give in at this stage.

We started the first half playing against the wind which is what we wanted. At times it was hard to get the ball out of defence, especially giving the Souths guys had some handy fielders of the ball. Fair play to the backs for keeping the Souths men from scoring so little during the whole game. John Kelly again proved to be a great asset in the back line and wasn't feared to run through with the ball. And what can I say about Timmy? He was a legend in at full back and really showed his true spirit by taking the Souths full forward out of the game. At half time we were 3 points to 1 point up, but the first 5 minutes of the second half saw Souths draw level. The backs again were under a bit of pressure but I can tell ye lads, looking from half forward I never seen such determination from the back men to get the ball out of danger.

So the sides were level about 5 minutes into the second half. Was this to be a repeat of the 2001 Grand Final??? I think not! The Easts men dug deeper than ever before and I think that even if a 1,000ft wall had of been built on the field that day, we would have overcame it. It was the twin turbo effect when your looking for the needle to hit 9,000rpm as the Easts men did the job they set out to do in style and saw the scores sail over the bar, much to the delight of every Easts player and supporter.

The final whistle goes, and it all seemed surreal. On a personal note, to be able to say that I was involved in this team, and to experience and be a part of what we have achieved is easily my greatest ever moment in football to date. There is a sense of humbleness and pride as I accepted herself (the Cup), caressed her in my arms, gave her a soft kiss (as whispered your coming home with me babe!), and raised her high with ever last ounce of strength I had on that day!

Every Easts man, woman and child had a part to play in our great day. The players on the field were amazing. I could not pick a Player of the Day, so instead, can I just say that Easts Celts are the team of the year...

Simply fantastic!

Rónán

"Its raining Celts, halleluiah!!"

Even the wild storm that passed through Willawong on Sunday could not dampen the spirits of the mighty Easts Celts Seniors as they convincingly seen off Sarsfields in the Queensland League Championship Semi Final.

The day say the welcomed return to the squad of Nathan Dawes and Billy Clohessy, and a fine job they did as well. The Celts had one of our best squads of the year out, and it really showed. Everyone knew that it was an important game, and we did not underestimate Sarsfields. They are a quick team, and for some times in the game, they put us under a bit of pressure in the backs. But to our credit, the backs did their job tremendously, and showed real character and discipline. John Kelly lined up at corner back and with his new "improved" hairstyle, he gained about an extra 5km per hour in aerodynamics! Seriously, John did a solid job.

The first half saw the Celts drive hard for the ball, and the communication was excellent. Great work in the forwards saw Easts awarded 2 penalties, which Leigh Scott confidently and impressively converted from the spot. Leigh also picked up the player of the day award for his efforts, and he showed some fine form. Good man Leigh!

In the second half the Celts raised the tempo again and the play of the ball flowed smoothly, especially given the wet conditions. An to top it all off, your truly scored the Celts last goal which was a great combination of teamwork, unselfishness from about 7 passes, and my right boot!!!! Man that felt good!

Anyway, we did the job and now we face Souths in the Grand Final next week the 12 Sept 2004. This will be an important match in many respects, but for some of us, it will be to regain the pride we lost when Souths beat us in the Grand Final back in 2001. So as the season draws to a close, the Easts Celts men look forward and upward. We cant wait until next Sunday!

That's a big 10-4 Bosco!

Rónán

"Double" impact!

Sunday at Willawong saw the Easts Seniors clinch the Queensland Gaelic Football League with an impressive win over Harps, in what was an usually hot day for this time of year. That now makes the Seniors the holders of the "Double" to date for the 2004 season, being the Brisbane Shield and the Queensland League. On a personal note, it was quite surreal.

The Harps team never really got off the ground, but to their credit, they made some impressive runs through us and seemed to always have men free. Harps, you guys put up a brave effort and I think you have the makings of a solid team next year - so hold onto what you have and build over the summer. Also, good luck for the finals next week.

Peter Lawless was once again inspirational in the forwards and scored an amazing 6 goals from play. Dov Hirst got his usual weekly goal and managed to also put a couple sweetly over the bar from play! The backs did their job at an exceptional rate, which was evident from the Harps score line of 2 points. Conor Ward did some amazing running up and down the pitch - he reminded me of our little pup back home in Ireland (we called him Sam after Tyrone willing the All Ireland last year!) - the fella he just kept of running after ye! Conor picked up the Player of the Day, but had to share it 50/50 with Greg Bryant who was inspirational in the back line, and even made it his job to support the forwards from time to time! Well done to you 2 guys!

So from here? Well, we forget about the wins to date and focus on the most important part of the year. Championship football is a different ball game - make no mistake. We must lift our game to our best level we can. As Chris says, its 60 mins of football, but memories that will last forever...

Rónán

Easts Celts Seniors withstood a Mitchels second half comeback to win the second last regular fixture match of the season at Willawong yesterday.

In a game played in windy conditions, Easts started strongly and took a healthy lead into half time. Determined and skilful play from John Mitchels in the first ten minutes of the second half saw them claw back Easts lead slightly, but the Celts decided it was time to get "fair dinkum" and muscled up in defence. A late scoring flurry by the Celts saw the game won by a comfortable ten points. The final score was Easts 3-11 (20) to John Mitchels 2-4 (10).

Star performers for Easts were Billy "the kid" Clohessy and Peter Lawless, who were superb in attack. Tim Parfitt and Shannon Van Balen were also dominant in their respective positions. "Super-Sub" Paul Reball capped off a difficult day with a long range score within seconds of taking the field.

The result puts Easts one win closer to the league title the club is desperate to snare. On the down side, player coach Chris Guice sustained a serious knee injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the season. All Easts players and officials wish Chris a speedy recovery.

Dov Hirst.

---

Easts finished off their three game series against Mitchells on Sunday with yet another victory. They must be sick of playing us! To their credit, Mitchells put up a good fight to us and were probably the better team in the second half.

Joel made a welcome return to the team after being on holidays for the last month. Conor and Matt lined up in midfield and combined well together. The backs played very well again and only conceded six scores in sixty minutes. One score conceded every ten minutes, that's good going. We went in at half time with a commanding lead with goals from Dov, Peter and Nathan.

Chris suffered a bad injury to his leg in the first half and was taken to hospital. Hopefully he will have made a recovery by October and will be able to represent the Australian Masters in Ireland.

We didn't play our greatest football in the second half but we never looked like losing. Some lovely points scored in the second half came from Bill, Matt and Paul, who scored with his first kick of the ball. Our captain for the day scored two nice points as well.

Next week is the last game of the season before the finals and if we win, we will win the league. Its been a great year so far, hopefully we can keep it going and win the final.

Mayo for Sam '04!
Conan

"Its getting hot in here...."

Hot Hot Hot! We were HOT! Easts Seniors took the bull by the horns against John Mitchell's on Sunday and came away with an impressive win as the Queensland League draws to a close.

We had learned alot from the prior week when Mitchell's gave us a scare in the opening 10 minutes. This week we had something to prove to ourselves, and that we did. I could feel and see the pride and desire in each of the Easts men's eyes and we huddled before the throw in. Every man knew what was expected of him, and I feel very proud to say that every man stood tall.

Peter Lawless again was very impressive on the half forwards, directing some beautiful balls over the bar. The first half also say Easts awarded a penalty, which Peter stood up to and placed the O'Neill's in the top right corner of the net. Fair play also to Billy "the kid" Clohessy who stood in at corner forward even though he was crook. Billy really dug deep and was a huge influence in attack.

The Easts back line truly were on song, and the man to man marking was excellent. Ben Morahan and Tim Parfait did their jobs well making sure that the 2 danger men for Mitchell's were, well, much less dangerous. The marking was as tight as Scrooge at Christmas. Sunday also welcomed Leigh Scott back into goals, and this was crucial in our game as Leigh's performance was brilliant, especially in the kick outs which worked to plan.

Player of the day went to......well, yours truly! Its a little hard to give myself a wrap in these reports, so I will not bother. I felt pretty happy with my game proud that we came away with the goods.

Great work lads!
Rónán

Media Watch:   Irish Echo - August 12, 2004

"It wasn't hard, and it wasn't easy"

Easts Seniors continued their winning form at Willawong against a "surprising" John Mitchell's at the weekend, winning by 2-10 to 0-8.

Damn sure it wasn't easy. We made hard work for ourselves. I think Easts may have got a little complacent just before the throw in, and underestimated the John Mitchell's team. The first 5 minutes were terrible for Easts and to their credit, John Mitchell's broke loose and came away with a few scores. They seemed to have men free at all angles, and it was time to 'mark up' or 'give up'.

But the Easts boys, knowing never to give up, tightened things up and the game seemed to calm down after about 15 minutes. Overall the game was a little scrappy I thought, and Easts definitely have more to show.

Peter Lawless was outstanding in corner forward and scored some beautiful points, especially the 45's from the ground. With about 10 minutes to go, I think we were only up about 2 points, but somehow we managed to pluck another few quick scores, including a well placed fist by Peter Lawless, placing the ball into the back of the Mitchell's net. Peter indeed did also pick up the player of the day.

As the league draws to a close, we again face Mitchell's in the next 2 games, and so we have learned some valuable lessons from Sunday; a test for which we must pass at all costs.

Rónán

"The Easts men are back!!!"

Well, we definitely put the events of the past two weekends behind us as the Easts Seniors took the pitch at Willawong against Sarsfields for the late game at 4pm. Again, as always seems to be the case, we were missing a few players, but there were no shortage to choose from - a special mention to Adam Mellick on his debut outing for the Seniors at corner back, and also we saw the very very welcomed return of Shane Farmer to the squad.

We had a few tactical changes which worked well for us. John Kelly filled in for the absent Shannon at full back, and if I might say so, John did an excellent job. Timmy and Conor picked up the midfield, well done boys - you really did do the job on the day! Peter Lawless also made his debut in a Celts jersey at corner forward and had quite a few impressive scores.

The first half worked really well and we really played as a team....no, wait we played as a winning team. What was it in the movie "Cool Runnings"..."We had PRIDE, we have POWER, we were bad ass m@ther feck&rs who weren't gonna take no shit offa nobody"! Seven points up at half time but we went back out with a point to prove, and points we got! Final score 4-15 to 1-8.

Best on Ground??? Answer was everybody!

See ye's at training boys!
Rónán

Media Watch:
Irish Echo - July 29, 2004: Easts Celts bounce back

"2 in a Row, and its not Bingo..."

Easts Seniors suffered a second defeat in as many games in the Queensland League last Sunday against a more structured and convincing Souths.

It was my first game back in the role of team captain, and I would have personally liked a better result. Before I forget, thanks to Conan for taking over the role while I was overseas and for those impressive match reports - Conan, the only thing I have to correct you on is your comments on something like "Mayo for Sam" - clearly you are not thinking straight there!!!!

Back to the game - Souths had a couple of men who really carved us up. We were not getting to even contest the ball around midfield and at every breaking ball, Souths seemed to have a hoard of players scooping up the pickings, while we could not quite manage to condense the area around the breaking ball. We had the strong breeze in the first half, but Souths managed to go in at half time a few scores up on us. We knew it would be a tough battle against the wind in the second half. It was all a little too late when Conan made a great run through, gave and got the "one-two" and slipped the ball into the Souths net with his left. Player of the day went to Leigh in goals.

As Forest Gump said "that's all I have to say about that". Lets move on and concentrate on picking it all up at training on Wednesday.

Rónán

We're simply the best, better than all the rest. Are we?

Easts suffered their first loss in the league this year to a more hungrier Shamrocks side, who were out to get revenge after losing the Brisbane Shield to them in June. It was without a doubt our worst performance of the year and if it wasn't for Joel in the nets we could have lost by a lot more. We did manage to win the toss and elected to play with the breeze in the first half. Things went according to plan as we built up a three point lead at half time with some nice scores coming from the boots of John Kelly, Mark Lennon and Nathan Ram.

Within five minutes we extended our lead to five points and it looked as though another win was on the cards. However for the last twenty minutes of the game our whole team performance collapsed. There was constant pressure on our backs for most of the second half and they did manage to hold a strong Shamrocks forward line for a long period of that time. With five minutes to go we conceded a couple of goals and a few points as Shamrocks went on to win by two points.

It was a bad way to lose our long unbeaten run of games in the league. Carl had another strong game and deservedly got best on ground. Joel made some good saves in the second half and felt he had done enough to secure best on ground. Anyway the least said about this game the better. Let's not let this happen again.

Conan Dyar

Another victory for Easts extended our lead at the top of the table. It was Harps/Minors turn to fall victim to the mighty Celts. It was a scorcher of a day at Willawong but that did not detract from the quality of football played by both sides. Once again, we lined up missing several of our key players, but we didn't need them as the players covering for them were capable of doing the job at hand.

Joel made a return to the nets after missing last weeks match with a hand injury. The big guy didn't have much to do as our defenders lived up to their reputation as the "meanest backs in the league". Well done to Carl who was annointed best on ground after another great performance in only his second game for Easts. At the other end of the ground, the forwards tallied up another impressive high score. There was good movement in the forward line and this was rewarded with some fine scores from Dov, Nathan and Chris to name but a few.

All in all it was another satisfactory outcome for Easts. Next week we will face a bigger test when we take on Shamrocks.

Conan Dyar

Easts maintained their unbeaten run in the league this season by dispatching of John Mitchells. It was a great result for us considering we were missing several key players.

Having not played for two weeks Easts shook off the cobwebs early, building an impressive lead going into half time. After the break there was no sign of a let off for Mitchells as we dominated in all areas of the field and continued to pile on the scores.

A big shout out for Matt who volunteered to man the goals. Good on ya Matt, you did a great job. Our backs were consistent as they have been all year and only conceded five scores to a good Mitchells forward line. Special mention to Carl, who had a fine debut for Easts at half back. Tim and Conor were solid in midfield and notched up a few scores between them. Our forwards did not let the rest of the side down as they tallied up a total of eighteen points.

John Kelly got some beautiful scores and some not so beautiful as he went on to become the man of the match. After the game John stated he had a great game but said he was much happier with the team performance and I agree with you John. Thanks also to Chris, Paul and Mark in the forward line. They may have increased the average age of the team but got some fine scores.

Mayo for Sam 2004!

Conan Dyar

Easts Seniors win Brisbane Shield Final!!!

Everything worked out as planned! From the allocation of the new jerseys and full new strip, to the pre-game photo's and warm ups, to taking the ground, winning the toss, and winning the game!! And what a game, what a mighty good game!!

Firstly I'd like to take the opportunity to thank Richard Mulhern (Dicey Reilly's) and his family for coming out to the game to support us, and getting involved in some photo opportunities, and of course the sponsorship to allow us to get the jerseys. We definitely looked the part cosmetically, and time told that we were the part (so to speak) at the end of the hour. There was a huge crowd there, so the atmosphere was intense.

Initially, things did not quite go according to plan with Shamrocks stealing a very early goal, but to our credit, Easts composure stood out and we never once let the heads down. Our match up's proved to be a great success; Timmy, Conor, Matt O'Neill, Niall etc. Easts replied with some fine points and then the goal came when the ball was lobbed into the mouth of the goal, to be met with an Easts fist and into the back of the net she went! We were moving the ball well in the first half, but there seemed to always be a Shamrocks player or two running wild which cost us a few scores. This was soon fixed.

What was it Chris said at half time..."30 mins to do it, and the rest of your life to remember it!" That was inspirational! Easts came out of the starting blocks pumped! A few tactical changes at half time saw more crucial benefits, and with Paul Menary now in full back, there was no way that anyone was going to get past him. Paul had an outstanding game and was awarded the Player of the Day.

As it happened though, Shamrocks were awarded a penalty early in the second half, but there was no way Joel (sick or not; good man Joel) was going to let that ball into the net! A great save really pumped the Easts men into overdrive! But then, about 10 mins from time, it all happened again! Another penalty to Shamrocks. Could the big man in nets pull off another outstanding save? I didn't doubt him for a second, and once again, Joel did not let us down! Another great save really sealed the victory for the Celts.

I was surprised that we had actually won by a margin of 10 points in the end. The game never really reflected that. Fair play to Shamrocks for a great battle on the field. Was truly a great game of Gaelic!

Special thanks to Ronnie, Nicole, Louise, Lisa and the rest for making the banners, balloons etc - your efforts are much appreciated! By the way, I got home at 7am after the game (as did many others after a heavy night of celebrations), and its now the day after, and I'm not well..............

I have one more - a real special thanks to Niall Convery. Niall showed the ultimate commitment to the team by delaying his return trip home to be available for the Shield Final - on behalf of the club, thanks a million Niall. You made a huge difference. Best wishes for the return trip home and the family wedding. I will see you in Clones on 11 July 2004. We will meet in the Roost.

The sweet taste of success doesn't get any better than the moment when I raised the Brisbane Shield on Friday night, 11 June 2004.........

Rónán

Media Watch:
Irish Echo - July 1, 2004: Easts celebrate Shield win in Brisbane

"Wham, Bam, thank YOU Mr Ram!!!"

Nathan Ram has broken the record, and possibly even to a level where it will be inapproachable to any other! In the weekend Queensland League game against Harps, Nathan scored an impressive 11 goals, beating the current record of 9 goals held by a Shamrocks player.

Sunday saw a few Easts men out with niggling injuries, so Chris decided to rest them for the big game on Fri night. Easts started with a few blitzing goals, yes from Mr Ram, and Matt O'Neill, and really set the pace of the game from there. Instructions from the side line were clear - "Go for goal, and goals only!" A late arrival for number 7 from Harps saw Easts make the tactical change to match Timmy with him, and with him he stayed.

Easts also have the opportunity to try some unusual set ups, with Ben, Shannon and Paul having a stint up in the forwards, and these solid back men even came away with a goal from Ben.

Fair play to Harps for never lying down, even though it would have seemed pointless - let hope you boys get some additional players in the coming weeks.

So, in summary, a good run out for Easts in advance of what is undoubtedly the most important game of the season to date - the Brisbane Shield Final this Fri night.

Rónán

?Toowoomba'way Toowoomba'way, Toowoomba'way Toowoomba'way.....?

And it was like a jungle out there as Easts took on Souths in the annual Toowoomba Cup game on Saturday!!

There was a chill in the Toowoomba air, and I'm not referring to the thermometer - there was definitely no love lost on the ground between these two teams. It was intense from the throw in and Niall Convery had already marked his ground. We were up a few points at half time but that did not really matter. Conan Dyer played some excellent football and I was amazed at the way he got involved and came out of those tough tackles with the ball. And what about our Tim? He was like a machine running through men, with them bouncing off him like a football off a wall. Billy "the Banger" Clohessy had an absolutely amazing game and picked up the Player of the Day. I've never seen him play such fine, hard, skilled and determined football - well done Billy!

I could probably mention everyone's name in this report as each and everyone of us put our bodies on the line for each other. A truly great game of football, and a great game to win!!!

Rónán

"Solid"

That's the word I would have to use to describe the Seniors game yesterday against Sarsfields where Easts added another impressive win to their tally. Everyone was "solid". It was one of those games where everyone put their bodies on the line and showed 100%+ commitment.

The day say the welcomed return to the half back line of Paul Menary and Nathan Dawes and what a difference these guys can make! Leigh was also absent in goal this week, but thanks and a big shout out to Joel Houghton who stepped in, and really stepped up as well. Joel picked up the Player of the Day for his commitment at the ball, even if that did mean spraining a few fingers and nearly knocking himself out making a save whilst bending the goalpost.

Sarsfields had a bit of bad luck when Glen Fields missed a penalty in the first half by hitting the right side upright, and again in the second half with an identical shot. Both Glen and Daniel for Sarsfields were the key men, but thanks to Tim and Connor for taking these guys out of the game.

As Chris said at the end of the game, it is hard to pick any one person as outstanding as we all did a great job! Special mention to Conan Dyer who was in fine form and comfortably converted a few frees (Happy Birthday to sor!). Matt O'Neill also had a great game and tallied up some great scores! I was also quite happy with my point from the sideline at about 40m out! (not that I can really pat my own back on these reports!)

Thanks also to Mattie Walsh who has really showed good form in refereeing this year.

Let hope we can do it again at Toowoomba this weekend!!!!

Rónán

Easts make good from prior week

I think it might have been the parable told by Chris in the changing rooms before the game that inspired the team, but the Seniors sure did make good the defeat by Shamrocks in the friendly game a week prior. The Mighty Celts powered through in the first official game of the Queensland League with a win over Shamrocks. There was just 2 points the difference, but to be honest that did not reflect the general attitude of the game, and the way Easts mostly dominated the pairc.

We had a few tactical changes practiced from the Wed night training, and they seemed to work very well. Nathan Ram once again proved himself very well with a few fine points from full forward. Niall Convery had an outstanding game in Centre half forward - he was hard at the ball and full of commitment - a standard that the team have been proud of this year so far. Niall also picked up the player of the day and deservedly so. The Falcon went to Billy "the Banger" Clohessy! Not really sure what happened there but he did something to upset the ref to turn our penalty into a throw up!

The backs again proved outstanding and I really feel proud of them for the amount of hard running and cover up they do. They did not get the chance to have a breather and were working tirelessly. Ye know, it good to provide recognition to the people who score etc, but equally important is the "men behind the wire" so to speak who break down opposition attacks and provide the forwards with that opportunity. A real team effort.

Congrats to everyone on a great game - lets keep it at this level and upwards

Rónán

Another scratch match proves costly

Its a funny set up in the QGFA league this year with so many teams having scratch matches (games, but no points). Sunday saw Easts take on Shamrocks in one of those games, and unfortunately we lost by a single point. What was more costly was the injury sustained by Conar Dyer, who, in committed form as he was attacking the ball, clashed heads with a Shamrocks player and busted his left eye. Conan needed 8 stitches and was detained in hospital for a few hours due to concussion - hope you are feeling better today Conan and see you at training on Wed night (you'll not be training though).

On a more positive note, Easts have once again learned some valuable lessons from the game. We meet Shamrocks again next week in the first game of the league proper, and will again meet them in the Brisbane Shield Final on 11 June 2004. I'm sure we will be focusing hard on how to improve at training this week.

Easts were once again missing some key players from the half back line, but to be fair, most of the team did not really manage to get into the swing of things. Billy "The Banger" Clohessy scored a great goal in the first half mind you, and the welcomed return of Niall Convery in midfield added much value to that area of the pairc.

So we will pick it up from here and continue to improve on our form. See you all at training on Wednesday. Don't forget, we will need confirmed numbers for Toowoomba and some cash from each of you to pay towards the deposits needed....

Rónán

Seniors make a clean run in the Brisbane Shield

The Seniors continued their fine form on Sunday with an impressive win over John Mitchell's, which has now seen the Seniors win 5 from 5 in the Brisbane Shield - we have now beaten each team in the competition. The win has also secured our place in the Brisbane Shield Final on 11 June 2004.

We still had a few players missing on Sunday due to other pre-arranged commitments and a few injury's, but were grateful to the lads who stepped up to fill the boots. It was also the welcomed return of Nathan Dawes who started in goals, but eventually made his way out to the usual half back line where he is very convincing in his style of play. We were only a goal up at half time and the first few minutes of the second half seen another goal. Conan Dyer scored what I would call a great goal in the second half with a strong run through about 4 defenders to drive the ball low and hard into the corner of the net.

Matt O'Neill also had a great game and was key in fielding the high kickouts and running forward with the ball. The Falcon award went to Brendon Riddell for his bizarre efforts after getting a bad knock in the second half - I think he may still have been in "coo-coo land"!! That also saw Brendon's last game for the club as he relocates up North now - best of luck Brendon and maybe we will see you again later in the year.

The Player of the Day went deservedly to Greg Bryant in the back line. Greg as usual is the man who keeps the rest of us on our toes with his vision and constant communication from the back line. He really had a great game, was hard at the ball and made some great runs forward - 100% commitment - Well done Mouser!

So we continue with training on Wednesday night - remember its an important training session and everyone is required to attend, injuries or not as we will be discussing some key objectives and goals for the remainder of the season - everyone's input is required.

Rónán

Easts Seniors suffer first defeat of the season

Sunday at Willawong saw Easts Seniors suffer their first defeat of the season against Souths with a score line of 2-7 to 1-4. Easts were missing a few key players, especially around the half back line, but we did have the necessary skilled men to step up to the challenge. To be fair, Easts never really got going and there was "flat" air to the game. We were kinda out of shape, which allowed the Souths lads to run through uncontested at some times. It was just one of those days I guess, but to be fair, the lads took it on the chin and accepted that hardly anyone really had a good game. Fortunately, the result did not count towards the shield or league positions, with only the for and against being recorded. If we were to lose (and ye know, it was likely to happen sometime), Sunday was the day to do it.

On the positive side, we saw some key learning points from the game and these we will work on over the coming weeks at training and the games on Sundays. I would say that even though we lost, it was a constructive game. The Falcon award went to Paul Menary for thinking the game started at 3.45pm instead of 2.45pm! (that bleach in his hair must have seeped through to the brain Paul!), and the Player of the Day went to 'not so tiny Tim' who really worked hard in the half back line - well done Tim - you had a good game.

Every man on the Easts team wore a black armband in respect of ANZAC day, and also to respect the sudden passing of Chris Guice's good friend last week. Our thoughts and prayers extend to the family and friends circle.

Rónán

Brisbane Shield Final, here we come...

I think yesterday was one of the hottest days this year so far at Willawong, but the heat must have done something right for the Mighty Easts Celts! The score line at full time was something I don't think I've ever seen done by the Celts before - it sends a strong message to the opposition teams that we mean REAL business this year.

The day saw the welcomed return from Bill Clohessy after a bit of time recovering from a leg injury, Paul Menary after a similar injury, and Stevie Ryan who's only injury was his new haircut!

The game flowed fairly well and by half time we had a comfortable lead. There was a bit of space around the middle which was tightened up in the second half. Ben in the centre half back position proved to be as solid as a rock as usual - he had a great game and even found the legs for a run forward in the second half for the chance of a score. The Falcon award went to Conan Dyer for his run in the first half on goal, only to put the ball wide - how he missed it I do not know! The Player of the Day went to Nathan Ram, and deservedly so. Nathan has proved himself as a key forward, a mighty achievement indeed as his usual place was in the half back line last year. Nathan scored an amazing 2-4 from play.

No games for the Seniors next week due to the public holiday, but then its Mitchell's the week after. The win on Sunday has earned Easts Celts a spot in the Brisbane Shield Grand Final on 11 June 2004. Lets bring the silverware to the East side of Brisbane boys...

Rónán

Three from three!!!!

Yip, that's three from three for the mighty Easts Celts Senior Men's Team!! In what was undoubtedly one of the best performances yet, the Seniors convincingly defeated Sarsfields at Willawong today with a score line of 1-15 to 0-4.

It would be hard to pick a "best player" from today, and in a way that probably shows what a good team we have already developed. Easts got on top early with a goal from Matt O'Neill, who also showed fine form by converting a total of 1-4 from play. The forwards were really on form. There were little wides, and the score line really showed how we can convert those scores when it counts. Another fine performance from Connor Ward in midfield, and he managed to tally up four lovely points as well.

Easts were actually missing some key players as well, from Billy who should return to training this week and Paul Menary who has a bit of a leg injury at the moment, and also Lee (usually in goals). Speaking of goalies, what a fine performance from Joel in nets. Pulling off some great saves and to stop that penalty was unreal! It was "sweet" to watch the play - every man really went hard at the ball and also backed up to create some great chances and "majestic" football flowing up the middle.

Congratulations to Connor Ward for being awarded the inaugural "Falcon" award for having a brilliant run through Sarsfields defence, getting straight in from of goal, and somehow still manage to aim for the corner flag!!!! Also, congratulations goes out to Nathan Dawes in being awarded the player of the day for Easts. Nathan (as usual) was key in our defence and had a fine game.

Easts continue with training as normal, but no games next Sunday due to Easter.

....."Pat Fox has it on his hurl and is motoring well now ... but here comes Joe Rabbitte hot on his tail ...... I've seen it all now, a Rabbitte chasing a Fox around Croke Park!"...

Finally, congratulations to Chris Guice and his wife on their wedding anniversary this Wednesday - good man Chris!!!

Rónán

They're not made of tin...they're made of GOLD!!!!

Awh how good does this feel?! That's 2 from 2 and the mighty Easts Celts have continued their strong form with an impressive win over South's at Willawong. Dare I say it, but those tin knickers from last week have turned into Gold!!!!

Easts started early and immediately put pressure on South's from the throw in with Rónán Harper (stepping up in midfield) delivering a ball into the new full forward, Niall Convery who had a brilliant match and really stepped up to the challenge of that vital position. The team had a few tactical changes in it. Conor Ward remained in midfield and did an outstanding job as usual. Our new recruit Lee in goals was like getting the bonus ball in the lotto. His goalkeeping was great and the kick outs were spot on - delivered in what I would call a "perfect way"! And what about our Shannon?!!?! I don't think I've ever seen someone take that full back position as well for the club. His full forward opponent for the first half towered about 1.5 foot above our Shannon but the big man hardly smelt the leather on the O'Neill's at all, so much so that South's had to move him outfield in the second half. Well done Shannon in what was undoubtedly a fantastic game for yourself and the team!!!

Aye, those half back's again proved invaluable. Ben Morahan has continued his strong form. Unfortunately Paul Menary was struck with a bit of an injury early on which ruled him out for the rest of the game, but the backs held tight. The determination was emphatic, illustrated by the way Nathan Dawes put his body on the line (100% commitment) near the end of the second half to halt the South's attack in its tracks and get the turnover.

A switch with Nathan Ram to half forward proved a success with the big man scoring 3 points from play, and being awarded a spot kick in the second half which Conan Dyer confidently placed in the corner of the net - that practising with Matt and Rónán on Saturday sure payed off, eh Conan?!

In summary, all I can say is that is that, "I'm Excited" (sorry Big Kev, but I'm sure you won't mind me saying that?). In my 4 years here playing with the club I don't think I've ever smelt the sweet smell of success as much as I do this year. Things are looking good, but in saying that we have a lot of work to do. Men, pull on yer wellingtons, fold the top of them down, and lets kick some more ass at training on Wednesday night, and again against Sarsfields on Sunday.

"... and Brian Dooher is down injured. And while he is, I'll tell ye a little story. I was in Times' Square in New York last week, and I was missing the Championship back home. So I approached a newsstand and I said 'I suppose ye wouldn't have the Kerryman would ye?' To which, the Egyptian behind the counter turned to me and he said 'do you want the North Kerry edition or the South Kerry edition?'... he had both...so I bought both. And Dooher is back on his feet..." Go the Celts!!!!

Rónán

G'on ya boy ya!

It might have only been by 1 point but its a victory all the same. The mighty Celts Seniors started the Gaelic season in style for a change with an impressive win over Shamrocks. You could sense an air of determination in the dressing room before the game. The mood was hot and it wasn't from the smell of 'deep heat'.

Due to the availability of the other fields during the day, all games were 25 minutes an half instead of the usual 30 minutes. The squad felt complete and confident, especially with a few new faces and the addition of a much valued coach. It was intense from the throw in. Easts never lay down but fought hard for the ball. The back line was superb - the only way I can describe it is like a pair of tin knickers on a virgin - there was no way to get through. Both Ben Morahan and Paul Menary (on his debut return to the Easts Seniors!) proved to be the kingpins of our defence and both had an outstanding game. The midfield fought hard and well for the ball and although our forwards can learn much from the chances missed, they converted the vital scores to make the result count. I'm sure training on Wednesday night will concentrate on how we can improve on what we have already achieved.

So in summary, a good start for Easts. The win has boosted confidence and for a first game, it was a great result. Onwards and upwards............

Rónán