First up I want to say well done to the ladies, the coaches, the physio and the volunteers that support this team. The result was no more that this very talented team and coaching staff deserve. A great win! 

Game 3 of the championship against Clan Na Gael on a sunny August night in Sean Moore Park.  It’s fair to describe it as a strange game with a happy ending. I have been watching this team play all summer and they are usually a joy to watch as they play a wonderful free style of football that generally cuts the opposition defence to shreds. Alas for the first 42 minutes we played a nervous style that was disconnected. It was as if we were afraid to take risks and I was reminded of the quote by the famous hurler Mick Mackey from Ahane club in Limerick who in 1936 said “Show me a team afraid to take risks, and I'll show you a team you can beat every time.”  Maybe there was  feeling we were favourites. They need to start believing because it’s a team dripping with talent. 

Despite our initial domination we were scoreless and as the game progressed we allowed the opposition into the game.  Clan na Gael were dangerous on the break and played some excellent football but I am guessing there was 8 BSJ wides in the first ten minutes. Clan Na Gael confidence grew  but they too were also sending more balls left and right of the sticks.  Frustration grew as the clock ticked on. After 20 minutes it was only 2-0 to Clan Na Gael. Clan Na Gael were cleverly playing two extra defenders at the back and it was a very effective tactic leaving our forward with no room. We could not figure out how to deal with it. 

Overall we were doing everything right except creating and scoring points, an ongoing challenge this season. I wonder did we need to start playing long kick balls from defenders to the forwards at speed. Risky but it may have created space and opportunity to score a rare goal or point. The hurler in the ditch know best!

Overall our defence was outstanding and they kept us in the game with some wonderful defending. It had a Tyrone vibe to it and no doubt reflects training ground work.  There were also some wonderful individual performances from new young players and more experienced players.

By the 42 minutes the score was one of the lowest scores I have seen in a Gaelic football game,  3 all.  Then a few sweet points seemed to calm the nerves and suddenly the fear was gone.  The Clan Na Gael defence reverted to a normal format hence creating more space. Our subs also brought a new energy. We took advantage of the space and started scoring at will. Great to see Grace Dent back and surprise surprise, she scored a goal. Grace scores goals with the ease that Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh commentates on All Ireland finals. I can hear him from Gaa heaven “Dent, that’s Grace from Cumann Naomh Eoin Baile an tSaoir in Baile Átha Cliath ceithre cinn déag. What a talent. Even her bad goals are good!”

It went from 03 03 in the 42 minutes to 3-07 to 0-05. Roughly a point every two mins. I will take that. It was like a Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible movie when he removes the mask to reveal a high functioning very talented team. The real BSJ ladies team showed their colours. And their colours are bright vibrant and effervescent. 

They need to keep the mask off for the final game against a very strong O Dwyer’s team who beat a 17 wins in a row St Brigids team. The score was 1-13 to 2-07.  I predicted we would win tonight’s game and I predict we will win our home fixture against O’Dwyers. I am going for a three point win and will be in the bookies tomorrow to place my bet. There is real believe in this team’s ability and they need to believe in themselves. We are still in the mix and need to throw caution to the wind and be fearless. If mistakes happen big deal, move on and next ball. Risk and mistakes brings reward and success.  We will win if we perform to the standard we are capable of. One parent on the sideline suggested a few extra hours practice in front of the sticks under pressure. She quoted the not so famous half back Lee Trevino from Boyle, Co Roscommon who in 1962 said “It’s funny, the more I practice the luckier I get.” 

Well done to Ciara Andrews MVP and well deserved. Liam wrote in his article after the Feile many years “I predicted a very bright future for Ciara. A unique talent.” I agree. 

From a personal perspective it’s great to see the two Fearon sister, Katie and Sophie represent their club at this level. They join a long line of sister acts in BSJ. 

Good luck to ladies and coaching team on Wednesday at 6.45 in Marley Park.