The Annual Michael Byrnes Memorial challenge took place in its usual slot on St Stephen`s Day as players, supporters and members flocked to O`Hara Park to watch and support games that always resonate at this time of year. The whole day is in memory of a great gael who, sadly was taken from us almost twenty nine years ago but who still occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of all who knew and played with him as he was one of the Sarsfields finest players who was front and centre of many of our outstanding triumphs at underage and adult level throughout the the 1980s and 1990s respectively. It was good to see his father Michael (snr) in attendance with sister Maureen and other members of the extended family also present with mother Sadie also very tuned in to what was going on which added to the occasion as two games were down for decision. The ladies club got proceedings underway with a challenge involving two mixed teams of all ages and this proved lively and entertaining as the ladies held nothing back with the spoils being shared which upset one or two or the more competitively minded !
The men took centre stage from 12.15 with the line-ups remaining a closely guarded secret right up to throw-in. The rules were amended slightly to cater for the large numbers so it was more akin to 18-a side than the normal fifteen quota with both sides happy to facilitate each other in this regard. The over-30s had their usual sprinkling of stars with the Higgins brothers Aidan and Dermot bringing plenty of pace and athleticism to the paddock ably supported by the guile of Mark Caffrey and the tenacity of Kevin Deignan who rolled back the years with a stellar display. Others to make cameo appearances included Ollie Conway who looked fitter than any any stage in his pomp with Enda Casey still putting in a shift albeit his legs don`t have the same gas they once had . Paddy Breheny added plenty of heft and oomph when introduced and hit everything that moved as he took no prisoners in the tackle. Darragh McMeel and Kevin Munnelly shored off all routes to goal with some splendid defending as they rolled back the years withj performances that had one checking to make sure their birth certificates weren`t doctored ! The likes of Gareth O`Donnell, Paddy Walsh, Joe McBrien, Niall Murphy , Damein Ward et all provided some silky moments of class for the over-35 brigade with the Shane duo of Moran and Gallagher adding the odd fleeting moment of madness and class in equal measure as the older generation took the game to their younger opposition from the throw-in. The under-30s were staffed with plenty of legs and energy as they bristled with intent in the warm-up with lots of noise and bravado being called out into the crisp Xmas air. Most of it was of the hot air variety as they trailed for most of the game as Paddy Goldrick, Sean Dunleavy , Jack Corley, Eoin Flannery, Mattie Lenehan, Cian Towey, Niall Drudy, Gavin Honeyman, Conway brothers Ben and James, Tadhg Horkan and Paddy Joe Dunleavy tried to penetrate a well manned over 30s defence but more often than not they were snuffed out as the older men defended their castle with stubborn defiance. Mike Doherty minded the net for the older men and did a tidy job to boot as he defused many a scare with his own brand of unique net minding which had hearts trembling off and off the field as balls cannoned off the crossbar and bobbled in an around the small square with Mike flailing and doing his best to keep the net intact. Scores were very much at a premium on both sides as chances came and went but the over 30s were hanging in well as they took the mantra of parking the bus while holding a slender two point lead. Referee James Breheny brought his own rule book to the bear and this caused tempers to fray on several occasions with his liberal application of the said regulations. . He remained unfazed however and blew the whistle when the need was greatest and met all protests with an icy stare and a stern finger. The game was balanced on a knife-edge as the clock ticked down with the older men clinging on grimly to their narrow lead. Step forward Matt Lenehan for the younger cohort as he received a ball about thirty yards from goal with a full cordon of defenders facing him. He managed to pivot onto his left and in so doing, created a little bit of space for himself to unleash a scud missile that thundered into the top corner of the net past a bewildered Mike Doherty in the over-30s goal as he was totally deceived by the velocity and ferocity of the shot. It was a goal to grace any stage and one that was enough for the under-30s to snatch the victory with James Breheny sounding the final whistle immediately after to bring to a conclusion a game that was rich in perspiration if lacking in inspiration save for the winning score which was right out of the very top drawer.
Club Chairman Ryan O`Connor presented the Michael Byrnes Memorial Cup to victorious under-30s skipper Matt Lenehan who thanked both teams for their participation and was at pains to point out his blockbuster goal had come straight off the Shammer training field. Chairman Ryan thanked all who turned out in such big numbers for one of the highlights in the club calendar and paid special tribute to the Byrnes family who remain an integral part of the club and have been great supporters of the Sarsfields for so many years. All players and supporters adjourned to the dressing rooms for some refreshments with a fine array of sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee being very well received by the large crowds who mingled and chatted for long after the final whistle. The game had a charitable undertone with the best past of €1500 being raised for the Charlestown branch of St. Vincent De Paul which put the seal on a lovely day of fun and entertainment. The under-30s victory broke their long losing streak but the over 30s are already plotting their revenge with all kinds of plans being laid for the 2026 renewal. Well done to the organisers and sincere thanks to all who supplied and provided the refreshments as the club once again showed its best side and underlined the strong bond that exists between the club and the community.