Like the annoying hive in the middle of your back that can only be scratched either by another or with the aid of a stationary prop, competition structure will again have bee the hot topic of conversation on barstools around Meath last night.
However, there will be very different views of the dramatic conclusion to the relegation play off between Seneschalstown and Curraha. In Maguire’s of Kentstown, Cathal Hickey will be the toast of Yellow Furze after his spot kick saved the senior status for another season.
In stark contrast, the Hunky Dorys will have a very bitter twang after what prompted celebration and relief for the blue and gold will, conversely, bring the onset of dejection, desperation and a little panic in Swan’s, The Snailbox and such environs.
For the act of escapology engineered by Stephen Kernan, Paul Hearty and Graham Geraghty and their players leaves The Ha with their backsides teetering on the brink of the jaws of the bacon slicer. A slot which ill fits the talent within their ranks.
In the end, it could with credence be asserted that it came down to a case of the haves and the have nots. Put simply, where the return of Cathal Finnegan gave Seneschalstown some much needed horsepower, the loss or diminishment of the influence of James McEntee meant no amount of remedial surgery could aid their plight on this occssion.
Mind you, it certainly wasn’t for the want of a heroic effort from the outstanding Diarmuid Moriarity who – regardless of what the final fate of his kinfolk – will surely be worthy of a phone call from the onlooking Robbie Brennan. Having said all of the above, and, notwithstanding the fact that Curraha do have one more shot at salvation against Ballinabrackey, something like relegation being decided by penalties is utterly horrendous.
However, at least Curraha have a modicum of light at the end of the tunnel. In contrast, the lights all went out in Massachu… Donore! As one of the Premier Championship Finals involving Navan O’Mahonys (and I’m not sure who) had to be abandonned shortly before time due to floodlight failure in the home of St Mary’s.
An unfortunate turn of events for all concerned, the two teams competing, obviously, but also the host club. Staging a county final is always a big occasion, regardless of the code or grade, and hopefully whenever the refixture is staged, the Louth-border veune can again play host.
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