Goal and a decade apart

ST Colmcille s class of 2008 edged out the glorious squad from 1998 in a feast of gaelic football on Saturday at Cotlandswick. The 1998 side made history for the club, winning four trophies including the coveted Hertfordshire Championship

ST Colmcille's class of 2008 edged out the glorious squad from 1998 in a feast of gaelic football on Saturday at Cotlandswick.

The 1998 side made history for the club, winning four trophies including the coveted Hertfordshire Championship which St Colmcille's have won five times since.

The match between the two eras was played with the intensity of a championship contest and fitness levels were on a par between the teams.

Paul Armstrong pointed for team 08 before team 98 hit back with two goals and four points.

Pat Walsh made some fine saves to deny team 08 and it was a glimpse of former glories as 98 led at the break.

A foul on Paul Dolan allowed Patrick White to convert a penalty for the dominant 08 side after the break.

Rare attacks from the 98 squad did bear fruit and the match could have ended in a draw when, in the final minutes Adrian Maher hit at goal from his hands. Whilst he was no more than eight yards from the goal, William Dunston was able to make an effective reflex save. Had the ball netted the scores would have been even and it was suspected that the referee might have blown the final whistle to leave the outcome as a draw. He didn't and this allowed Adrian O'Rourke to score one final point from 30 yards out to leave the 2008 team victorious by three points.

The club thanked Aaron O'Byrne for organising such a successful event which included an award ceremony that evening.

St Colmcille's are looking to the future and training is held on Wednesday evenings for Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 16s. Refreshments are available and while they train their mums are able to attend a free fitness class held in the Irish Centre.