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Leeside Lions 10.2 (62)
South Dublin Swans 8.3 (51)

Cork CIT was the venue for the final round of the conferences and the destination of the Swans big annual road trip to Cork.  Clashes between the Leeside Lions and the South Dublin Swans tend to be keenly contested affairs and both teams arrived with good numbers and the promise of a game of good, hard footy.  For the Swans, there was plenty to play for, despite being already through to the Finals, not least the bragging rights that comes with turning over the Lions on their home patch, a difficult feat at the best of times.

The Lions began the game with wind advantage and used the breeze to good effect, finding their men with a range of accurate passing and putting the Swans defence under pressure from the off.  The Swans were resolute in defending, but the Lions enjoyed the upper hand this quarter, racking up three goals, the Swans responding with two of their own from Con and Seb.  This gave the Lions a narrow lead going into the first break.  Lions 3.0 (18) – Swans 2.0 (12)

The second quarter got underway with the Swans trying to turn the breeze to their advantage.  They weren’t having it all their own way however, as the Lions were playing cute footy to keep them at bay.  Bryce, Con and Paddy kicked goals for the Swans, though the Lions responded with two of their own, to leave the scoreline on a knife edge at half time.  Lions 5.1 (31) – Swans 5.1 (31)

The premiership quarter saw the Lions in the driving seat again, both sides were using their interchange bench to good effect, and the Lions began to find their range and pick off a few scores to edge their noses in front.  From a Swans point of view, this was their scrappiest quarter of the game, managing only one major, from the boot of Mick.  However the Swans defence and midfield continued to battle resolutely, with Cam, who flew home from the UK for the game, Paulie, Mick and Scotty working hard in the middle.  The quarter ended with the Lions holding the advantage on the scoreboard.  Lions 8.2 (50) – Swans 6.2 (38)

The final quarter was make or break for the Swans, but it was the Lions who were quickest out of the blocks, kicking two fine goals to push their lead out to four majors.  The Swans were under pressure, but slowly found their way back, with their forwards belatedly coming to grips with the impressive Lions defence, and creating some contests higher up the pitch.  Goals from Con and Conor kept the game alive, but the Lions were dogged to the end and held on for a fully deserved win.  Final Score: Lions 10.2 (62) – Swans 8.3 (51)

From a Swans perspective, thanks to all the lads who travelled down, some of whom were staying down to make a weekend out of it.  Thanks to Andrew for stepping in to umpire and thanks to Jen for helping out with injuries.  Thanks also to the Lions for a hard battle and deserved victory in the end.

The Lions hospitality for the day was not over, with Plugger and Fergal putting on a barbeque afterwards, to provide some soakage in advance of the evening’s refreshments.  And they proved to be excellent hosts for the evening, turning out in numbers to join the Swans in the traversing of Cork’s hostelries, until the obligatory ending up in Reardens, which has in recent seasons proved a more fruitful venue for the Swans than the CIT ground...

Lions Match Report

The lions met the South Dublin Swans on home ground last weekend knowing that a home victory was essential in the quest to guarantee a semi final spot in the premiership. The Lions had good numbers for the day with 22 players taking to the field and the Swans had traveled well with a strong side. With the Lions not having an Umpire available for the day, Andy from the Swans stepped in to take control. The Lions started well taking the game to the Swans with goals from Denis Kenneally and Colin. However the Swans settled quickly and quarter time saw little between the 2 sides.  Lions 3.0 (18) – Swans 2.0 (12)

The second quarter saw the game turn into a more physical contest. The Swans with the benefit of the wind reigned in the quarter time lead of the Lions.Playing well for the lions were Conor o Halloran and Brian o Sullivan on their debut. Half time score.  Lions 5.1 (31) – Swans 5.1 (31)

The third quarter saw the Lions dig deep and restore some of the first quarter momentum. Strong performances from Garth Kelleher, Vince, Colin, Denis K and Stretch in the Ruck saw the Lions lead at 3 quarter time 8.2 (50) – Swans 6.2 (38)

The final quarter started with the Lions readying themselves for Swans final push. However early goals in the quarter from Rob and Vince took the sting out of the Swans attack and provide a cushion for the final minutes of the game. The Lions defense was as strong as usual. The Swans goaled twice late on but the Lions held on for victory. Final Score: Lions 10.2 (62) – Swans 8.3 (51)

Strong on the day for the Lions were Vince, Colin, B Healy, Ian Sully, Eoin Sully, Quiggs, Stretch and Denis Kenneally

A bbq after the game put on by Plugger was followed by a long night of festivities in town. Both the Swans players and Lions enjoyed a few free beers and food laid on by the newest of the Lions sponsors, Bob Foxes, and then the usual VIP entry to the clubs main Sponsor, Reardens Bar where a good night was had by all. These festivities acted as a dry run for the Arfli Grand Final weekend which will be hosted by the Lions on weekend of the 18^th of September

Belfast Redbacks 6.4(40)

Midwest Magpies 5.5(35)

Two depleted teams took to the field in Mullingar on saturday last with much at stake. For the Redbacks a win by a big enough margin could have given them top spot in the Eastern Conference depending on how the Swans did in Cork against the Lions. For the Magpies they needed a win to be in with a chance of Finals Football.

The game started at a good pace and was very evenly contested for the first few minutes with both sides struggling to create scoring opportunities. It was Belfast who got off the mark first through Colm O' Reilly. This was followed soon after by a goal from Ryan McCloskey. The Magpies then had a period of dominance kicking first a behind, before James Keogh scored the first long range effort of his of the day. Colm O' Reilly added a third goal for Belfast and at the first change the Ulster side lead by two Goals.

In the second quarter the Magpies with the aid of the breeze began to dominate but couldn't convert on the scoresheet. Both sides exchanged behinds, before Shaun Murphy took a handpass off a mark in the centre to score his only goal of the day. Belfast responded well though, with a goal and a behind. The goal a terrific solo effort by Irish Warriors hero from the recent European Championship, Shaun McElhone. At half time the score was 4.3 to 2.2.

Belfast had the wind again in the third quarter, but found it hard to generate scores, thanks in the main to some terrific defence by Sean Doherty, the two Coynes and debutant Darren Geerah. 12 Minutes into the quarter, Ryan McCloskey got his second goal of the game and he followed three minutes later with his 17th of the season. The Magpies didn't score anything in response and at the final change the Redbacks lead by 25 points.

The Magpies, realising it might be their last quarter of football of the year, and that it would be the last time many of them would play together went all out in the final quarter. James Keogh, who is moving to Edinburgh next season set the tone with two more spectacular long range goals and Colin Langan also scored from a Mark right in front of the posts. The pies also missed three more scorable chances due to pressure from the Redbacks defence. The Redbacks could only manage one behind in Reply and when the final whistle sounded Belfast had won by just 5 points.

Both teams were grateful for the umpiring of Martin Fitzpatrick and Pat Leavy and to Sean Fallon for acting as Goal Umpire. The Redbacks progress to the Semi-finals as runners up on percentage in the East, while the Magpies will hope to build on what was an excellent debut season in the Premiership. Big credit goes to all those who wore the Magpies colours this year, but in particular to Club Supremo Tony McAffee whose hard work this year brought the club from nowhere to finals contenders.

Despite only recently commencing a Womens Footy Programme there has been a considerable amount of interest and that has now resulted in the formation of Ireland's first Womens Club, the Kilrea Kookaburras in Co.Derry. The club has been formed by Belfast Redbacks Full Back Andrew Hickey and Marie Therese Hickey and have already trained on several occasions. Next up the club will be hosting a National Team trial on September 4th, following which the first ever Ireland Womens Team will be selected to play in the EuroCup in Parabiagio, Milan on October 2nd. If you are based in or near Derry and would like to join the club you can contact Andrew on andrew_hickey@hotmail.com or 07907467148. For those based in other areas who would like to take part in the National Trial should e-mail game.development@arfli.com.

Swans 23.20 (158)
Demons 5.5 (35)

Swans Report

Bushy Park was bathed in glorious sunshine for the eagerly anticipated visit of huge rivals Dublin Demons to the Swans home ground. The conditions were perfect for good footy. The Swans were short a few regulars on the day due to injury, work and other commitments, but with 17 players on the team sheet, they still enjoyed the luxury of a handy interchange bench.

The Swans knew they would have to come out hard against a tough Demons outfit, who although themselves missing a few regulars, still had plenty of quality and international representatives throughout their side. Thus the first quarter opened at a fast tempo with good work and strong running from the Swans midfield of big Paulie, Enda, Con and captain Mick Hurley. The Swans defence was working hard also, closing down the Demons attack at every opportunity. Goals from Bryce, Shane, Nick and Eddie assisted in building up a handy lead coming into quarter time.
Swans 5.4 (34) – Demons 1.2 (8)

The second quarter got underway much the same as the first. However the Demons were gradually coming back into the game with Adam in particular taking a few nice marks and converting them into scores. The Swans on the other hand were particularly wasteful this quarter, kicking far too many behinds, which was poor return for the hard work of the defence and midfield. This gave the Swans the lead into half time.
Swans 7.14 (56) – Demons 3.3 (21)

The premiership quarter saw the Swans up the tempo again, and they sought to maximise their interchange bench to good effect, to maintain fresh legs on the field. New recruit Kevin, in his second outing in a Swans jumper, was having a fine game up front and helped himself to a goal, Bryce was in good form up front also, helping himself to another couple. The Swans defence of Moose, Lewis, Marty and Macka worked hard to shut out the Demons attack.
Swans 15.17 (107) – Demons 4.4 (28)

The final quarter saw the Swans seek to put more scores on the board, as the Demons lost a few key players to injury. The Demons at this point had few options left on the bench to give players a rest, but they never gave up and showed the class which has made them Premiers for the last two seasons. The Swans were able to find more space and tagged on a few additional scores to put a nice gloss on the final scoreboard.
Final Score: Swans 23.20 (158) – Demons 5.5 (35)

Thanks to everyone that helped out on the day, especially Tommy and Dom for umpiring the game, Andrew for running the bench and Jen for looking after our injuries. Thanks also to the Demons for a tough but sporting encounter.

It was then on to Terenure clubhouse for a few cold refreshments, pizza and an impromptu late evening drunken goal-kicking competition, featuring former Swans “stars” Woodsie, Oakesy and Griggsy, who were trying to recapture former glories on the front pitch at Terenure!

Goal Scorers: Bryce Fraser – 5, Con Aligizakis – 4, Ryan Serocki – 3, Eddie Warren – 2, Kevin Brennan – 2, Andrew Mack - 2, Nick Pigdon – 1, Shane White – 1, Mick Hurley – 1, Conor Evans – 1, David Scott – 1.

The Irish Warriors have won the inaugural European Championship in Malmo,Sweden. In a very tight contest with the Danish Vikings, Ireland came out on top thanks to late goals by Brendan Egan and John Enright. Full report to follow ASAP.

Live Quarter by Quarter Score updates will appear on The Footy Record Website from 4PM Irish Time on Saturday 7th of August. The Link to the page can be found at EC2010 Grand Final

Ireland are through to the first ever final of the European Championships of Australian Football. Today in Malmo, Sweden they defeated the host nation by 13.21(99) to 2.4(16) in their final group game to guarantee a spot in the final against Denmark this coming Saturday. The Danes came through after defeating Great Britain in their finl pool game.

Ireland were against the wind in the opening quarter but still managed to build up a good lead through goals from Maghnus Breathnach and Rob Armstrong, with Sweden getting one in return in front of the 600 home fans. In the second quarter Ireland’s superior defence lead by Captain Cian Quigley kept the Swedes scoreless while goals from John Tierney and Vince Manning extended the team’s lead.

The third quarter opened with a wonder goal from 50 metres by James Flavin, but this was cancelled out when the Swedes scored their second and final goal of the day. Bobby Byrne added another for Ireland, before Vince Manning bagged his second and third of the day.

In the final quarter, the defence and midfield again kept the home team goalless while adding goals through Vince Manning again, Bobby Byrne, Brendan Egan and Aidan Hickey.

The final will take place this Saturday in Malmo at 4PM Irish time.