ESB v NIE

The annual GAA Football fixture between ESB and NIE was held in Corrigan Park, Belfast, on Saturday October 25th in atrocious weather conditions. Playing with a gale-force wind after winning the toss, mid fielder Ciaran McManus and centre forward John O'Donoghue opened up a four point to no score lead after five minutes of play.

This early onslaught signalled that ESB were going to make maximum use of the elements and by half-time the score was 2-10 to 0-1. From the resumption, ESB once again were the first to score and this was an early signal to NIE that it would take an almighty effort on their behalf to overcome the large scoring deficit. NIE to their credit never gave up and with five minutes remaining had cut the deficit to six points. However, the well-marshalled ESB defence was well in control with fine displays from all the backs, mid fielders and forwards. But for the wonderful skills of NIE's goalkeeper Paul Mullen, ESB would have been out of sight at the interval.

It was truly a wonderful team performance by ESB and it was hard to select an overall individual performance. However, with his overall leadership and stamina in both attack and defence Ciaran McManus, had an outstanding game which was closely followed by brave performances from John O'Donoghue, Anthony Ruane, Brian McGuinness, Liam Shankey, James Tobin, David Prendergast, Kieran Tubridy and Captain John Sheridan.

Final scoreline
ESB 2 – 14 : NIE 2 – 7
Both teams availed of the great facilities at St. John's GAA, Corrigan Park, where an informal presentation of the winning trophy was presented to ESB Captain John Sheridan by Laurence MacKenzie, CEO NIE, who was unable to attend the presentation dinner. Later at the Wellington Park Hotel, Gerry McCaffrey and Kieron McCoy spoke on behalf of NIE and both wished that this fixture, which is now in its 33rd year, will continue for years to come. They both thanked Colum Grogan and Christy Goulding of ESB and their own colleague Francis McKillion for making this year's event possible.

Colum Grogan, ESB GAA Chairman and Luke Shinnors, ESB Executive Director HR (who presented the Ted Dalton/Pat Shavron Cup), reciprocated in fine style for ESB. Colum thanked the ESB GAA team and backroom staff for their support of this game and thanked NIE for their excellent hospitality.

When presenting the cup to ESB captain John Sheridan and vice captain Kieran O'Neill, Luke mentioned the significant part this event plays from a social and commercial perspective between both companies he hoped that NIE although operating from a smaller playing base, would continue to grow and wished them better luck for next year's fixture which will be played in Dublin.