ESB GAA v NIE

The Annual GAA Football fixture between ESB and NIE was held in Corrigan Park, Belfast on Saturday 14th October in ideal weather conditions. From the throw in the NIE attack carved open the ESB defence to score a beautiful point from midfielder Kieran Brown This early onslaught signalled that ESB were in for a tough match and retaining the Dalton/Shavron Cup wouldn't be easy. Another point followed by a fortuitous goal left ESB with an uphill struggle as the NIE forward line led by Tyrone's Caolan Tierney peppered ESB goalkeeper Martin Mellarkey.

Excellent defence play by fullback Kevin Devanney and good work by Captain Padraig McCaffrey and his midfield partner John Sheridan limited the supply of ball to the dangerous NIE forwards supported by an industrious half back line of Jody Gilhooley, Garbhain Blake and Malcolm Dalton ESB began to forage in the NIE half resulting in a fine goal by Kevin Turley and three well taken points from Mick Quigley and Killian Geelan. The half time score of 2-5 for NIE to 1-3 for ESB was a fair reflection of the first half exchanges.

Resuming, NIE were the first to score and as time went on ESB legs began to tire while the opposition now growing in confidence began to run their opponents ragged. ESB Goalkeeper Martin Melarkey made three fine saves to keep ESB in the game. Two more goals and two points from Caolan Tierney and Sean Love for NIE nullified a fine late rally by ESB scoring one goal and two points leaving the end result NIE 4-7 to ESB's 2-5. Both teams availed of the great facilities at St. John's GAA and later at the Wellington Park Hotel. Gerry McCaffrey and Kieron McCoy on behalf of NIE wished this fixture now in its 31st year continued success and thanked Colum Grogan, John O'Riordan and Christy Goulding of ESB and their own colleague Francis McKillion for making the event possible.

Colum Grogan and Paddy Stapleton, ESB GAA President (who presented the Cup) reciprocated in fine style. Colum welcomed Coolkeeragh ESB Manager, Dave Shepherd, and EM Editor Bernie Healy to the event and thanked them for their support. He thanked NIE for their excellent hospitality and told them to mind the trophy until it returned to its rightful owners next year! When ESB travel North in 2008 it will be the 50th anniversary of the ESB GAA. Presenting the Cup to NIE Captain Declan McCann, Paddy Stapleton mentioned the significant part this event plays from a social and commercial perspective building greater bonds North and South.