The Gardaí v Defence Forces competitions have grown year in year out and 2016 was no different. The 60x30 competition had an added flavour this year with it having the honour of being competed in Croke Park. A court which although all had heard about, 90% had never stepped foot in.
The Defence Forces were holders of the prestigious Shield, and with the ever driven Sgt Eric O’Brien conducting the team with evident military precision, it was always going to be a battle for the Gardaí on the cards. Due to the exigencies of both job’s there was many faces missing. However it proved to be the chance for other’s to shine. The format was to be three doubles and a singles with an accumulative score to decide the winner.
Cpl Eddie Clifford and his cousin Pte Keith Clifford were first up against Conor McDonnell and Brendan O’Toole. The game proved to be a lively affair however the familiarity of the cousins along with some fantastic kills proved too much for the Gardaí with the Army pairing winning out, in what was to set the tone of the day.
Next to the court seen Tpr Brendan Higginbotham and Tpr Stephen Smullen pair off against Niall Maher and David Hannon. This game proved to be the contest of the day as not an inch was given by either doubles. Shot for shot the pair could not be separated. However with the scores tied at 20 – 20 Smullen retrieved a fantastic backwall shot, which caught the Gardaí prematurely celebrating. The Defence Pairing got back in and closed off the game setting up the singles match next.
The Singles match was familiar territory for the Defence Forces naval man A/Mech Robbie McCarty having recently one the Senior Single National title only weeks before. His opponent was also a familiar face in Paraic Roberts, with the pair having met in the competition in 2015. Some fine handball was played but Robbie proved just why he is the All-Ireland Champion and saw out the game.
Lastly but by no means least seen Pte Kirk Greene and Pte Denis Dowd face Campbell Brennan and Gerry Quirke. The Army pair were not to be outdone by their team mates before them and were out to make it four for four by the Defence Forces. Their determination paid dividend and they wrapped up the day in style.
It finished 84-43 to the Defence Forces in what was a fantastic competition. But the day was by no means done. A bite to eat, a change of venue, a change of code but a familiar out come was to ensue.
The Defence Forces brought the Gardaí to Cathal Brugha Barracks in Rathmines to compete in the One-Wall Shield. And while their hospitality was fantastic off the court, on it they were not out to make friends. The format was the same and seen the Defence Team:
Pte Kirk Greene, Pte Denis Dowd, A/Mech Robbie McCarty, Cpl Eddie Clifford, Pte Keith Clifford, Sgt Glen O’Kelly & Pte Ricky McCarty
Against the Garda Team of:
Niall Maher, David Hannon, Conor, McDonnell, Paraic Roberts, Brendan O’Toole, Campbell Brennan & Jason Hannon.
From the off set the Defence Forces showed the benefits of having their own One Wall courts in many of their barracks and pushed on to claim their 2nd title of the day winning 82-37. This completed the Hat-Trick for the Defence Forces in all three Codes of the game. A feat neither team had achieved before. Next year will see the Gardaí with it all to prove and the Defence Forces with it all to lose.
Both Teams wish to thank everyone involved behind the scenes including Comdt Bernard Behan and Assistant Commissioner Fintan Fanning for their continued support. Also special thanks to Austin McKenna for coming and taking time to speak with every player and watching the games, even if he couldn’t have been convinced to ref a game.
