More than just a game

One day on a foggy Saturday morning, where the

droplets of rain were drying off on the soft grass
et cetera. Jason just woke up, slowly craved out
of preparing to live through the most important
day in Ano Domini life.
He got all ready, got his old rusty Carrera bike
de facto a new shiny car and headed for the AUL
Complex football pitches to play the game, all
junior football is expecting the All-Ireland final. A
small town club Swords Celtic F.C persona non
grata of football world of which Jason was captain
was competing versus all mighty Dundalk F.C
filled with stars from top to bottom. All the
players with professional contracts with amazing
careers ahead of them. Which wasn't per se.
When Jason reached the place he strolled into the
dressing rooms, it was filled with tension and a
bunch of nervous boys everyone had their jersey
on and they were waiting for the person that
brought them here Niall Brady a man that stroke
fear into every man on earth a true dux gelli. He
was never a great speaker motivator that foggy
morning he just said Lads you know what to do,
get out there and make me proud, after a short
pause he repeated silently you know what to
do. This was his status quo. The team was one
of the greatest U16 squads the town of Swords
have ever seen. It wasnt all about the abilities it

More than just a game

was mostly about the heart. Every single body
gave their 100 % on the pitch.
This match was deciding whether glory would
spill over Jason or would he just be a forgotten
footballer that never lived to his full potential
which was repeated ad nauseum. This was the
D-Day for Jason and the squad. The players
jogged onto the pitch where the level of stress
and excitement rose to the maximum. The
youngsters could feel every muscle stiffen and
tense with the stress. In fact the team was well
prepared for the All Ireland final with mighty
Dundalk F.C with stars even on their reserves
team et cetera.
Jason strolled over to for the toss with the referee
and rival captain Conor Banks a great centre-half
ad hoc with an Everton contract. Jasons heart
beat so hard it like it was about to explode.
Suddenly the match began. The stands filled with
scouts all over the world looking for another
worldie and it was all up to Jason to give his
best.
The game started off well with high pressure on
the opponents half but they managed to break
away with a counter attack in the 17th minute.
BANG!! It was 1-0 to Dundalk after a finesse shot
into the bottom corner. Ergo Niall Brady was

More than just a game

going mental on the side-line almost jumping
onto the pitch himself he wasn't compos mentis.
The first half ended and fear stroke into Jason
and his teammates. Immediately at the
beginning of the second half a great ride on the
wing made by Gavin Carr a cross and a
fascinating goal by Jason an astonishing diving
header. Impromptu 1-1. Swords were back in the
game unbelievable carpe diem.
The confidence had returned and most
importantly the enthusiasm and team spirit. At
this point the boys could sense that the game is
theirs. Jason was on the ball a series of step
overs, he got past 3 opponents a pass into the
middle and the attack was stopped by a brutal
foul in the 90th minute of the game. It was circa
20 yards out. As captain Jason stepped up to take
it an ex gratia. A moment of silence. A small run
up. Strike. What a goal that was. The crowd went
wild. The subs invaded the pitch with joy and the
referee blew his whistle. They won! They had
fulfilled the dreams! Veni, Vidi, Vici.
Jason was speaking to 3 scouts from top British
clubs offering him a trail in the club he knew his
career was just starting He will be remembered
post mortem,carpe noctem.

More than just a game