The Leeside Lions kept their 100% record in 2011 with a hard-fought win over the South Dublin Swans last Saturday in CIT. The Swans took advantage of the Lions' bye in the 3rd round to go top of the ladder, but lost out in a game between two teams who will no doubt be in with a shout of the title come the end of the season. The Dubliners were only able to field a squad of 12 on the day, and the Lions took advantage of their numbers, using the interchange bench well on what turned out to be a blazing day.

Lions' captain Ian 'Serge' O'Sullivan won the toss and his side played with a strong breeze behind their back for the first quarter. They took full advantage of it, hitting four goals in the first ten minutes with Vincent 'Grinch' Manning kicking in a very early goal, before youngest recruit Kevin 'Bambino' Galvin kicked his very first goal in the ARFLI���just about! Another youngster Muiris 'P��le' Bartley got his name on the scoresheet as well, something he'll be hoping to replicate often when he takes to the field with the World U-18 XVIII next month. The key behind the Lions' early success was Brian 'Stretch' O'Connell, who didn't lose a single ruck contest in the first twenty minutes. At one stage the Lions had a five goal lead, but were pegged back in a strong last 5 by the Swans to lead by four goals and two behinds after the end of the first.

The second started and this time it was the Swans who had the momentum, a combination of defensive mix-ups, direct & accurate footy, and some fortunate bounces saw last years' Premiership champions claw their way back into the game, scoring freely in the first few minutes before Connor 'Hally' O'Halloran and PJ 'Obie'O'Brien stopped any more points being conceded. Despite the strong breeze the Leesiders were working very hard, and kept their slight advantage in tact going into the half.

The Lions knew they needed a strong third quarter in order to come away with four invaluable points, and did just that, some excellent work in midfield by debutants Brian 'Rushy' Roche and Aidan Bolster���.helped (must avoid the obvious pun!) the Lions' efforts, while the Grinch (Vincent Manning, for obvious reasons!) was spoiling the Swans' day with some accurate goal-kicking. The game picked up some needle in the third, with ump Cian Quigley giving everyone a good telling off, and keeping well on top of things. Chris 'Inky' O'Brien was putting in a tremendous effort alongside the only Aussie in the squad Jason 'Hingo' Hingston, as the Swans just couldn't get out of their half. The Lions really should have had more, if it wasn't for a contentious behind called by the ump after a Micha��l 'Gonzo' �� Scanl��in managed to evade no less than 3 swans and get his kick away, and an incredible shot by Rushy that travelled all of five yards before being caught on the line! By the last turn the Lions lead by 3.3, but knew that a massive effort was needed in order to come away with the victory.

That's exactly what they gave, with the sun still beating down, and after an hour of breakneck footy, the Swans just couldn't hang on, and the Lions used their interchange to keep fresh legs on the pitch at all times. Some stirling work at half back by Eoin 'Aussie' O S��illeabh��in kept the ball out of the danger area, and his marking broke whatever was left of the Swans' spirit. P��le was still busting a gut to disrupt any South Dublin attack, and the Grinch kicked a couple more that saw the Lions outscore their counterparts in the final quarter and end up with a flattering 15 point win.

Despite the earlier aggravation both sides thanked each other for a fine contest of footy, and the 'Leeside Lions Sportsman' was belted out for the first time in Cork this year! Many thanks once again go to the Swans lads who travelled down, and for putting in a performance worthy of our reigning premiers. To our umpires Cian 'Monk' Quigley, Colm and Shane, and Peter May, who took some excellent shots of the day's action. The honour of being 'Lioness' for the next game to Rushy, after that frankly horrendous miss!

On a final note, best of luck to Obie, and Quiggs who are heading abroad for a few months, make sure you come back in time for finals, and to pick up yer Premiership medals lads!

Final Score:
Leeside Lions - 11.10.76
South Dublin Swans - 10.1.61
Best on Ground:
1. Brian 'Rushy' Roche
2. 2. Brian 'Stretch' O Connell
3. 3. Eoin 'Aussie' O S��illeabh��in

Scorers:
Vince 'Grinch' Manning - 5
Muiris 'Pele' Bartley - 3
Brian 'Rushy Roche - 2
Kevin 'Bambino' Galvin - 1
Mike 'Gonzo' Scanlon - 1

Saturday the 21st May was a historical day in the history of Aussie Rules in Ireland, as the inaugural ARFLI School's Cup took place in CIT between Col��iste an Phiarsaigh and Gaelchol��iste Mhuire (Mon AG).

For many of the lads it was their first experience of the game, and many of the more intricate rules of the sport were picked up along the way. Despite that though neither side gave an inch, and there was tenacious tackling as well as some fine skill on display. Col��iste an Phiarsaigh, under the guidance of Irish captain Cian Quigley, started the strongest. Their captain Muiris Bartley was leading by example, having just been picked for the World Development team that will be heading to Australia in the summer. The Mon couldn't get possession of the ball for any length of time, and were punished severely by Col��iste, who's hard training was playing dividends, they led at the end of the first term.

The game was as fast pace and intense as any senior game, and soccer convert Anthony Harte led Gaelchol��iste Mhuire's fightback in the second quarter. Taking a number of key marks and battling bravely in the middle of the park to wrestle the advantage from Glanmire based Col��ise an Phiarsaigh. Irish international Vince Manning had the Mon boys well drilled, and they started to eat into Col��iste's lead. The leaders were not deterred though, and mustered a few scores at the end of the quarter to leave the scores at 31-22 in favor of Quiggs' side going into the half time break.

Both managers had words of encouragement at the mid-interval as the boys took a well deserved rest. There was no letting up on the commencement of the action, though it was once again Col��iste that started the better. Se��n O F��gartaigh was playing fantastically, putting the Mon boys under tremendous pressure and not allowing them an inch in the wet and windy conditions. They started to pull away in the third, and despite the AG's best efforts they simply couldn't match in terms of technical ability.

Come the fourth term the game was all but over as a contest, Gaelchol��iste Mhuire playing for pride. That they did win, showing a fantastic work rate and competitive hunger often lost on others, and took on the challenge of competition despite the defect. Legs started to tire on both sides though as the game wound down to its conclusion. Spaces started to appear for attackers and scoring opportunities were increasing with the wind and rain. The final score 62-45 in favour of the Glanmire boys

As the final whistle blew both players congratulated each other on a fine game of footy, and ARFLI President Ciaran O'Hara was on hand to present commemorative medals to the lads.

Many thanks go to umpire Eoin O S��illeabh��in who did an excellent job umpiring lads who were being introduced to the game, Aussie visitor and Sidney Swans fan development executive Michael Martin who had some excellent words to say at full time, el Presidente O'Hara for his words and the medals, and the two team coaches, who invested a lot of time in getting this match staged.

The focus already switches to next year, where it's hoped that more schools will compete in the Cup as it grows from strength to strength.

Best on Ground: Col��iste an Phiarsaigh: Se��n O F��gartaigh Gaelchol��iste Mhuire (Mon AG): Anthony Harte

Game 1
Leeside Lions 70
Midwest Magpies 15

It was a great start to the 2011 season for the Leeside Lions, beginning with a hard-earned victory over the Midwest Magpies. After both teams won their respective home fixtures last year, this meeting at the neutral venue of Mullingar for the first of this season's 'kick-off' Carnival. The Lions raced into an early lead, taking advantage of the breeze and, with Briain O Suilleabhain in sublime scoring form, bagged a few majors. New-comers Muiris Bartley and Miche��l o Scanl��in were showing great eagerness and passion, and are certainly ones to watch for the year. The Lions went in at the break with a good lead, mainly due to the top form of Pat Dennehy and Dalach O Deasmh��naigh contesting in the backs, but also knowing that the Magpies wouldn't lie down easy, especially now with the wind at their backs. The second half provided some more great performances, Briain O Suilleabhain bagging his third for the day, and Christian O Brien and Colin Lawless stepping it up again. With the Magpies piling it on, it was great to see the new recruits withstanding the pressure, especially new-comer Barry, who in his first run out with the Lions, adapted well, got his tackles and marks in.and responded to the Magpies advances with the right decisions, and great work ethic. Again, old habbits die hard, and with Quiggs, Vince, Rob and the two Sull's in the squad, the Lions were never going to let up.

A great reward for the past 3 months training and a possible sign of things to come.

Best on ground for the Lions were: 1. Briain O Suilleabhain with 3 goals 2. Dalach O Deasmhunaigh continuing the form he showed last year 3. Pat Dennehy with huge marks and tackling in the backs.

Game 2
Leeside Lions 50
Midland Tigers 20

The Lions continued their good form from their first game with a victory over the Midland Tigers on their home pitch in Mullingar. The Tigers fielded a physical and experienced team, who met a new-look Lions team, boasting no less than 4 new-comers to their Den. The Lions were again quick out of the blocks, with Muiris Bartley showing some fantastic skill and strength, bagging a great solo-effort goal, and setting up 2 more, all in the space of 6 minutes! With the Lions facing into an ever increasing wind, and the Tigers taking advantage of the same, it made for some very entertaining footy, with the Lions running style of play contrasted with the Tiger bombs. Both styles impacted heavily on the scoreboard. Vince Manning got in on the scoring action with 2 well taken majors, and Rob Armstrong showing a turn of pace that would make most AFL players blush! Miche��l O Scanl��in was in fantastic form, showing the elusive style of play that didn't let a Tiger near him, and will certainly mark him out as a big player for the Lions this year. Muiris Bartley was again instrumental in everything the Lions did, and with Ian O Sullivan rolling back the years, Quiggs having a stint in the forwards, and Pat Dennehy a one-man wall in the backline, the Lions emerged victorious at the end.

A special mention to Ian O Sullivan and Chrstian O Brien, selected as Captain and Vice-captain respectively for the coming season. Well deserved, two men who will fight the Lions cause 'til the end, and can be sure they will be backed by a strong Lions Den this year. Congratulations.

Best on ground for the Lions: 1. Muiris Bartley for his work ethic, tackling and scoring 2. Miche��l O Scanlain for his pacey performance and interlinking play 3. Barry Harnedy, who showed quick thinking to intercept a pass, spin out of a tackle, and set up Vince for the Lions final score of a great day.

The Lions journeyed to Lisdoonvarna on Saturday the 4th of September eager for a win against the Crows who are the only team to have beaten the Lions at home this year. A strong squad of 17 travelled up well aware of what was at stake with the semis following on the next Saturday. Pat, from the Crows, umpired (with his top off to avoid a colour clash) his first ever game but let the game flow as much as possible and did an excellent job. This was done despite fierce tackling and intensity from either side, all within the spirit of the game.

In the first quarter the Crows dominated territorially and had the most of the possession but the Lions backs fought tooth-and-nail to only allow the Crows score one behind, with Dalach Desmond giving the man marking job on the Crows danger man and doing an excellent job. Brian Healy was again as strong as ever and worked well with Quiggs on the half back line. The Lions however made full use of their limited share of the ball. Vince, scoring 2 and Rob 1. First quarter score: Crows 0-1 (1) to Lions 3-2 (20).

The second quarter followed in the same vain with the Crows again dominating territorially. Both teams had 3 scores, however the Lions proved the importance of accuracy kicking 3 goals (Ian O'Sull, Brian Currane and 2nd gamer Briain �� Sh��illeabhain) while the Crows had 1 goal and 2 behinds. The Lions stood strong and calm and didn't get involved with the attempts from some of the Crows to bring the Lions players to the level of receiving yellow cards. The Lions used their inter change bench well and kept their 4 man rotation going throughout the game, with Stephen Higgins and Braian O Sullivan showing what they could do playing off the Lions big target men, Currane and Manning. Half Time score: Crows 1-3 (9) to Lions 6-2 (38).

After a strong half time talk from Currane and Eoiney Sull, the Lions burst out of the blocks in the 3rd quarter with Colin Lawless in inspiring form in the ruck eager to make amends for his sending off against the Crows in Cork earlier in the season. With Colin taking control of the ruck the Lions started, for the first time in the game, to dominate the midfield, with the Armstrong brothers and Ian Sull been as lively as ever. The midfield pumped ball after ball into the forwards resulting in 8 goals (Ian O'Sull, Vince, Brian Currane x 2, Steve Higgins, Rob, Briain �� Sh��illeabhain, Conor Mcgrath). The Lions defence was outstanding and any ball the Crows got past midfield was taken off them and supplied back to the Lions attack. The Lions put in some big hits all over the field with Conor O Halloran getting used to the tackling. The Lions knew they had just played as good a quarter of footy as the have played all season and the Crows left the pitch disheartened after not getting a score. Third quarter score: Crows 1-3 (9) to Lions 14-5 (89).

For the 4th Quarter with the game effectively over the Lions made some positional changes and used the bench for the final 20 mins, The lions kept their attacking game going with Vince kicking 3 more and Rob kicking another from play. But the stand out moment when Cian Quigley's was moved to full forward (normally a half-back) had a howler of a miss from all of 1 metre. The Lions did however manage to score 4 goals and the Crows 1 leaving the full time score at Crows 2-4 (16) to Lions 18-8 (116).

Stand out performances for the Lions on the day were Colin in the ruck, Dalach and Healy in the backs and Vince and Brian O Sullivan in front of goals.

After the game the Lions accepted an invite from the Crows to the Ritz hotel in the heart of Lisdoonvarna to check out some of the festivities of the match- making festival. A few of the Lions proved they have more than just footie skills when they showed off some of their dance moves to impress some of the ladies at the festival. Evidence of this can be seen on the Lions Video Page

Goal scorers for the Lions ; Vince 5, Currane 4, Rob 3, Ian Sull 2, Brian O Sullivan 2, Conor Mcgrath 1, Steve Higgins 1.

Lions teamsheet for the day was ; D Desmond, E O Sullivan, B Healy, C Quigley, J Ahern, R Armstrong, C Armstrong, C Lawless, I O Sullivan, C O Halloran, V Manning, B Currane, B Whealan, C Mcgrath, S Higgins, B O Sullivan, F Killoury.

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 18th of September.

Goalscorers for the Lions; Vince 3, Kennelly 2, G.Kelleher 2, Rob 1, Colin 1, Ian sull 1

Lions team for the day was; F. Killoury. B.Healy.B.Whealan.B.Hussey.B.O Connell. C.Quigley. Eoin O Sullivan. I. O Sullivan. D. Desmond. D. Kennelly. P Ryan. V Manning.C O Halloran. C.lawless. B.O Sullivan.J Ahern. B Rae. M.Currane. C McGrath. R Armstrong. B Kelleher. G Kelleher.

Sat July 24th saw the lions travel to Galway for the first time in the Clubs 10 year history to take on the inform Midwest Magpies. The Lions had a lot of players pull out of the trip and ended up only having the required 14 hit the road. After the long journey up west the Lions knew they would be up against it with the Magpies having a strong squad of players and the experience of their Aussie players meant that a 12-aside game was agreed.

The Magpies started strong and an early goal from the inform Smurf settled the Pies and this followed by a behind before the Lions started to play. The Lions first score came when they got a side line boundary kick and Brian Currane split the posts with a huge kick and this lifted the lions players. With Colin in the Ruck and starting to take control Rob and Sullie began to get a lot of ball to the forwards. With Colin kicking a great long range effort, the Lions added on another 5 behinds for the Qt leaving the Quarter time score Lions 2-5 to Magpies 1-2.

The 2nd Quarter was where the Pies took control of the game and used their interchange bench well, Against the breeze the Lions struggled to get the ball to their forwards and the lions defence were under pressure for the 20 mins. Some strong displays from Brian Healy and Eoiny Sull and some great work rate from Dalach Desmond on his 1st game in over a year meant the pies score could easily have been doubled. The Lions only goal in this Quarter came from Conor Mcgrath and the lions players were lifted on the siren with a hard goal saving tackle from Healy on Smurf who was bearing down on goal. Half time score lions 3-6 to Magpies 5-5.

The Lions players knew they would have to play better than the previous Quarter and started the 2nd half well, the centre boys of Rob, Chris and Sullie were getting the taps from Colin and supplying the forwards well, With Conor and Liam Og playing half forwards they were giving good options to half backs who again were playing well, With Currane again splitting the posts after a great mark from a super pass from Sullie, this again lifted the now tired lions players to give it their all and this they did, any ball that the Pies got to their forward line was picked up by the Lions defence, slowed down and supplied to the lions forwards. The on fire Rob kicked 3 goals for the Quarter and Christian was unlucky to hit the post with another, leaving the 3 Quarter time score at Lions 7-9 to Magpies 5-5.

The Magpies started the final Quarter with running at the Lions knowing they did not have the legs to follow, with the Lions picking up a few injuries they struggled to stay with the pace of the game. With the Pies playing well for the final 20 mins they started to kick the goals with Smurf showing why he is the best player in the league at present. The only goal for the lions came from their back pocket player Brian Wheeler with a big kick from 40 finding its way trough the goals, this with 3 behinds from the Lions kept the game close to the final few minutes, The Magpies used their strength in numbers to supply the ball to their forwards and up stepped Smurf to kick the winning goal on the siren. Heart break for the Lions with such a close encounter, their 14 tired bodies who travelled knew they had giving their all and came up short in a game that if they had 1 or 2 more players they knew they would have taken the 4 points home. Final Score Lions 8-12-60 Magpies 9-8-62

Thanks to Tom and Andrew for umpiring.

Lions Goal Scorers; Rob 3, Currane 2, Wheeler 1, Colin 1, Conor 1,

Best on Ground for the Lions; Dalach, Healy, Eoin Sull, Rob. Currane,

The Crows left their nest to head to the Lions on a blustery day that threatened to rain but thankfully remained dry. The Crows travelled with a strong, eager contingent while the Lions were lining out without a large number of their more experienced campaigners. Both teams had players pulling on the jersey for the first time but that wasn't going to stop them from getting them stuck in.

They opening quarter was a very even affair with the Crows picking off the first few scores with Dean showing a glimpse of his intent for the day. Rob was first off the mark for the Lions, his score the result of some good running and link play. Conor , playing in only his second match, took a confident mark and dispatched the resultant kick to keep the home team in contention. Brian Healy playing at centre back was making a big impression and marshalled the area well giving guidance to the new recruits at his side. Pa, as ever led by example kicking for another major for the Crows only to be matched by Liam Og at the other end to leave the Crows ahead by the narrowest of margins at �� time 3-2 to 3-3.

The Crows hit the ground running in the 2nd �� and came out with all guns blazing. They were unlucky to start by kicking a few behinds but Dean was on the scoreboard again before long with another major. There were a few heated exchanges midway through the 2nd with both teams getting fired up and some of the new guys getting somewhat of a baptism of fire. The Crows came out of this period well on top with a goal near the end from Hussey being the only thing to spare the Lions blushes. This left the half-time score Lions 4-2 Crows 6-6

Luckily the half time break gave both teams a chance to calm and regroup and the 3rd �� was the strongest period by far for the Lions. Newbie Christian put in a great display of tackling and ball winning and converted one of those efforts for his first goal. Ciaran also playing in his first game put in a great display of high fielding winning a number of marks in this quarter. In the half back line Craig and Healy kept the Crows attackers under wraps with Cougar experience showing at full back. Rob hit the scoreboard again with another goal on the run and Christian was again on the scoreboard later in the quarter, taking and converting a mark in front of goal to leave the game tightly poised going into the final quarter. Lions 7-6 Crows 7-9

The Crows returned to their earlier ways in the final quarter winning a lot of the breaks around the middle and putting the home players under serious pressure. The Lions were suffering without some of their stalwarts and cracks were beginning to show with several players cramping up after giving it their all. They were dealt another blow with the loss of Hussey in the half forwards with a head injury. The Crows used the interchange to their full advantage and managed to outscore the home team well in this quarter with Christian being to only Lion to hit a goal. Final score Leeside Lions 8 - 8 (56) Clare Crows 10 - 13 (73)

Thanks to Junior for umpiring the game Best on ground for the Lions were Healy, Rob, Christian and Ciaran

A stiff breeze blowing left to right on a clear dry day in C.I.T. provided the setting for the Lions first crossover match of the year. Their opposition was a strong squad of Saints who had taken the new road from the capital. This was the first time the Saints have played at the new "Lions Den" and they were well impressed with the magnificent set up that faced them which will also host this year's Grand final on Sept 18th. The Lions also had their strongest line-up to date including 5 able debutants in Conor, Craig, Chris, Graham and Kyle, with Eoiny Sull deservedly leading the Lions out as captain.

The Lions had a strong opening quarter playing into the breeze with emphasis on working the ball into a kickable position and aiming it at the long arms of Colin Lawless at full forward. This tactic worked well with Colin kicking two in the first quarter. The Lions had the majority of the ball in the middle of the field with most of the breaks being picked up by Rob 'Strongarms' Armstrong and Ian O Sullivan and some strong link up play between Cougar and Vince on the run. These attacks were often fruitful with goals coming from Rob and Vince which left the Lions with a solid lead at the end of the first quarter. Lions 4-0 Saints 1-2.

The travelling Saints however were determined to put it up to their hosts and even though they were facing into a stiffening breeze in the second quarter, turned the tide on the home team with some good link up play and pressure forcing errors from the Lions. The game was a much more even affair with both teams exchanging scores and the Saints were unlucky to hit a few behinds that could easily have been maximums. The move of Brian Currane to full forward for the start of the 2nd quarter was paying dividends in this quarter with him taking several marks on the edge of the square and kicking 2 goals with the same style and aplomb as his full forward counterpart on the Brisbane Lions, Brendan Fervola. The Lions approach to playing with the breeze was to let the ball go to the forward line that had Vince and Currane playing well with Liam Og and Darragh getting plenty of ball on the wings. The Lions half back line of Eoin Sull, Brian Healy and new boys Chris and Craig were well in control for much of t he Quarter but sometimes left frustrated by the lack of movement in the forwards and the amount of ball being turned over by the improving Saints defence and midfield leading to the Saints kicking 2 majors. Colin and Vince kicked 2 nice goals leaving the half time score at Lions 8-4 Saints 3-6

Things went from bad to worse for the Lions at the beginning of the third quarter with the loss of their stalwart full back Feargal Killoury with a nasty head wound. This seemed to rattle the Lions as they failed to take back hold of the game that the Saints had wrestled from them in the previous quarter. Full credit however is due to the Saints who took full advantage of their hosts disorganisation since the lack of Killoury who picked of some long range scores and added to the Lions increasing frustration. This was the Saints best Quarter of the game and the Lions knew they were in for a tough finish Vince was moved to the Ruck with Colin joining Currane on the goal line, the few breakthroughs the lions got from midfield led to a few good runs but could not find the big posts. The experience of the Lions showed in the last few mins of the quarter with in the space of 2 minutes a huge mark from Currane saw him test the netting behind the goals and followed by some good play by Cougar, Liam og and big Colin to lay up for another well taken Goal by the inform Vince. Leaving 3 Quarter time score at Lions 10-7 Saints 6-10.

Following a few calming words from the captain going into the final quarter the Lions regrouped and gelled together as they had in the first quarter producing some fantastic passages of passing and scores from play. Eoin Sull and Brian Healy were strong as usual and had good help from new boys Chris, Craig and Conor in the back line. Debutant Graham was unlucky to have a long range effort scratch the paintwork on the inside of the upright but later linked up well with Vince on the run to set him up for his fifth from play. Rob also used his speed and strength to get onto the score board displaying some fancy footwork to wrong foot Saints defenders before kicking accurately. The Lions midfield of Colin, Sullie and Cougar were well on top supplying the forwards with plenty of good ball which saw Currane make 2 more big marks and 1 from play brought his total to 6 for the day. The Lions did what was asked of them going into the quarter by giving 100% and this was epitomised by Darragh making a great run near the end of the match to provide a shepherd which led to another Lions goal. The Lions wanted to prove to themselves that the 3rd quarter was not the way the Lions play as a team and this showed with them kicking 7 goals in the last 20 mins and keeping the Saints to a single goal.

The Lions management were delighted with the performance of the new lions players for the day with Conor, Chris, Graham, Craig and Kyle showing that they were comfortable playing the game for the first time and the returning Liam Og also showed he will be fighting for a forwards position for future.

Final Score; Lions 17-12 -114 to Saints 7-11-53

Great credit is due to a Saints team that really let the Lions know what they were about and made them work hard for every score. A mention should also go to Cian "Pinky" Quigley who umpired the game in a fair and free-flowing manner. And also to Mick "Plugger" Currane who was injured for the day but provided a super Bar-B-Q after the game at the Grounds.

Goal scorers for the Lions were; Brian Currane 6. Vince Manning 5. Colin Lawless 3, Rob Armstrong 3

Best on ground for the Lions were; B.Currane, Eoin Sull, Ian Sull, Rob Armstrong, V.Manning, Colin Lawless, Craig.