 St Aidan's CBS, Whitehall, Dublin, Ireland |
 |
| St Aidan's CBS, Whitehall, Dublin, Ireland |
|
Confidence was high in the camp as the St. Aidan's Junior Water Polo team headed North towards Belfast. St. Aidan's had only just recently claimed the All-Ireland Senior, and Leinster junior titles to the trophy cabinet. However, as the troops cruised dwon the Fall's Road towards the Grove Baths, they knew the would have to produce something special to achieve an incredible double.
The team cruised through the group stages, with John Kelly and Aidan O'Boyle dismantling defenses with ease. The semi-final would no be so simple, as they faced the mighty local boys of St. Mary's, Belfast. However, with Irish internationals John Kenna and Eoin Bridgeman playing their 'A' game, St. Mary's were sent packing. This set up a mouth-watering clash with St. Malachy's, Belfast. After a 'g-up' from Leinster coach, Ken Tucker, and a disciplined warm-up, the troops exploded into action. Five rapid-fire goals made it a very steep hill to climb for the Ulstermen. We kept our heads, shape and discipline and the title was in the bag with a 10-5 win for St. Aidan's.
This was the perfect end to a perfect season. The atmosphere in the team was electric from start to finish, and a number of players developed significantly throughout the tournament, including Colin Daly, Seán Byrne, Aidan O'Boyle and Donnacha Murphy. Well done to all the team - we will not be handing back our title without a fight!
A special word of thanks to all the parents that helped out and supported the team, especially Sean Kenna, John Bridgeman, M. Murphy, Phil Kelly and Ken Tucker.
Alan O'Neill