The Flying Column who are in their 21st season in the Footy.ie leagues are closing in on their first ever title in Thursday’s Division 3. They have had a very impressive season so far, with 10 straight wins and the only team with Maximum points in all of Footy’s leagues. They have got it right this season with the right combination of experience with their older players and younger energetic players. Long serving players like Noe Hayes, their goalkeeper Brendan Cotter, defenders Ray Horgan and Ray O’Regan have all performed well this season. The combination of the classy skills of Alan Mullery in midfield to go with the energy of Hannon Sheedy and the strong and determined Ciaran McArtain, seems to have worked to great effect this season. The Desmond Brothers, Peter and Joe who joined the Flying Column last season have also contributed largely and have added to make up a very industrious midfield. The evergreen Donagh McArtain who is Ciaran’s father is playing the best football I have seeing him play in years. Striker Sheedy is on 22 goals so far and is leading the race for the Golden Boot. His goals have made a huge difference to the Column this season who have always lacked a proven goalscorer. They have also had the incredible support from the sidelines all season from Conor O Mahony who was always a major player for them until he retired due to an injury a few seasons ago. The Column who lost a former player and mentor in Tom Barry to cancer late last year will hope he will be shouting for them from above in the closing 4 games. They have come 2nd on 4 occasions in the past 10 years and it is ironic that they may secure their first title in the season immediately after Tom’s passing. They play Men United tonight and can secure the league title if the Italia 90’s slip up against The Furry Boys. It may go to next week when they play 2nd placed Italia 90’s who will not give up their outside chance of honours without a fight. The Column laid down a marker on Feb 18th this season when they had an excellent 3-1 win over a strong Italia 90’s team. They then dug out 2 excellent victories, 5-4 over Dutch Gold and 2-1 over The Furry Boys. Two very narrow but crucial victories, games that have perhaps have gone the other way in the past. Well done to the Column so far this season. But still some work to be done !! May the best team win as always.
