Although Maynooth have safely tucked away the Leinster club intermediate football title for the New Year, the plaudits keep coming thick and fast for the Crom Abus. This time it was the unlikely duo of third team exile, Eamon O'Flaherty, and third team maestro, Mick Gillick, that left a lasting impression on the opposition.
In last week's edition of the Westmeath Examiner (12 December), the match report roundly praises the club and its commentators.
"Maynooth GAA club certainly pulled out all the stops in hosting this final; the welcome and hospitality extended to officials and spectators alike was absolutely top class. In addition, the assistance of greenkeepers from Carton House Golf Club was enlisted to ensure the pitch was just about playable. However with no stand or press box at the ground, press personnel along with Leinster Council officials and various others, found themselves positioned on the side of a lorry, with some amusing consequences. Many reporters couldn't see the corners of the pitch from their vantage points and had to rely on the eyes of their better placed colleagues, while some had to stand rather than sit on chairs in order to see the play unfold. More than one hack detected echoes of a 'Father Ted' episode and the general feeling of amusement was further embellished by the often hilarious commentary delivered by two Maynooth stalwarts, Eamon O'Flaherty (a brother of Athlone-based solicitor, Declan) and his analyst, Mick GIllick."
