Boston Senior Football Championship Kicks Off

The Boston Senior Football Championship begins next Sunday, May 20, at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton, Mass with four games on the schedule.  Based on what has gone in the cup competitions it promises to be an action packed summer.  There are eleven teams searching for one of six playoff spots, and last year there were 9 clubs in with a shout until the final weeks of the season.  Aidan McAnespies get their title defence off to a start and early season front-runners Wolfe Tones and Donegal are also in action 

Wolfe Tones, seen here following their 7-a-side win in
New York, meet Armagh-Notre Dame on Sunday.

The first game of the day sees 2010 champions and 2012 Pat O’Brien Cup finalist, Donegal, meet 2009 champions Christopher’s.  Though it is early days, Donegal have established themselves as an early front-runner and put in some fine performances so far.  The side features top quality footballers such as Brian White, Christy Bell, Garbhan Friel and Thomas Donaghue.  I would also not be surprised to see a contribution from old hands, Kevin Curran and Michael McGinty.  Christopher’s will have their work cut out to take something from the game.  Dan Kenneally, Pat Delaney, Noel Ryan and company could be in for a rough 60 minutes, and I’d be surprised to see Donegal walk away with anything less than two points.

Aidan McAnespies meet Kerry in the first game of their defence of the championship.  Kerry could present a tough task for the lads from South Boston.  The Kingdom side features quality players such as Kieran O’Connor, Donnacha Fenton and Ian Somers and will fight hard to put one over on the reigning champions.  For their part, McAnespies will have Niall Gallen, Marty Bogue, Gareth O’Neill, Colm McCrory, and Colly Donnelly in what should be a balanced side.  Macs to win, but not without a fight.

Armagh-Notre Dame get Wolfe Tones out of the way in their first game.  The Tones look very strong, even at this stage.  There seems hardly a weakness in the side, and with players up front of the caliber of Marty Farrell, Dan McCabe, and Barry Grogan the men in the back line for the Orchard County will have a tough task on their hands.  Armagh-Notre Dame will have to dig deep to make a game of it, and will look to Frank Meehan and Dominic Magill to produce some of the old magic.  Tones to win with a bit to spare.

The final game of the day features Shannon Blues and Galway.  The Blues have come in to this season fielding the strongest home-based side in many a year, and a win will be the hope.  With the likes of Conor Mullen at the back, Pat Murray in the middle, and Sean Moriarty up front, the Blues have talent spread throughout the field.  Galway will also fancy their chances of getting their season off to a good start, especially with Leon Kelly anchoring the midfield, and players of the caliber of Danny Reddin and Gearoid O’Connor up front, Galway present a tricky hurdle for the Blues.

Not in action on Sunday are Cork, Mayo, and Connemara Gaels who will have to wait a week to get their respective seasons off to a start.

Schedule, Sunday May 20

1:15  Christopher’s v Donegal

2:30  Aidan McAnespies v Kerry

3:44  Wolfe Tones v Armagh-Notre Dame

5:00 Shannon Blues v Galway


Orla Benson Cup
1:45 Tir na nOg V Connacht Ladies

By Rory O'Donnell