Footballs for Brains

 Today I attended two soccer matches and it done me good. The first game was my own club versus the best team in Mayo and current FAI Junior Cup champions Westport United. We lost the game 1-0 but we gave as good as we got although Westport created better chances it was a bit heart breaking to concede the goal in the last 5 minutes. If we can play like that week in week out the Super League will contain a Crossmolina team for few years. The second game was different. The MWFL Cup final between Ballina Town & Ballinrobe Town. I arrived late, arriving for the last few minutes of normal time. As the score was 2-2, it went to extra time where two goals by Emma M and a wonder half way line strike swung the game in Robes favour. It finished 5-3 It was fitting that Katie accepted the cup. Her mother Mary was a power house in soccer in Mayo where much of her work was done behind the scenes. She died a few weeks ago. Katie acceptance speech referred to her mother watching and probably help one of the goals in. Most Junior or under age players in Mayo would not have known who she was but her loss can't really be put into words. A family has lost a mother and a larger football family lost one too. I look blankly at this screen to try and end this with something profound or inspiring but I can't....