NIRA QUIZ AND FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS 2010

SECOND DOUBLE SUCCESS IN THREE YEARS

Report By David Hamilton

The FWRA arrived at Dungannon Youth Sport with two objectives in mind to win the annual 5aside competion and annual quiz and duly delivered in both.Football matters first, Manager Declan Grimes had a squad of nine players to choose from with a good mix of youth and experience, in the opening fixture we where up against Mid-Ulster, A good opening performance from deckys boys running out comfortable 3-0 victory with goals coming from Damien Maguire, Peter Connolly and David Hamilton, excellently marshal at the back by Michael Connolly and Roy Beacom with keeper Taggart looking secure.
No rest between matches meant we where pitted straight back in again against Tony Youngs North West outfit. A calm and composed performance from the FWRA seen us record a 2-0 victory, opening goal by player manager Declan Grimes settled any nerves in the ranks and subs Peter Connolly and Hamilton where sprung from the bench just before half time and gave fresh legs to the attack, soon after Peter Connolly gave a good pass into Hamiltons feet and with his second touch thundered in the insurance goal for the victory.
Gong into the final match against North East the FWRA only needed a draw to clinch the title the North East needing victory to deny us. The opening exchanges brought a goal for the North East when an uncharchestic mistake by Michael Connelly let in Cecil Foyle for a composed finish beyond the helpless Taggart in goal, this proved to be the spark Deckys team needed to kick start our game, with the temperature of the match rising a shocking late challenge from North East king pin Floyd left player manager Grimes on the "deck" in agony clutching his ankle in pain and leaving Referee Tony Young reaching for yellow when it could have been red, Declan having to be carried off and replaced by sub Hamilton. With the half time whistle sounding it was all to play for in the second half, the defining moment of the game arrived within a minute of the restart when the lively Hamilton found Michael Connolly with a lovely through ball and the Aghyaran man making up for his earlier mistake with a fine finish low into the corner giving the North East Keeper no chance. The final minutes saw a flurry of yellows for defenders Farrell and Michael Connolly from Referee Young. Decky boys fought like beavers to hold unto the draw. When the final whistle sounded victory was ours after a great team effort form the lads. Manager Grimes paid tribute to his men for there efforts to bring the title home for 2nd time in 3 years. Well done Declan Grimes, Roy Beacom, James Farrell, Luke Ormsby, Damien Maguire, Kevin Taggart, Peter Connolly, Michael Connolly and David Hamilton for bringing trophy back and special mention to Grimes for all his efforts.

Tradionally FWRA strongest area as they had won annual quiz 13 in a row, the team this year consisting of Arnold Hunter, Jarlath McElholm, Stewart Blair and debut boy Michael Connolly replacing Desmond McLaughlin usually FWRA strongest competitor.
After 3 rounds of questions FWRA looked to be cruising to yet another title before the 4th and final round the now infamous mystery round. This years mystrey round was pictures of English league grounds proved to be tough going for the F&W boys after looking like dead certs we let our lead slip and ended up finishing on the same points as our rivals North West taking us to sudden death shootout with top points scorer on the day for us Michael Connolly being pitted against Paul Larkin of the North West after the opening two questions still on deadlock, quizmaster Neville Cathcart declaring nearest answer will win it in the next question, you could cut the atmosphere with a knife has the whole room held its breath as the two competiors worked out there answers, both men held up there answers Connolly been the nearest answer won it for us to complete a marvellous double. Well done to Arnold Hunter, Jarlath McElholm, Stewart Blair and Michael Connolly with the debut boy winning the overall indivual top scorer. The team will now head to England in April to attempt win RA title. Chairman Basil Marshall was delighted with the Association success and special mention for Decky Grimes and Michael Connolly