The Tigers had a winning start to the 2009 Premiership Season as they came out on top in a tough and hard fought victory over the West Dublin Saints. The game was first on the bill in a double header at the Saints new home in Chanel College Coolock. The Tigers travelled in hope rather than expectation as a number of club stalwarts were unavailable due to injury or other circumstance and in the end we took to the field a man down in order to avoid a forfeit. Playing with a very strong wind in the first Quarter the Tigers got off to a fantastic start with with three goals early in the first quarter from Sean Fallon, Stephen Keegan and Liam Reynolds. The Saints then began to gel and added two goals of their own and at the break there was just the goal between the sides. In the second quarter the Tigers were against the wind and the Saints took maximum advantage adding another three goals, but crucially also a number of behinds. The Tigers only major of the quarter came from Stephen Keegan and at the half-time break the saints had a one goal advantage. At Half-time the Tigers took the decision to go for broke in the third quarter, grab a significant lead and baton down the hatches for the final quarter. A number of positional changes were also made with Danny Burke and Pat McEvoy moving out of the backline; Niall McMahon moving to full-back where with debutant Tommy Conneely, Greg ‘Skippy’ Bourke and Martin Fitzpatrick beside him he was inspired for the rest of the game. The final switch was John O’ Loughlin to Ruck and he dominated there for the rest of the game. The Tigers scored five goals in the quarter through Stephen Keegan, Liam Reynolds, Danny Burke, Pat McEvoy and Sean Fallon which gave the team a three goal lead at the final break. For the Final quarter, the forward line was reduced to two Ciaran O'Hara and Liam Reynolds with all other players including returning Club captain Mark Munnelly committed to the defencive effort ahead. Early on, defence was not a requirement as the team continued to lock the saints in their own 50. Once they did break out it was with a vengeance, The Saints were brilliant for the final 15 minutes peppering the Tigers goal with shot after shot. They did add goals and were within points of victory as the Tigers defence rushed a number of behinds to ensure victory by the narrowest of margins. There were a number of standout performances from the Tigers but Best on ground was definitely Tommy Conneely on his debut. Our thanks to Bryce Fraser, Shaun Saurin and Tom Madigan for umpiring and to the West Dublin Saints for organising the venue and of course giving us one hell of a game which we were very lucky to win. Team: Mark Munnelly(C), Stephen Keegan(VC), Greg Bourke, Danny Burke, Martin Fitzpatrick, Tommy Conneely, Ciaran O’ Hara, Niall McMahon, John O’ Loughlin, Sean Fallon, Liam Reynolds, Pat McEvoy. Goals: Stephen Keegan 3 Sean Fallon 2 Liam Reynolds 2 Danny Burke 1 Pat McEvoy 1

Round 2 report The Midland Tigers welcomed the reigning Premiers to Harbour Field in Mullingar for our first home game of the season . For the second round in succession the Tigers team were limited by the loss of key players – Pat Leavy, Gary Green, Shane Fitzpatrick and Clifford Richardson. However, the team were boosted by the return of James Flavin and the introduction of debutants Steve Landers and Peadar Barrett. The team which started for the Tigers was far from perfect though with Sean Fallon and Stephen Keegan both carrying knocks into the game. The Demons got off to a flying start with 1.1 on the board before the Tigers engineered their first chance, good work in the backs and midfield giving Sean Fallon a free shot at goal which he was unlucky to put behind. This was followed not long after by Steve Landers first shot on goal which also went behind. The Demons added another goal before, Landers scored his first goal for the club. Both teams then scored a succession of behinds while the Tigers also had gilt edged chances fail and be repelled down the field by the Demons. At QT, the Dees led by 3.2(20) to 1.4(10). The second quarter was to prove the game’s decisive stage with the Demons playing the football of Champions and adding six goals to a solitary Stephen Keegan goal for the Tigers. This was a lesson for an inexperienced Tigers team and with only two men on the bench it was going to be a struggle to overcome a half-time defecit of thirty one points. At half-time the Tigers players insisted that they would show some pride in the jersey and they duly obliged, matching the Demons in play for the rest of the game, if not as clinical as the Champions in front of Goal. A number of key switches in these quarters made a big difference as Niall McMahon moved to defence and Greg Bourke to the ruck. Mark Leavy again had a solid game and Tommy Conneely grew throughout. All the while James Flavin, unhindered by the journey from Holland was marshalling the troops capably. Peadar Barrett was busy when introduced and spilled blood for the cause, while it was great to see Club Captain Mark Munnelly on the scoresheet and Club President Martin Fitzpatrick fighting for every ball. The end of the game was spoiled though with the club’s top scorer Stephen Keegan pulling up with what appeared to be a serious Hamstring injury. The final score did not reflect how gamely the Tigers battled in the second half, but the effort shown was tremendous. Our thanks to the Demons for a fair, hard and cleanly contested game, to Tom Madigan for umpiring and to Shaun Saurin for timekeeping. Tigers Team: Martin Fitzpatrick, Danny Bourke, Tommy Conneely, Mark Leavy, Pat McEvoy, Niall McMahon, Steve Landers, James Flavin, Stephen Keegan, Liam Reynolds, Greg Bourke, Sean Fallon, Mark Munnelly, Peadar Barrett. Goalscorers: Steve Landers, Stephen Keegan (2) , Danny Bourke, James Flavin, Sean Fallon, Mark Munnelly. Best: Sean Fallon, James Flavin, Steve Landers.

Round 3 Report The Midland Tigers suffered their second successive defeat in the Premiership on Saturday last going down to the Swans in Terenure. While the final score did not do the Tigers justice for the effort put in on the day, the Swans were well worth their victory for a clinical performance in the final quarter. The Tigers were boosted once again by the return of James Flavin from Holland for the weekend and Pat McEvoy also flew in on the morning from Madrid. Pat Leavy returned to the side following injury and the core group of players who had started the season were all available, albeit there was only one player, Ciaran O’ Hara on the interchange bench. The Tigers started the game well getting numbers to the ball and playing hard but fair football. The first attack of the game fell to Liam Reynolds and he was very unlucky to hit the post. It was to be the Swans quarter though as they added a three goals and a behind in the quarter to the Tigers three behinds. Playing with the wind in the second quarter the Tigers had the better of the quarter, Mark Leavy scoring a goal and the team also getting another behind. The Tigers defence was magnificent with Pat Leavy, Niall McMahon and Martin Fitzpatrick particularly impressive in limiting the swans to just three behinds. Sean Fallon was all over the park and there were sterling efforts from Tommy Conneely and James Flavin too. In the third quarter the Swans had the better of the scoring adding 1.2, but the quarter was largely even in play and some poor decisions cost the Tigers on the scoresheet. There were only three goals in it at the final break though and the Tigers were confident that they could turn the game around with wind advantage in the final quarter. The quarter started well too, James Flavin goaling early on from a free and it was all too play for. But with limited numbers and after a tremendous physical effort throughout the Tiges began to tire and the Swans rolled to victory with four goals and a point including two from Bryce Fraser. So another defeat for the Tigers but there was much to be positive about as the Tigers now have a bye and a chance to regroup, during which time hoefully Stephen Keegan can recover from injury and a number of other players will also be able to return to the fold. Goals: Mark Leavy, James Flavin

Tigers Match Report The Midland Tigers recorded their second victory of the season with a hard fought win over the Saints. A mix up with the booking of Harbour Field meant that the game had to be moved to Cullion at late notice but both Were on the field in time for the ball up and for the first time this season the Tigers had sufficient numbers to field for a Fourteen a side game. The Tigers got off to the better start but thanks to poor execution and great Saints defence recorded a number of behinds and It was the Saints who drew first blood in front of goal. The Tigers then settled and dominated the rest of the quarter scoring seven Goals without reply with the able assistance of the wind. In the second quarter the Saints struck back and dominated throughout scoring three goals and five behinds to the Tigers two goals. In the third quarter with the aid of the wind, the Tigers were again dominant, but the Saints defence was resolute and this resulted in the Tigers only scoring three goals, while the team notched up seven behinds. The final quarter was evenly matched with both sides scoring four goals, and the tigers also kicking three behinds. There were a number of key Tigers players unavailable on the day, so the result was very impressive and there were great debuts by Niall and Andy in particular. Our Thanks to the Lads who again travelled from the west, to the Saints for their patience with the umpire and we wish Paddy Gibbs and Kelly all the best in Canada. Both will be sorely missed around the league. Team: Stephen Keegan(C), Mark Leavy, Tommy Conneely, Clifford Richardson, Gary Green, John O’ Loughlin, Danny Bourke, Greg Bourke, Liam Reynolds, Andy, Steve Landers, Niall McMahon, Niall Traynor, Darragh,Pat McEvoy. Goalscorers: Steve Landers 5, Stephen Keegan 3, Mark Leavy 2, Andy 2, Liam Reynolds 2, Clifford Richardson 1, John O’Loughlin 1. Best: Steve Landers, Cliff Richardson, Gary Green.

Tigers Match Report: A depleted Midland Tigers team suffered their second defeat to the reigning premiers on Saturday last at St.Peregrines in Clonsilla. The Demons got off to a flying start and had amassed a comfortable lead before the Tigers registered their first goal through Pat Leavy. The Tigers were competing well throughout for posession but were often found wanting in front of goals and solid defence by the Demons dilluted the best chances. The second quarter saw the introduction of two debutants Sean Kinsella and Damo and both secured debut goals, while the defence limited the Demons to only two goals too. The Tigers began to break even throughout the field in possession as well and there were high hopes at half time that the margin could be closed. In the third quarter the Demons again started well and outscored the Tigers by two goals to zero. In the final quarter Pat Leavy added an early goal for the Tigers, but this only sparked the Demons best form and the Dublin side closed the game out comfortably. A late goal for Danny Bourke was just reward for a best on ground performance by him. Sean Fallon, Tommy Conneely, Martin Fitzpatrick and Pat McEvoy were also impressive. Team: Niall McMahon(C), Shane Fitzpatrick, Martin Fitzpatrick, Danny Bourke, Sean Fallon, Greg Bourke, Tommy Conneely, Pat McEvoy, Pat Leavy, Sean Kinsella, Damo, Ciaran O’ Hara. Goals: Pat Leavy 2, Sean Kinsella, Damo, Danny Bourke Best: Danny Bourke, Sean Fallon, Tommy Conneely

Tigers Match Report: Match day eight of the Aussieproperty.com Premiership saw the Midland Tigers welcome the South Dublin Swans to Tigerland, Harbour Field. The corresponding fixture last year proved the stand out team performance of the 2008 season for the Tigers and despite the Tigers being short a few key players due to the Triathlon and work commitments, we were hopeful of a repeat performance. The game started fairly evenly, with big hits and plenty of running from both sides. Tigers new guys all got themselves some early touches to help gain confidence on the ball but it was the Swans who drew first blood with a breakaway goal. The Tigers hit back almost immediately with a long range effort from Pat Leavy following a team move which had started in the full back line. The Tigers back-line marshalled by Tommy Conneely in a sweeping centre back role, Danny Bourke at full-back, flanked by the Fitzpatrick brothers remained resolute throughout the remainder of the quarter to keep the Swans scoreless. The Tigers began working the ball well in around the midfield area to give the open forward line plenty of time and space with the ball, which resulted in the returning James Flavin kicking the lead for the Tigers to leave the quarter time score 2.0.12 to 1.0.6 in favour of the home team. The second quarter proved to be our achilles heel on the day with the concession of a goal straight from the ball-up, due to a lack of concentration, thereby handing the initiative straight back to the Swans in a quarter which proved to be the match winner for them. Despite the quarter being evenly contested the Swans scored their second goal of the quarter before the Tigers struck back from a fine effort by Mark Leavy. The Swans finished out the first half with two goals to lead at the short whistle 5.2.32 to 3.2.20. The championship quarter started along the same lines as the second with the Tigers conceding an early goal, but this time it seemed to spark the Tigers into life as the began to dominate for long periods of the quarter with Steve Landers, Terrier, Pat Mc and John Loughlin beginning to enjoy territorial advantage around the middle. During this period Sean Kinsella also began to shine from the flank, causing some concern for the Swans defence. Following a few unrewarded leads, Mark Leavy kicked his second of the day before Andy Hayes scored the goal of the day with a long range effort on the run. The good news for the Tigers was that as the game was progressing, the intensity and performance was getting better, with new boy Mark Durkan and the experienced Disco and Liam Reynolds coming more into the game. James Flavin bagged his second of the day as the third quarter came to an end with the tigers trailing by 5 points. The final quarter was always going to be a keenly fought affair with the visitors hoping that a victory would secure a home semi-final berth. Following some intense midfield play Macca increased the Swans lead to leave the tigers requiring two goals to regain the lead. The Tigers duly obliged with John Loughlin kicking through and Mark Leavy grabbing his third, with Steve Landers, James Flavin, Sean Kinsella and Terrier influential in the build up to the goals. The games deciding score came shortly after with a relatively straight forward kick from in front of the posts for the swans to take a two point lead. The Tigers camped in the Swans half bur following some wayward shooting and resolute defending, the Swans defence kept us at bay to hold out for the victory. Despite losing this game, there were many positives which can be taken from the game, namely the energetic and intense work rate of all players and the progression of this years new boys who are exerting more influence on each game as the year progresses. Our thanks to John Enright for doing an excellent job umpiring on the day. Team:- Martin Fitzpatrick, Danny Bourke, Shane Fitzpatrick, Tommy Conneely, Sean Fallon, Pat McEvoy, John Loughlin, Steve Landers, James Flavin, Pat Leavy, Andy Hayes, Mark Leavy, Liam Reynolds, Mark Durkan, Mark Munnelly Best on Ground:- Steve Landers, Andy Hayes, James Flavin Goal Scorers:- Mark Leavy 3, James Flavin 2, Pat Leavy, Andy Hayes, John Loughlin

Tigers Match Report: A strong travelling Tigers party made the journey to CIT in Cork on Saturday last to play the last regular season game for both sides. And for both teams it was a case of what might have been. The Lions retained their 100% home record and were left with the knowledge that had they been able to fulfil even two of their away fixtures it would be them rather than the Tigers who would have progressed to the League Semi-finals. As it was, the Tigers in fulfilling the fixture secured their place as third on the ladder and will play the Swans on August 29th to determine who plays the Minor Premiers in the Grand Final. The Tigers weren’t just making up the numbers on the day though, they were left to wonder what might have been if only two of their many behinds had been converted as goals. The game began well for the Tigers with early efforts by James Flavin and Andy Hayes going narrowly behind. The Lions first attack was much more clinical though as Alan Coomey goaled to give the Cork club the lead. Mark Leavy scored the Tigers first goal shortly afterwards, before the Tigers scoring sequence for the quarter was completed when Ben missed from the 40. The Lions lead at the quarter time break though as Alan Coomey added another major and two behinds. The second quarter saw the Tigers play their best football of the year, camping in the Lions half for fifteen minutes but showing a lack of composure in front of goal that ultimately proved costly. The Tigers had kicked four behinds after only five minutes, the Lions responded with an Alan Coomey free which hit the upright for a point. The Tigers then went back on the attack adding two goals from Mark Leavy and James Flavin before Coomey again goaled for Cork. With the Tigers seemingly in control and five points up, the game took a crucial turn as Coomey playing his last game for the Lions added another goal to give the home side the advantage and then set up the Lions fifth goal of the day. At half-time the Lions were leading by seven points. The Tigers were again dominant in the third quarter and an early goal by Steve Landers cut the margin to just a point, before first Mark Leavy and then Andy Hayes missed narrowly to secure two behinds and give the Tigers their final lead of the game. Late in the quarter, with Players cramping up and Ben becoming injured the Lions scored three goals in succession to effectively finish the tie off. The Tigers did not give up though, there was an early setback in the Final quarter as Coomey again goaled, this was followed by three more behinds for Cork. The Tigers then threw the kitchen sink at it. James Flavin and Pat Leavy added crucial goals, and there were several more efforts that saw a return of only three points. At the finish there was just 11 points between the teams, two better kicks and a result which could have favoured the Tigers. The game was played in great spirit, our thanks must go to the Lions for this, we thank them also for providing first class facilities and also for getting Skeg to umpire. We wish the Lions every success next year when we and they celebrate their tenth anniversary. The contribution of Alan Coomey certainly made a massive difference, as a sign-off for the years he’s spent at the club it was immense, and that despite Danny Bourke playing brilliantly on him. The two fitzpatricks and Pat Leavy were outstanding in defence and there were massive games too from Terrier, Steve Landers, John O’ Loughlin, Tommy Conneely and James Flavin. Our thanks too, to Stephen Keegan made the journey despite being unavailable through injury. Team: Niall McMahon(C), Shane Fitzpatrick, Danny Bourke, Martin Fitzpatrick, Pat Leavy, John O’ Loughlin, Sean Fallon, Andy Hayes, Tommy Conneely, James Flavin, Steve Landers, Liam Reynolds, Mark Leavy, Ben, Ciaran O’ Hara. Goals: Mark Leavy 2, James Flavin 2, Pat Leavy 1, Steve Landers 1. Best: Shane Fitzpatrick, Danny Bourke, Steve Landers.

Tigers Match Report For the second year in a row the Midland Tigers season ended at the Semi-Final stage and ultimately it was a lack of numbers and injuries to key players which led to their downfall. The South Dublin Swans must be credited though for a great performance where they ensured the first All Dublin Grand Final since 2005. It was a poor start for the Tigers as the Swans notched four goals and two behinds in the first ten minutes. At this point though the Tiges stepped up and showed real character dominating the rest of the quarter, but only scoring a goal through Cliff Richardson and a point for all their dominance. This intensity continued in the second quarter, with the Tigers probably playing their best 20 Minutes of football all year. Early on though it was looking like they wouldn’t get their reward for this, the teams first four opportunities resulting in Behinds. The team began to find their scoring boots though with Andy Hayes and Mark Leavy adding goals before Steve Landers scored an absolute screamer from out on the boundary line. The quarter was completed with Andy Hayes adding a second and Greg Bourke getting his first score of the day having put tremendous pressure on the Swans backline. Throughout the midfield were dominant and in the backs Martin Fitzpatrick, Danny Bourke swept up everything to ensure only a behind for the Swans in the quarter. The physical presence of Keith Richardson and Sean Fallon had an impact throughout and Liam Reynolds and John O’ Louglin ran the field like there was no tomorrow. At Half-time the Tigers led by 6.5 to 4.3. As is so often the case the third quarter proved crucial, and this was where the Swans showed real determination to win. Team captain Eddie Warren set the tone scoring the first of six goals, while their backline kept the Tigers scoreless. As the final break beckoned the Swans had a four goal advantage and were set for their first Grand Final appearance since 2007. The Tigers were not going down without a fight, an early goal by the Swans sparked the lads to life and Clifford Richardson added three goals to bring them right back into it. Tommy Conneely and Mark Munnelly were working selflessly throughout, with Tommy going through the pain barrier, but it could not prevent a late slump as the Swans kicked what could have been some costly behinds before their victory was finally secured by a fine solo effort from Macca. And that was it for the Tigers, who despite being low on numbers, missing key players such as Niall McMahon, Hopper Keegan, Goose Flavin, Pat McEvoy, Shane Fitzpatrick and Gary Green had still given a great account of themselves. The Midland Tigers would like to thank all the other teams in the league for hard contests played in a great spirit. Thanks too to John Enright and Diarmuid Ó Riain for umpiring – to the Clare and Galway lads for travelling all year to games. We would like to wish the Dublin Demons and the South Dublin Swans all the best in the Final and look forward to seeing them on the paddock next year. Team: Mark Munnelly(C), Martin Ftzpatrick, Danny Bourke, Tommy Conneely, Pat Leavy, Clifford Richardson, Sean Fallon, Andy Hayes, Steve Landers, Mark Leavy, John O’ Loughlin, Keith Richardson, Liam Reynolds, Greg Bourke, Ciaran O’ Hara. Goals: Cliff Richardson 4, Andy Hayes 2, Mark Leavy 1, Steve Landers 1, Greg Bourke 1.