THE memory of David Gavin never fades in Breaffy. The talented, fun-filled defender passed away in Canada seven years ago but his name is never far from lips whenever his home club take to the pitch.

At the weekend, the men in blue and white will have the opportunity to get their hands on the cup named in David's memory when they take on Crossmolina in the Division 1 league final. It promises to be a memorable occasion for the entire club.

However, the players and management will be acutely aware that sentiment has no place in the winning or losing of football matches. 

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Instead they will face an almighty challenge from the young men of Crossmolina who have been one of the most impressive sides in the county in recent times.

The Deel Rovers are the reigning Mayo, Connacht and All-Ireland intermediate champions and have powered through Division 1B this season. They're playing with energy and style, and are packed with youthful vigour and style.

Breaffy: "Players' work-ethic second to none"

Manager Sean Deane is well aware of the challenge his side must surmount if Breaffy are to get their hands on the cup named after their dear, departed clubmate.

“We had to battle hard to win here this evening," Deane said after their win over Belmullet in the last match of the league: "Belmullet are a very good side, very physical and we had to battle for the victory. This is a very difficult place to go and we're just delighted to have come out on top and be facing into next weekend's final particularly with the significance of the cup being named after David (Gavin).

“Crossmolina are a young, very athletic side and we'll have it all to do to compete with them next week, but we'll dust ourselves down after this and prepare as well as we can.

It's difficult to get to finals and Crossmolina are accustomed to playing in finals over the last 12 months so we have to get our act together to make sure we're competitive against them,” the team manager stated before addressing the lazy comments in some quarters that Breaffy lack bottle in tight games. The Kiltane native was having none of it.

“People who question the character of the senior team in Breaffy need to come and study these players in a little more depth and detail. Some people can write what they want to write but I've known these players for the past 20 years and they have character in abundance, there's no question or doubt about that."

“If you look at the league campaign, there were some very difficult games that a Breaffy team a few years ago might not have come through but we did and that's purely down to the players whose work-ethic and application is second to none.”

Crossmolina: "Breaffy are a great test for us"

Crossmolina come into the final after a campaign where they have solidified their place in the top tier of football in the county.

The club is on the crest of a wave, which is sometimes hard to believe, considering where the club was only a while ago: “It was three years ago, we played a Division 2 relegation game in Bofeenaun, and now we're in Division 1 and only one game away from winning the league,” remembers Deel Rovers manager Brian Benson.

The team started their league campaign with a bang, beating Ballintubber away. Even though, the win was very hard-earned, as Benson admits: “We just got out of it. It was the goal of the last kick of the game, and we scored the game winning goal. A massive win for the group, obviously, as we started five minor lads.”

Among those promising talents are Kobe McDonald and Oisín Deane or Dylan Flynn who scored the match-winner.
Benson relishes the opportunity for his group, to face off with a battle-hardened team like Breaffy in the league final.

“Breaffy are a huge club in terms of senior football. It's a great test for us, just to see where we're at, three weeks out from the championship.”

Crossmolina won't be deterred by the fact, that Breaffy haven't got a history of winning finals recently, as Benson explains:
“They have been to finals in the last number of years, but getting across the line obviously has proved difficult. But under Seán Deane now, they seem to have a bit more steel about them. He has steadied the ship.”

But Benson also makes no secret of his club's legacy: “We're Crossmolina, there's a history there. When we're in finals, we want to win them.”

It promises to be a hugely entertaining final between the two hottest teams in the county right now. Both sides play an exciting brand of football, decorated with plenty of hard work and solid defensive play. It promises to be a cracker – a contest David Gavin would be very proud of.

Division1 final:

Breaffy v Crossmolina
Hastings Insurance MacHale Park
Saturday, July 19, 7pm

VERDICT: BREAFFY

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