Ballinderry Shamrocks

Not being a fan, it naturally goes against the grain to speak too highly of Manchester United.

But there’s no disputing the fact that, quite aside from title successes, for sheer ‘edge-of-the-seat’ sporting drama, Alex Ferguson’s side have consistently excelled.

The 1999 European Champions League final was perhaps the most obvious case in point, when deep in stoppage time in the white-hot heat of the Nou Camp in Barcelona, United trailed 1-0 against their great German rivals, Bayern Munich.

Having bagged Premiership and FA Cup silverware, United kicked off that night as short-priced favourites to make it a unique title treble.

Ferguson’s Red Devils and Bayern were both bidding to become only the third European side to achieve the treble feat, following on from Celtic (1967) and Dutch masters Ajax in 1972.

But 1-0 behind and with the clock ticking down that dream seemed well beyond United’s grasp… until up stepped super subs Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to break Bayern hearts. That last-gasp scenario, be it winning or salvaging a vital Premiership point, has become almost traditional, something of a late, late show for Ferguson’s men.

The latest breathtaking episode came on Wednesday night, a fitting follow-up to the daredevil skeleton exploits of Ireland’s Clifton (Hugh Lancelot de Verdon) Wrottesley, who was narrowly pipped for Ireland’s first ever Winter Olympic medal earlier that evening.

A spirited display by Nantes, capped by some miracle saves from keeper Mickael Laundreau, seemed set to be rewarded with maximum points as an entertaining Champions League clash drew to a close in the Stade la Beaujoire.

But true to form, in a blistering, frantic final spell United persistence paid off, Ruud Van Nistlerooy keeping a cool head to slot home a high-pressure penalty in the 95th minute… thrilling end-to-end action, great viewing.

So too was yesterday’s All-Ireland Club Football Championship semi-final.

Hearty congratulations to the young gaels of Ballinderry who battled valiantly in a Longford mudbath to clinch a place in the All-Ireland CFC final on St Patrick’s Day.

Judging by the grit, skill and endeavour on view at Pearse Park yesterday, Shamrocks coach Brian McIver has moulded a team capable of claiming the top prize.

To a man, they pulled together, playing tidy football despite the treacherous conditions underfoot, to deny a never-say-die Rathnew.

Every player finished caked in mud and soaked through to the skin but the harsh conditions were quickly forgotten by the Ballinderry side at the end of this physically exhausting semi-final clash.

Spurred on superbly by a devoted band of supporters who endured the long trek to Longford, the Derry men had six points to spare over their strong Wicklow rivals.

The festive celebrations that followed the final whistle were a treat to watch. The Shamrocks now await the winners of this weekend’s other last-four clash featuring Nemo Rangers and Charlestown.

A day of double national celebration beckons for this brave Ballinderry side on March 17… fingers crossed.