Under’s: 4

Over’s: 3

For the first time in recent memory penalties were not required to decide the annual Na Piarsaigh Wazzer’s St. Stephen’s Day association football match. The Under’s were kitted out in their usual red, with the Over’s donning the blue jersey. In what was a well mannered affair for the most part, there were heated moments at times along with some questionable officiating. 

The opening moments saw the Over’s playing the more controlled and disciplined football. This didn’t last long. About 10 minutes in, some confusion at the back saw Keith Demps pounce to grab the Under’s first goal. A setback for the Over’s who had dominated to that point. What followed wasn’t the prettiest. Wayne Kearns got on the ball on the left wing. He was given acres of space along with ample time to deliver a floating ball into the box. It looked like it was meant for James Daly’s head but it went clean over Hogie’s head and landed in the net. Will Henn made it 3 just before the break. While the scoreline didn’t look great for the Over’s, Donie O’Conail was giving a masterclass in goals for the reds.

The second period started with a belter from Daithí Dempsey. 4 zip to the Under’s. It was going from bad to worse for the Over’s. The young lads just needed to park the bus and play out the last 25. A penalty was awarded to the ould lads soon after. Up stepped Kevin Ryan. Donie saves but Kieran Daly makes a haimes of the rebound. An open goal in his wake and blazes the thing wide. It was looking bleak enough for the blues until Alan Dempsey offered them a lifeline. A goal thwacked in from 20 yards. The comeback was on. Things were looking up for once but the next incident would leave a sour taste for many involved. Kevin Ryan got on the end of a lovely cross from Alan Demps to volley to the net. A wonderful finish with the ref pointing to the centre circle. A contentious few moments were to follow as for some reason VAR was to be consulted. A measure never taken in the history of the Wazzer’s was suddenly implemented by who, we are not sure. The footage was inconclusive but the goal was miraculously disallowed anyway. The answers were not forthcoming from the officials. A bitter pill to swallow for the Over’s. The game continued and luckily Sparky stepped up to reduce the deficit again not long after. The score now stood at 4-3 with only minutes to play. 

The Sub 30’s were camped on their line in the dying moments, parking the bus in a most egregious manner. It didn't however prevent one last attack from the Over’s. Sparky dribbled his way straight through the middle, finding his brother Kevin who forced a same from Donie. All was not lost as the ball fell so kindly to the feet of Downsey with an open goal at his disposal. A simple tap-in to level the game and bring us to an almost guaranteed annual penalty shootout. Off the post and wide. Mike blows for full time and the Under’s take the 2024 Wazzer’s title.

Final score: Under’s 4 Over’s 3 

Under’s: Donie O’Conail, Mark O’Connor, Wayne Kearns, Emmet McEvoy, Dylan Lynch, Steven Mitchell, Daithí Dempsey, James Daly, Will O’Donoghue, Keith Dempsey, Will Henn, Gearoid Synnott, John Fitzgerald, Ben O’Regan, Conor Boylan

Over’s: Eoin Hogan, Brian Buckley, Kevin Downes, Kieran Daly, Alan Dempsey, Tommy Grimes, Ronan Lynch, Kevin Ryan, Mike Brougham, Ronan Hula, Sparky Ryan, Dylan Cronin, Conor McLoughlin, Kevin Hodnett. 

Officials: Mike Casey and Evan O’Brien