Celtic men wrapped up the treble with a ballsy showing against a very strong All Stars team. Celtic without Ronan Gilsenan, and the delectable Gordon Davenport were going to be up against it facing a side that contained Australasian stars Darren Jardine, Ronan Fitzsimmons, Pat O'Sullivan, Martin Coll, Seamus Brennan and Christy Connolly as well as quality players like Willie the Cat, Steve Brokken, Muscles Walsh, Charlie Connoly, Adrian Haughey, Shane O'Gorman and Peter Scullion. In a game that resembled a championship match at home, the first half was toing and froing throughout. Centre back Ray McEvoy was trying to inspire his charges with some hard hitting and high fielding, while in the forwards Gearoid Donohoe, Ciaran Voyles and Barry Brennan were making inroads. At half time we spoke of the importance of showing why we are champions, Barry made some switches and encouraged us to break loose and play like we know we can. an injury to full back Darragh Hughes left Celtic rocky at the back and a goal from Marty Coll left Celtic 7 adrift with about ten minutes to go. It could have been worse had Donall Foley not pulled off the save of the season, sorry Willie, from Shane O'Gorman. This lifted Celtic and was a rallying call for the boys in green and white. Stephen Connolly got up the field to kick a score and suddenly the momentum was with Celtic. Sean McLaughlins intro at this stage proved instrumental, and it was his lay off to Mick Lennon which saw the Farney man bury to the net reducing the lead to three. Captain Ciaran Voyles, as he so often does pulled two superb goals out of the bag and suddenly Celtic were three ahead!! With 2 mins to go it was all hands to the deck, even Berlusconi was spotted lurking in the full back line!! Lads put their bodies on the line and some great blocks went in. Tommy Lav blew for full time and that was it, Celtic Treble winners 2009!! The relief and pride was palpable. this was a win that showed apart from skill this Celtic team is hard and has heart! A couple of bruskies were had at the side of Johns van and a debate about man of the match broke out, the lads reluctantly awarded it to young Connolly, much to the dismay of his employer Rocky, who had to endure commentary replies of the point the whole day and week thereafter!! Back to the Clare for a drussle, the night is hazy but there was a lot of silverwear collected (see Gallery) a beautiful tone deaf rendition of club song "You'll never walk alone", a few lady boy lattes and some of the lads decided to dress up Voyles as the Xmas tree almost causing Jamie to have a fit behind the bar, "OI!!!!"
Submitted by Cavan4Sam