As the Tournament tooed and froed the crowds really got behind their favourites and the clashes where hard fast and furious. No quarter was asked or given as scores where cheered and misses jeered at every opportunity by both sets of supporters. Fiach taught it was a great spectacle and was really taken up with the goings on.

He watched Prince Kieran of Geezer and noticed he stood still with his hand to his chin and watched the comings and goings intensively. Banty on the other hand was up and down the side lines and was more excited and animated by the proceedings and Fiach watched with great interest the contrast in styles.

On the Battle field there too was a contrast while both teams contained big men the Lilly White looked bigger. Lord Kildare told him that they had been doing the type of training new to the Royals for the past 2 or 3 seasons and it took this length of time for it to pay off, but the tussle was close and enjoyable and before he knew it the break was upon him and away for more Tea and another look at his Cup under the stand. Fiach usually travelled light but on this day he had some baggage with him and Lord Kildare said it would be ok under the seat.

The 2nd half too was close and the Tournament swung one way and then the other as both sides looked for an advantage. Coming to the end the crowd was frantic and chances where missed by both sides and the Royals levelled the scores and then had chances to go ahead but their wide tally rose. The Lilly White Knights drove forward down the wings and hit two unbelievable scores to gain control and held out for a narrow win. The Lilly White Supporters cheered loudly to see there Royal foes defeated. The Royals took their beating and headed for the exits.

A flurry on the side line drew attention all of a sudden and Fiach who had a good view straight away pulled out his Book Makers Stall and started giving odds of Evens on Geezer and 4 / 5 against Banty as a dust up started. Punters threw their money down but the whole thing was over in a flash with a few feathers ruffled but no more. Fiach put his stall way and it was and noticed most of the bets where laid on Prince Kieran.

The National scribes attended but neither camp said much about anything other than it was a good game and could have gone either way. The Royal Supporters had to head back through the Hamlets of Kildare and stopped off here and there and got a bit of slagging but it was all good humoured. Secretly the Royals hurt deep down but knew that they would get a chance to get even later in the year… All there hopes where pinned on Banty but strangely most of them had put bets against when there was money to be won or lost …. To be Continued

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 07/11/2011 14:29:24    1064544

bejeepers he's talking sense man

Moynalty4eva (Meath) - Posts: 108 - 07/11/2011 20:32:53    1064805

The Royals got back to Meath and woke up to reality the next day. 5 Tournaments played 4 losses and a single win. Defeat in Tailteann was unthinkable but a reality. What was going on. It was not supposed to be like this. This was the Royals not some of the lesser Kingdoms. The new management team of Seamus of the Puffed Chest, Paul of the Orchard, Marty of the Red Hand and the other two lads was supposed to make things better but it looked as if things where really bad.
The Warriors in most games seemed fit the word was the Chambers of Dressing where the armour was fitted was in good shape and all was well but on the battle field things where not going well. It seemed too as it tactics where changed as at 1st short passing was used and then in other games long ball was utilised although neither seemed to be executed with any great success.
Talk was common among the Royal subjects whenever they met but they were careful not to talk too loud as you would not know who could be listening. Banty said while things were not going to plan he, Paul, Marty and the other two lads where working really hard with the Warriors and were watching Local Club Tournaments to see could they unearth any new or even olde players, He also said the Knight of the Top Table where good men and he supported them in every way. People wondered at this as before it seemed as if they supported him and others said it was a slip of the tongue.

Banty said the next Battle was to be a very important one but he said that all the time and some of the scribes did not even write it down. Indeed the next one would be big as defeat would surely mean relegation and that would be a bitter pill to swallow but the Warriors could not be faulted as they continued work extermly hard and some now where developing Good Broad Fore Arms or they appeared to be anyway. And all the Subjects knew at this stage cos they were told often enough that this new training would take time and some Subjects wondered if you could teach old Horses new Tricks but Banty said that even the Oldest Horse could learn something.
To be Continued.......

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 07/11/2011 21:24:35    1064846

Liam of Moynalvey and Barry the 2nd Earl of Dun Doire said very little indeed Liam had taken the U-21 Warriors and appeared to be working well and enjoying being the Head Buck with these lads. On a great Wednesday Night during the Ides of March with Tailteann lit up with 4 great Bon Fires in each Corner of the Old Fort the U-21 had taken on and beat Dubh Linn who had won the U-21 Tournament the previous year and this indeed was a great boost for all the Royal Subjects and the Knights of the Top Table and there again was great hope that things could be on the up. Beating Dubh Linn was one of the most important things to any Real Royal Subject. Banty praised his helper and said it was great but everyone already knew it was.

The next Tournament was up North again and it was hoped that the knowledge of the 3 Ulster men would make the trip across the Sperrian's to the Oak Leaf County the start of little acorns turning into the Oaks that the Royals in the time of Sean the Wizard were.

The Royals lost the toss and faced into the strong elements played really well and led at the break and seemed sure for victory but all went wrong in the 2nd period and the Oak Leafers took over and some of the Royal Subjects left for home before the end. What was wrong again the Royals faded when their DNA (although nobody knew what that was yet) said this was not what happened to Royal Warriors.

Tier 3 was a reality and this was bad some said maybe it be good build a team and start again others said that was rubbish as the Royals won The Leinster last year and what kind of talk was that. Eveyone knew there were no Champions in Tier 3. Banty, Paul and Marty slipped away. The Other Two Lads did not hang around after. The Royal subjects faced the long trip home and it was noticed the Highway was quiet as it was on the way to the Tournament that morning, Meath men were staying at home and that was not normal…… to be continued

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 07/11/2011 21:25:41    1064848

I hope thy quill has not run out of ink?

lilywhite1 (Kildare) - Posts: 2973 - 09/11/2011 14:32:21    1065858

Thank you kind Lilly

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 09/11/2011 19:16:39    1066179

Tier 3 staring them right between the nostrils Seamus of the Puffed Chest said there was hope and The Royals had a good chance but he always said that and so at some stage by the law of averages which was used a lot them days he would be right. All of Meath hoped it would be soon.

The Warriors were a proud lot and got on with the heavy schedule and the people knew and hoped anyway that they would transfer to the Tournament field all the effort that was being applied in the training pitch. Marty of the Red Hand kept varying the practice and Paul of the Orchard was having a big say in the training arena. Banty it was said was like a Little General and let these two run the practices, It was also said that Liam of Moynalvey and Barry the 2nd Earl of Dun Doire still sat in the Stand and looked after the water which was noticed now was Bottled in Corduff and not the usual' Pure Crystal Water that flows from the Boyne' that had been used in the past.

The Two Lads now never ever brought the Celtic Crosses to practice and neither did Nigel from Dunboyne as one night when the Warriors trained hard and used up more Water than usual the Two Lads were pelmel keeping the Uisce out as was Marty of the Red Hand and Paul of the Orchard were really involved in an intense training/tactics session and everyone was really busy that when the Warriors returned to the Chambers under Tailteann that someone had moved some of their belongings. This was happening a lot even in Club trainings but Nothing was missing or no one ever found out what happened but from that on no Celtic Crosses came to training.

Marty's home County where next on the list Mickey of the Pure Heart was their leader and held in high esteem by all GAA people he had lifed the Red Hands and they had become one of the best of most revered side in the Country but had slipped a little and now were in Tier 2.

Liam of Moynalveys U-21s had gone under to Longford and after the great win over Dubh Linn this was a disappointment and there was no back door for Liams side but some said there was going to be one for Liam…. To be Continued….

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 09/11/2011 19:20:36    1066183

Noel you're playing a stormer, get to the juicy bits soon.

MeathHerald.1 (Meath) - Posts: 14 - 09/11/2011 21:34:32    1066353

A decent crowd turned up for the last Tornament. The North Meath Clan's did not think about an ambush this time and headed to Tailteann early. This was due to some of the respect shown to the Great Leader Micky of the White Heart. The Royals still had hopes that maybe the Fortress of Tailteann would stand strong and that The Royals would not be as poor as against the Tir Conaills. Also some went to see the last Tournament in Tier 2 as most where sure that even an unlikely Royal win would not be enough to save them from relegation.

The O'Neill men needed a win to have a chance to make a Final and back to tier 2 and it was a good game not much between the sides as both teams showed great desire. It finished a draw and groans went up from both sets of Supporters and both realised that it likely was no good to either. Everyone asked about scores from elsewhere and The Royals were looking doomed.

Soon a rider landed specially recruited by King Barney with the news That with a late score The Lilly White Knights had beaten the men from the Shadow of Ben Bulben and soon after word arrive that the Glensmen also were defeated.

These two results kept The Royals in tier 2 by the skin of a dead goats tooth and Banty led the wild celebrations along with Paul of the Orchard and Marty of the Red Hand. Liam of Moynalvey and Barry the 2nd Earl of Dun Doire smiled for the first time in months and as Real Royals stepped in under the stand not showing much emotion and glad that they got lucky. The Warriors edged away a little embarrassed by the goings on relieved that they were safe but disappointed that again they failed to win a Tournament game (1 win in 7 was not worthy of jumping around in their minds)

Banty spoke to everyone would listen telling all that this was great (to be honest it was good) that he knew all along The Royals would be safe (safe they were) and that he fully supported the Knights at the top table (A slip of the tongue maybe …. Twice… question mark) he talked of the hard work that was ahead of them and how he looked forward to a break. a few challenges and then straight in the Great Tournament against either The Lillies (who had done him a mighty favour today although he never said that) or The Garden County of Wicklow

Fiach McHugh O'Byrne attended as Seamus of the Puffed Chest interested him and there was a couple of Ulster Earls from the Red Hand County he wanted to see about the upcoming Flight of the Earls from Lough Swilly. He did get it hard to get into the game as the boys on the Swimming Pool end Gates said his Pass was out of date. He went round to the Pierse O'Mahonys side and a Kind man from Tiobrain Arainn with a pipe let him in. Still he did not get a good seat and sat in the corner with Sean the Wizard and a man called Luke.

There was no tea and bread at half time either for any of them. Sean said that was the usual crack in Tailteann. Fiach noticed lots of other lads with Mee…Add accents got grub as they emerged from under the Stand with glowing red faces and wiping crumbs their mouths with the back of their hands and brushing more from the front of the funny Yellow Tunics as they rushed to there places…… to be continued……

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 11/11/2011 17:14:40    1067482

Things were not good in Tailteann. It was said that Liam of Moynalvey spoke to King Barney who was also known as Fionnaengus about certain stuff and Fionnaengus went to Finn McCool but Finn could not get involved. Rumour had it when Liam of Moynalvey was with the U-21s Seamus of the Puffed Chest kinda took over and when Liam came home after the defeat by Longford Banty slagged him off and during that time the water started coming from Corduff and Banty said it was better than the Clear Water from the Boyne. Liam did not like that. Liam also complained that he had no say in the training and that Marty of the Red Hand methods were basic enough and not Rocket Science but nobody really knew what a Rocket was.

Barry the 2nd Earl of Dun Doire too was uneasy and while all 5 had sat down to pick a panel for the Great Tournament even though Marty was not a Selector, Banty had pushed for some old Warriors to be brought back. Darren of Trim was mentioned and Golden Haired Graham and there was even talk that the Ulster Boys asked both Barry and Liam to dust off their armour and battle again. The two lads were against this totally and fought hard against it and it was said that it was agreed to stick with the lads who had trained hard under the new training methods which now where touted as now that hectic at all.

Anyway Liam of Moynalvey and Barry the 2nd Earl of Dun Doire left the meeting happy that they had agreement on the Final panel. (Little did they know). Liam of Moynalvey and Paul of the Orchard went to the Mount of Roses in Meath to the West with a team of Warriors that needed to get some time on the Battle field as it was said their armour was getting rusty. Banty and Marty of the Red Hand stayed in Tailteann.

Barry the 2nd Earl of Dun Doire went with Fiach to Lough Swilly and checked out a few Ships for the planned Flight of the Earls later in the year. They found a good one and took it for a spin out into the Ocean to try her out. While at Sea Barry noticed a Bottle with a Corduff label on it bobbling in the water and got a Crew Member to fish it in. It was addressed to him and sent by Seamus of the Puffed Chest and inside a note to say Graham of the Golden Hair was now on the Panel. Barry was mad and asked Fiach to head for a Port as he wanted to get home to the Royal Kingdom quick.

Liam of Moynalvey and Paul of the Orchard had got on ok in the Mount of Roses and indeed a local artist had taken a portrait of them which appeared in the Parchment of the Day. (Later on closer inspection it was clear that there was a little distance between them)

Word filtered back to Liam the next Day as he went about his Farm work of the addition to the panel and that Barry the 2nd Earl of Dun Doire had resigned from the Management. Liam met Fionnaengus in the Medivial town of Trim and spoke to him and then gave a statement to the Warriors who met for breakfast in the Bridge of Knights Inn before they were due to head to another Challenge. Liam left them to think about what his taughts were and went home to his farm. All the others headed to the arranged Challenge……..To be continued…....

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 12/11/2011 10:57:26    1067660

Anyway Liam of Moynalvey taught about the crack and that evening as he milked his cow a pigeon flew in with a Parchment of the Day and in it he read in it that he had quit. Liam of Moynalvey was no quitter and the whole of the Royal County knew that. Liam of Moynalvey said to his Cow to 'Hell with it' and he would not cause any bother and he would stay away and leave things as they were. Liam of Moynalvey was sad and somewhat annoyed that he ever met the Ulster Chieftan known as Seamus of the Puffed Chest.

Fiach McHugh O'Byrne was happy with the Ship he and Barry the 2nd Earl of Dunderry picked and while he left Barry in a port near Lough Swilly he sailed West and South and arrived at Bray in his Garden County of Wicklow. It was a big weekend as Mick O'Expensesonly led the Garden men (Gnomes they were not) to Port Laoise to take on The Lilly White Knights of the Short Grass County in one of the 1st Great Tournaments of the Summer. The weather was not that hot.

Fiach was a proud Wicklow man and as stated before felt that Wickla should have gone for a home grown leader and perhaps if he had not spent the Spring chasing up his Cup and attending Cock fights (some of the non-feathered kind) he might have been able to attend a few County Board meetings and get Rory Og O'Moore in control but that would not have been easy as Wicklow County Board meetings where at times as rough as a long weekend in Carlow. Also in Port Laoise that day the O'Moores took on Longford.

Prince Kieran of Geezer had his Lilly White Warriors in top Shape and they really looked and played well. Fiach liked Kieran even though he was an Ulster man he liked the way he conducted himself and remembered that Finn McCool said he was a sound bloke not forgetting he won a nice few Floirins that day the Royals and the Lillies clashed in Droidhead Nua when the Prince and Banty clashed.

Fiachs County was no match for the Lilles and Fiach while disappointed kinda expected it and soon learnt that the Lilly White Knights would now play the Royals in Jones's Road in June. Fiach hoped his pass would get him in and decided to check it out with his mate in Aughrim would was the chief Googler and Tea Cup Cleaner Away in that Great Arena as Fiach really wanted to see this battle.

Back in Tailteann Banty, Paul of the Orchard and Marty of the Red Hand had Tailteann all to themselves and even Fionnaengus sometimes got it hard to get it. Banty said that the other Two Lads would be missed as they would have to get someone else to look after the Water. Also he said that he supported the Royal Knights of the Top Table and that he was doing a good job. The Royal subjects scratched their heads and said that they found it hard to understand his Ulster accent as it seemed at times the Warriors too found these strange accents hard to get to grips with. Banty also said that they would head to Farney the Warriors for a bit of bonding before they headed to Jones's Road for the 1st big clash of the Summer Tournament against the Lilles. He said the weather was not that hot and begob for once he was right.

Most of the County watched on in interest to see how these two Ulster Chieftan's would manage in the heat of Leinster Battle. Fiach again had his Bookmaker Stall at hand as he watched for a chance for a bit of airgead for the upcoming Flight from Lough Swilly……to be continued…….

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 16/11/2011 20:35:08    1070365

The Royals were heading for Jones Road were Dick Turpin had appeared the previous Summer and the Oriels lost out. They had returned with Eamon the Unlucky and the Lilly White Knights had brushed them away in the later stages of the Tournament. It was said the Royals were not fit and their Limbs not big enough and it was Eamon's fault. As we know Eamon got the chop despite winning the Leinster. The Royals now had to defend as some said their ill-gotten gains.

Banty Paul and Marty said the Royals were ready and there would be no 2nd half collapse this year although there already had been a few earlier in the year. The Royal Subjects liked Jones Road and travelled in good numbers and the banter was good in the Taverns and Ale Houses around the Arena.

Graham of the Golden Hair was named as a sub and the Royal Subjects in general were happy that this former great might have a part to play. The Royals did well in the 1st period and as usual Banty and Paul of the Orchard where their usual animated selves. Prince Kieran of Geezer was his usual deep in taught self his hand placed under his chin. The half ended with little between the sides and now the sussing out was over and the crowds said the best would now win.

The Lilly's as usual for some strange reasons where confident of and spoke loudly on the viewing galleries and terraces. The Royal Subjects too talked up their chances but most were worried as clinks were noticed in some of their armour. Lots hoped that Graham of the Golden hair would make an appearance…… To be continued…..

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 18/11/2011 21:57:38    1071790

Noelp, what's happening? Has the latest installement of your tome, the great Meath GAA chronicle of the ages,the GAA version of the Book of Kells, been intercepted as it reached the Kingdom of North Leinster? Has your emmissary been waylaid and slain by a representative of the Royals Ruling Council on behalf of the present leader of the Tailteann warriers who may bear you a grudge because you are not one of the inner court circle of the Royal House and therefore have not been officially sanctioned by the elder scribes to record for posterity, the Royal warriers participation in the great tournaments?
Still it would be somewhat hypocritical of the man, some call Banty the saviour to order your latest installement confiscated since he himself is not regarded as being truly of the inner court circle himself as no Royal blood courses through his veins and because of this many in the inner court circle are all to willing and ready to plot his downfall as soon as the next tournament begins. If the forthcoming jousts do not induce favourable commentary on the Royal warriers performance then Banty from the region of the Drumlins will have to be every careful of the ides of March or he too might get to utter the immortal words of Julious Ceasar as the knife methaporically plunges into his back.

lilywhite1 (Kildare) - Posts: 2973 - 24/11/2011 18:26:35    1075252

Oh a fellow scribe and a reader of my journals. Tis true I have had to abandon my homestead my wife and children too. In this wet damp weather my quill and parchment take a bit of minding but when it is safe to appear my Fabled Tale with continue.......

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 24/11/2011 19:44:28    1075312

The 2nd half was ordered and for a time there was little to choose between the Royals and the Lilly's with each set of warriors striving for a foot hold. Graham of the Golden hair was warming up and Banty and Paul of the Orchard where up and down the line all action as both revelled to be in the Great Stadium. Kieran of Geezer showed no emotion and had put a lot of faith in Little John of Allenwood to be his match winner. Little John did not disappoint.

Fiach McHugh O'Byrne was really soaking up the atmosphere and chatted with Finn McCool in one of the viewing boxes. Fiach was getting the GAA bug and was thinking of Running for the Leinster Rep Wicklow the following as he had heard the travel expenses were decent and he still needed funds for the Flight of the Earls. He had met Seamus of the Puffed chest and as he was an Ulster Chieftan he taught he might donate something to the cause but to no avail as he had was already commited to other things closer to home.

Already Mark of Moynalvey who came from same Townsland as Liam was substituted as was a few other Royals as the Battle was getting close to fever pitch. The Lilly's had a slight advantage and The Royal Head Honcho's where planning their next move. Graham of the Golden Hair was still warming up and having his armour fitted and The Royal subject questioned was all this good for a man of ageing years. The slip was written and one of the Greatest of the Royal Warriors was about to enter the fray. The crowds held the breath but before the mighty man got onto the Tournament field. The man with the whistle stuck the Royals a grieveous deadly blow and Royals all round the Arena took in another deep breath.

On the advise of a field judge Brian of Nobber was sent to the line and the Royals where down a man. Banty and Paul of The Orchard where stunned. The Royals were insensed and the Lilly's goaded them saying they had used all their luck when defeating Peter the Fitz with the Blue Shirt and the Oriels in year before. The Lilly's where hungary for victory and roared their charges on.

The Royal subjects complained about the decision but Banty and Paul of the Orchard while still wearing their boot leather down paced up and down and then called Graham of the Golden Hair to Arms. They Royal cheer was heard by the Boyne and echoed to the Curragh of Kildare as women hid their wanes under their skirts and animals run for cover unsure if the World would end.

The Lilly's followers looked at each other and held their breath in fear of what might happen. (them days you could smoke a pipe in Jones Road but there was no pipe smoking going on with all this breath holding as the pipes went out and it was hard to get a light as Healt and Safety had banned fires in the Arena your boy from Aughrim who was the head Cup washer and Googler was blamed)

Banty and Paul cheered loudly and swung their arms and fists to lift the cheers higher. Prince Kieran of Geezer held his chin and showed no emotion. Fiach and Finn stood up in their Box and strained to watch the Tournament unfold. Fiach was really into it and declared no Cock Fight (even the one in Droihead Nua) could match this as two great powers of his province both looked for Victory...........to be continued......

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 24/11/2011 21:28:28    1075407

Despite a man down the Royals were as always dangerous in Sean the Wizards time when Liam of Moynalvey, Mick of the Hill of Summers, Gerry of Nobbler, Colm of the Hill of Skyrne and Brian of the Wood of Mainham often times the had overcome this disadvantage.

The question was would it be the same in this era had the promised plan to interduce the once famed Broad Forearms and powerfull limbs that Banty declared Marty of the Red Hands techniques would bring back, This that Sean the Wizard had supplied by running on the Hill of Tara and at the shores and Dunes by the Irish Sea at Laytown and with his herbs and potions.

A high missel fired into the Lilly danger area was met by Graham of the Golden Hair envoking memories of old and the net danced as did the Royal Subjects. Banty and Paul while the Liiy's slumped to their seats in desperation.

Fiach had a great view and declared a goal was scored, but a whisper came along the terraces it was a Square Ball. Fiach said what sort of rubbish was this a Square Ball he seen a Square Ball and to him it looked Round. Finn tried to explain.

The Lilly's rose again the Flags where crossed, Banty went Banana's (Although they hadn't arrived to Irish shores yet) Paul of the Orchard looked like he'd have a Heart Attack. Prince Kieran was rumoured to have smiled. The Lilly's grinned and the groans now came from the Royal Subjects. The call was wrong it had to be but that was that as the Lilly's laughed and scorned the Royal Subjects refereeing to the Joe Goal that bet the Oriels saying what comes around goes around. They knew the goal was good and the Ball was Round not Square as they smiled discretely to each other

While there was time left it was a mortal blow and the Royal Cavalary had bolted and Banty and Paul had no more Aces and the Pack was empty and not a Joker to be seen (Or was there a couple still in the Deck) and The Royals lost their Leinster Crown as the Liily's showed drove on and finished their opponents with no mercy. The Royals left quickly two defeats by the Lilly's was too much to take and out to the Highway to safety of their homesteads and Hamlets to lick their wounds complain to their women and bate anyone that came near them...... and of course to gather in small huddles to question the questions and quietly and some not so quietly wonder about the Ulster Three. …….To be contuined…….

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 24/11/2011 21:37:22    1075414

Back in Tailteann all was not a happy camp, not at all. Fionnaengus and the Knights of the Top table where concerned but Banty said they were great men and he was doing a good job and it would take time for Marty of the Red Hand to get the balance right between the training and the stronger limbs. It was rumoured he ordered new tighter armour. He said Paul of the Orchard's plans for the game plan and tactics where going well and the weather was not that hot. The Royal subjects threw their eyes to heaven and do you know he was right it was cloudy and not that hot, the rest of the comments they were not so sure about.

Anyway a meeting was called on the Trim road and a fair few of the Clans appeared. Beforehand there was great talk that the Clans had tough questions that needed answering and that perhaps they wanted blood to be spilt. As it turned out a few cups of tea tippled over mainly because they were made with Corduff water and nothing else.

Fionnaengus spoke to Finn and with the back door now ready to open the GAA needed a few plum ties as attendances had fallen in the Quailifers in other years, they needed a few spicy ties to get the public back going to games. Peter the Fitz of the Blue Shirt and the men of Oriel and Cooley had lost their Tournament to the wild men of Carlow (there was some crack in Carlow that weekend). Fiach went and a right few of his mates had 'followed him up to Carlow' and while they missed the game they really had the crack and Black Fitzwilliam had got out of town quick as had Lane but the Oriels said the lost because 'White was Sick'.

The back door was open and the draw was done as lots where picked and it was noticed that some good ties where coming out. Finn McCool was seen to smile and was giving an odd wink here and there. 7 of the 8 jolsts where announced and the room reached fever pitch as everyone realised The Royals and The Oriels where still in the hat. Finn's smile was great and Banty had his fingers crossed that the Royals would come out 1st and the tie would be in Tailteann.

People's mind flashed to the last quailifer in Tailteann with the Oriels and how Graham of the Golden Hair had snatched victory late on … could there be a repeat….. But Finn was too cute for that and remembering what had happened when Dick Turpin and the Joe Goal had robbed the Oriels in Jones Road and the hassell after there was no way this game would be in Tailteann.

The Oriels had no arena as when Cu Chullian had slain Fherdia in Ardee the GAA decided that no grants would be given to the Gaelic Grounds in Drogheda until this kind of tuggery stopped, The Oriels came out 1st and thus the game would have to be in a neutral venue. Breffni Pairc it was announced and the GAA knew the great Kingdom of Breffni would have plenty of stewards on show and would police the Tournament well.

It was a great draw for all. The Oriels had moaned so much after Dick Turpin had robbed them the whole country while feeling sorry for them where growing tired of the moaning. They had their chance to put the record straight. The Royals had the chance now to prove they were best and quieten their noisy neighbours. The Country in general had felt the Royals should have given a replay and now by hook or by crook (mainly by crook) it was time to 'get it on'.......

Banty who by this time had got a Royal to replace Liam of Moynalvey and Barry the 2nd Earl of Dun Doire and his name was Tom…… to be continued……

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 26/11/2011 10:18:22    1075919

Banty was happy with the Draw. The Oriel's deserved to make the Leinster Final the previous year and The Royals appeared to be going to lose out to them but the Joe Goal and Dick 'Martin' Turpin had dealt them a heavy blow. They never recovered and for that matter neither than The Royals as both had lost out in the next Tournament.

The loss to the Wild men of Carlow was another heavy blow and while the Lilly's had bet the Royals, Banty felt if there was any cutting in thesse Royal Warriors they would relish this chance to put the record straight. Also with the game in the great Ulster Venue of Breffni he knew he would get the chance of a practice joulst there as Banty had friends in Ulster.

Also it was felt that Peter the Fitz who now wore his Blue Shirt for all to see and now had a seat at the High King Enda's Table had took his eye off the Ball and thus the Oriels maybe where not as good as the year previous and the loss to Carlow gave this thinking some substance.

Banty was not afraid and spoke on a regular basis to the Fine Purveoyers of the Quill who gathered round him after having not been around for a while. Every day articles appeared and Banty cleverly put the onus on the Royal Warriors and that they as all good Royal's would respond and on the training field things were going well.Graham of the Golden hair was said to be in top form and this new training while he found it tough it was said he was improving all the time.

The Royal subjects along the Oriel border where quietly confident and wandered in and out of Drogheda where the Boyne met the sea and if trouble arose they had a quick exit home. Also around Ardee and the Villages of Donore, Slane and Drumconrath the banter was good and the locals talked about strenghtening there forts and homesteads as it was expected that the Oriels would travel tru that part of the Royal Kingdom to get to Breffni. But the powers that be advised to go by Carrickmacross, Shercock and Bailieboro and onto to Breffni.

Tom was a nice fellow and he and Banty seemed to get along fine. Word was that Graham of the Golden hair picked up a wound in the over anxious training that was going on some said it was like putting an old wheel on an new cart and when it ran too fast the bits came off. Most taught this was only talk and Graham would start against the Oriel's. The Royals travelled in large numbers to Breffni they were fed up losing having only won once all year and a win was needed badly….. to be continued….

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 27/11/2011 19:08:49    1076405

Banty held audience in Tailteann and at times Fionnaengus and the Knights of the Top Table got inside the fortress and watched the warriors from a discrete distance. Marty of the Red Hand and Paul of the Orchard were putting them tru their paces and it seemed that the Famous Great Forearms and strong limbs were beginning to become evident. The purveoyers of the Fine Quills drifted between Tailteann and the training of Peter the Fitz of the Blue Shirt but it was hard to get him to talk about the GAA as he was now a Teacha Daila and wanted to give out about FF most of the time.

Graham of the Golden Hair was always at training but did not get too involved some said he was a bit aged and did not need to train as much but some noticed he had a slight limp. People said it was a Banty plan to put the Oriels off as they dreaded Graham from the time he landed fresh from a Wedding and scored the winning goal in the last Quailifer between the Kingdoms a few years before.

Banty said the Warriors were ready and he had not much to do with revving them up for this encounter and some of the Royal Subjects said "just as well". Tom was doing a great job and Paul, Marty and Banty got on well with him.
All roads led to the Great Stadium of Breffni that day in June and Banty said it was not too hot and again he was right and some said he should become a weather forecaster that he seemed good at that job. Others wondered.

Not much talk came from Louth and the Oriels commented that there team was not as good as the previous year and Whyte has fled to Austrialia and that was a big blow and Peter the Fitz with the Blue Shirt very evident has his son on the team. Fiach McHugh O'Byrne travelled with Finn McCool to Breffni to watch this great battle but sadly a lot of the Oreils where afraid that as the Tournament was in Ulster Dick "Martin" Turpin might appear but their fears were unfounded.
The game was a big let down as the Oriels never rose a gallop and succumbed to the Royals without a wimper as Cian the son of Wolfe Tone cruelly showed no mercy and as good as beat the Oriels on his own.

Graham of the Golden Hair did not play and most of the Oriels were glad as they were so outclassed.

Banty fed on the victory like a Bird of Prey and gloated on the "Massive" victory and said he was a great manager and the Knights of the Top Table were not a bad bunch of lads and the Royals were on the right road now as he headed off out the Enniskillen road and duly got lost somewhere in West Cavan.
The Royal subjects and Fiach headed south and while the Royals where happy with the Victory which was only the 2nd of the year they were not getting too carried away. Fiach was disappointed as there was not many Earls in Breffni and gathered very few funds to help his planned flight and was very low on funds so was canvassing hard for a seat on Leinster Council but down Wickla way some complained of his objection to Mick O'Expensesonly being over the team but they were out and he had hope of getting back into the good books, Anyway there was plenty of lads into Cock Fighting in Breffni and he felt at home.

The Royal Subjects were waiting eagerly for news of who they might draw in the next round and when word came that it was the Tribesmen and the battle would be in Tailteann they where somewhat worried but Tailteann was a great fortress and most said an extra prayer to the Gods as they drifted off to sleep and dreamt of the Good Ole Days in Sean the Wizards Reign…. To be Continued …..sometime……

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 14/12/2011 21:55:11    1084667

Fiach McHugh O'Byrne scanned over the draw for the 2nd round of quailifers, his own County the Garden County Wicklow had a tough draw against the men of the Orchard and another game that caught his eye now that he had the GAA bug was Laois (also known as the Queens County a name Fiach hated) against the White Knights of the Short Grass County ( Fiach was not that fond of the Lillies either as Lord Kildare was acting the Mick a bit since Fiach had handed over his Cup). The Lillies had played Dubh Linn in Jones Road for the right to be crowned Kings of Leinster but the Dubs had beaten them with a dubious late free awarded by the referee who incidently was a Royal.

Fiach also noticed that the Royals where playing the Western County known as the County of the Tribes and he remembered only two years before the Royals and the Tribesmen had clashed in PortLaoise in a great game when Eamon the Lucky or as some called him now the Unlucky had beaten the Westerners and Eamon had led the Royals to the Semi Finals of the great Tournament. Fiach wondered what the hell was going on with these Royals as they had seen it best to dump him. Fiach taught how great it would have been if his own County had done so well they would have put their leader on a parapet but the Royal Subjects had it seemed higher standards or had they he wondered………. Fiach wasn't the only person to wonder.

Fionnaengus and the Knights of the Round Table where, at last a bit on the happier side as they thought of the good crowd that would travel to Tailteann for the Tournament against the Tribesmen. There was plenty of people with connections to the Western County living in Meath and the hope was with a good evening promised that a good few would turn up for the Tournament. The Knights of the Top Table felt that the Royal Warriors would have a good chance and now that they had just managed a 2nd win of the year……… but not many Royals brought that fact up.

Fiach wondered which game he would go to his heart told him to head for Ulster to watch his own County in Ard Mhaca or would he go to the all Leinster clash of the Lillies and the O'Moores as he had been canvassing hard for votes in his quest to sit on Leinster Council. He felt sure both Laois and Kildare would vote with him as the Kildare secretary Napper Tandy had as good as guaranteed this. The other choice was a trip to Tailteann to watch the Royals but he had bad memories of himself, Sean the Wizard and a fella called Luke getting it hard to get into the game and then being perched in a poor seats and worst of all not getting any half time refreshments as the Royal Subjects brushed the crumbs from their Red Faces as they blocked his view in the already bad seats. Fiach decided he would head to Ard Mhaca.

Seamus of the Puffed Chest was missing but no one seemed to notice. After the win in the Great Stadium in the Kingdom of Breffni he had took the wrong road home and had got lost somewhere in West Cavan/South Leitrim and there he met a recently elected Chap called Ming who did not smoke a pipe but some other type of funny smelling Tabaco. Ming was kinda off his head andthis made Seamus feel at home and he stayed with Ming awhile. Back in Tailteann Paul of the Orchard and Marty of the Red Hand kept the Warriors in good shape and told the Warriors if they kept Padraig the Joyce under control they had a good chance.

Tom was in Tailteann too. Seamus of the Puffed Chest made it back to Tailteann in time for the game but as was usual got it hard to convince the Stewards of the gate who he was. As we already know it was not easy to get past these boyos. He got lucky when Fionnaegus appeared and told the boys on the gate to let him in. To be Continued……………

noelpconnon (Cavan) - Posts: 204 - 27/12/2011 11:43:53    1087408