The Legends (34 page)

As he walked the halls of St. Killians he thought it ironic that these years later the dominance of Finbars was being challenged by this total dark horse from Louth. He could nearly imagine the head master of Finbars making the same walk. Mr. Freeman did not believe that the students of that school experienced the excitement of the Killians students; after all he had attended a school similar to Finbars. He sincerely doubted that the hallways were so elaborately decorated. The presence of girls with their enthusiasm and artistic talent was a bonus not enjoyed by all-boys schools. At Finbars, victory was not a hope, but an expectation. While the players might be particularly greeted that day, their supporters would say, “Do the business!” rather than “good luck!”

All things considered, he far preferred the electric atmosphere of St. Killians, although in the unlikely event that they were successful, he would probably have to have his vice-principal, Pauline Dwyer, reshuffle the entire schedule so they could have some type of celebration… speaking of putting the cart before the horse.

Just ahead, Mr. Freeman saw the boy of the moment, Brian O’Sullivan walking with Libby O’Donnell. He thought that the two, who were obviously good friends, made for a strange pair. Everyone they encountered wished young Brian good luck, patting him on the back or, in the case of several boys, thumping him on the arm. A few girls even gave him a good-luck kiss on the cheek. Brian went from one furious blush to the next mumbling his thanks under his breath, visibly embarrassed by the whole thing. Libby, on the other hand, seemed to accept the good wishes on his behalf, loudly thanking everyone and flashing her permanent smile. The two students, Mr. Freeman decided, were the most exciting additions to the student body that he could ever recall.

With young Mr. O’Sullivan the reasons were more obvious. He was an incredible athletic talent but he was so shy and reserved that he displayed none of the ego and confidence that most anyone in similar circumstances might demonstrate. As a result, he was well like and well respected by nearly all the students. A few might be a bit jealous of his talents, but even the senior students accepted and protected him. Libby was also well liked and well protected but for an entirely different reason.

When Mr. and Mrs. O’Donnell approached Mr. Freeman and suggested that although their elder daughter experienced Down syndrome, they wanted her to remain in the same classes as their younger daughter Kate, even though Kate was obviously a top student. Mr. Freeman had been reluctant at the time but allowed the arrangement more as an experiment than anything else. When the assessments were made several weeks after classes commenced, he expected to require a change.

He recalled with amazement the uprising within his staff ranks, led by Pamela Byrne, her history teacher, and Nicola McElroy who taught religion, when he suggested that she be moved. He assumed that, at best, the young woman would sit quietly at her sister’s side and not disrupt the class, just as her parents promised. Mr. Freeman was surprised to learn that, according to these well-regarded teachers, Libby had become a valuable member of the class.

It seemed that not only was she not a disruption but she frequently participated in class discussions. As Nicola put it, “Libby is not afraid to state the obvious which occasionally eludes more gifted students.” Pamela also explained that Libby brought a different perspective to class discussion and the result was a better learning experience for everyone. Both teachers agreed that other students would frequently tutor Libby, which helped them to better understand their own studies. The child would never be an honors student but she was learning and, amazingly enough, helping others to learn as well, so she was allowed to stay in the higher class.

Mr. Freeman knew that Libby and Brian had been friends since their early days in grade school but he was still amazed to see them two together. Libby was vivacious, friendly, talkative, outgoing and totally lacking in any athletic ability while Brian was the exact opposite in every way. And yet, the two of them were not only friends but among the most popular students in the school. As Mr. Freeman continued down the hallway, he slowed his pace so that he could enjoy following their progress and their interaction with the other students.

Eventually, he turned into the corridor leading to the staff room feeling as good as he had in some time. Seeing Rob Gunne who coached the girl’s teams and knew a thing or two about soccer, he asked, “So what is your honest opinion about our chances?”

Rob turned from checking his pigeonhole and replied, “Honest huh. Well Harry has some pretty solid seniors but unfortunately none of them have much experience at this level. Of course, he has Brian O’Sullivan who has no experience at any level but is undoubtedly the best player any of us have ever seen. If Finbars can shut Brian down, we are in for a long evening.”

Mr. Freeman nodded, appreciating the validity of the coach’s perspective. “On the other hand, no one seems to have been able to shut the young man down, even though he has been closely marked by two and three players.”

“True enough,” Gunne agreed. “But then we haven’t played a team of Finbars quality. Several of their players have a chance to play professionally possibly even in England. And then there is the experience factor. Most of those boys are seniors and have been playing together, and winning competitions, for years. I would think that they could make it difficult on our young Brian.”

“I see,” Freeman replied, his good feeling of the past several minutes gradually fading.

Gunne continued, “And then there is our inexperience. Even if Brian opens them up, our strikers will still have to finish and we have missed our share of open nets.”

Freeman sighed,“Well, Rob, thank you for your optimism. You have certainly given me a good feeling about our chances.”

Gunne laughed, “Well you did say honestly. On the other hand, you never know and that is why these seemingly one-sided games are actually played. Maybe our boys will take it to a new level and with a bit of luck, you never know what might happen.”

As Mr. Freeman headed for the couch where he hoped to enjoy his lunch, it was obvious that the majority of the staff did not share Gunne’s lack of optimism. The match was the sole topic of conversation and all the teachers were looking forward to attending and, hopefully, celebrating a victory afterwards.

Brian Freeman smiled at their enthusiasm. He didn’t even want to think about what the same staff room might be like on Monday if the team was beaten, or even worse, drubbed. As he looked around basking in their high spirits he concluded that although ignorance might be bliss there had to be some benefit to their positive thinking. At least he fervently hoped that was the case.

Margaret O’Neill carefully tuned her kitchen radio to the Louth Community Radio Network before sitting down to enjoy her evening tea. The program playing included her favorite traditional Irish Music but that was not the reason for her listening. A special program would be starting soon and she didn’t want to miss a second.

Her adopted grandson Brian stopped in to visit her earlier on the crisp November afternoon accompanied, as always, by his great hound Gráinne. As usual, the two enjoyed a pleasant chat with Brian filling Margaret in on everything that was occurring in his life, particularly at school. Although she knew that Brian was not a brilliant student, with dedicated parents like Cathal and Evelyn, Margaret knew he would be successful. And with his hard work, it seemed that Brian was enjoying his first year in secondary school. Margaret also knew that he was still painfully shy but she was pleased with Brian’s report that he did have friends to “hang around with” as he so aptly put it. Despite the friends he still spent a great deal of time on his own enjoying the open spaces, running and practicing with Gráinne. Margaret had long since concluded that those sessions would always be part of his life.

Brian’s big news that day was that the school soccer team made it through to the provincial finals and that Brian was an important member of the team. Because Margaret followed the progress of St. Killians in the Drogheda Paper, this “news” came as no surprise to her but she had listened carefully enjoying Brian’s enthusiasm. Margaret smiled when she recalled the understated way in which he described his role.“Well, Mrs. O’Neill,” he told her, “I don’t score any goals but I do help the other players score and the team is winning so that is what really matters.”

You would have had to spend the last three months on another planet not to know that her Brian had established himself as the most talked about athlete ever to play in the county. Even Ray the postman, knowing her close friendship with Brian, sang his praises in terms she could not even imagine. “He dominates,” Ray said.“I don’t miss a match because he is so fun to watch. Why he is in complete control from the first whistle and now the team has become so accustomed to his game they know they will get the right pass at the right moment. That is the reason the team wins and young Brian doesn’t even take a shot. Magic, Mrs. O’Neill, pure magic… and even more amazing is that here he is the leader of the pack and only in his first year.”

Margaret never thought that she would hear it said her shy, reserved Brian was a leader but Evelyn explained that once he stepped out onto the pitch, he was a different boy all together. He became confident, assertive and most definitely the leader of the other boys. It seemed that no one, even students five years older than Brian, objected to his role because even though they all knew that her son could probably score at will, Brian always put the team first, making sure that everyone was involved. Even Margaret knew that Brian had never scored a goal because he was too busy passing the ball to his teammates.

Margaret would have loved to see Brian play but she had long since decided that she would rather remain at home and enjoy the young man’s first hand reports of everything that transpired in his life. Besides, as she entered her ninetieth year she thought she was a little old to be standing or sitting out in the cold autumn air for hours at a time. Brian seemed to understand this just as he seemed to enjoy telling her about everything that happened. If she were actually present, that would hardly be necessary and they would both be deprived of those wonderful moments.

Earlier in the day, Brian explained that the provincial final would be broadcast on the community radio station so “if she had nothing better to do” she could always listen. Margaret assured her young friend that nothing short of her house burning to the ground would stop her from tuning in, and now she eagerly awaited the start of the coverage.

At precisely 6:25 the distinctive voice of legendary sports commentator Jimmy McGrain welcomed listeners to live coverage of the final.

“We are here live under the lights at Dalymount Park to bring you the Leinster provincial final of the senior schoolboy’s soccer league between St. Finbars High School from Delgany, in Wicklow and St. Killians High School from Drogheda in Louth. The sky above is black and moonless but the weather forecast is for a dry evening during which the champion of Leinster school soccer will be crowned. While both teams must have visions of lifting the cup, one might be tempted to believe that this match will be as one-side a final as could possibly be imagined. After all St. Finbars are the two-time defending cup holders and are seeking an unprecedented third title in a row. The St. Finbars squad is easily two deep with experienced junior and senior students at every position. Three of their starters, including keeper Brian Moore have been called to play internationally for Ireland’s under-age teams. Coach Michael O’Leary told me earlier today that this is the most talented group of players he has ever been around. As a group the St. Finbars Bulldogs have never lost a match because according to Coach O’Leary, they will do whatever it takes to win. Certainly St. Finbars must be considered the prohibitive favorites but, of course, the winner will be determined on the pitch and not on the form.”

“Oh my,” Margaret O’Neill said out loud, moving her napkin to her lips. The announcer apparently wasn’t giving St. Killians much of a chance. She could just imagine a group of big strong men lined up against her little fellow and his mates. “Well,”she announced to the radio, “it could be David and Goliath.”

“On the other side of the ball we have St. Killians High School whose victories in the past four years can be counted on one hand. That was, however, as they say in the town lands around Drogheda, “BB” which means Before Brian. Killians has been the shock of schoolboy soccer in the county, or perhaps even in the country because they have gone from being an undisputed doormat to an undefeated finalist, all in the space of one season. Unlike Finbars, Killians is short on both depth and experience as thirteen of its twenty players are under sixteen and two of those are under fourteen. Only six of the starting eleven are juniors or seniors. Undoubtedly those six include two exceptionally strong defenders, big John Thornton, called Thunder by his teammates and Jimmie Rice, called Silk who is as smooth as Thornton is strong. The front line is anchored by senior, Bill Hagerty who seems to have an instinct for the net when the opportunity presents itself and led St. Killians in scoring during the present campaign. The success that the Killians Reds have enjoyed this season must be attributed to the emergence of Brian O’Sullivan at midfield. He is only in his first year of junior high and would normally play under fourteen, but it quickly became clear that his level of play was far superior to that of youngsters his age. Coach Harry McElhatton immediately promoted young Brian to his senior squad and the young man has dominated every match since. Throughout the group stages and the knockout rounds of this competition, despite double and indeed triple teaming, no team has been able to stop young O’Sullivan who has controlled the middle of the field linking the strong defense with Killians strikers. It will be interesting to see how the vastly more experienced St. Finbars Bulldogs compete with this young phenomenon. The question will certainly be answered tonight as the teams are receiving their final instructions and kick-off is only minutes away.”