Sars were guilty of trying to be too elaborate at times but couldn't be faulted for effort

Sarsfields began the day hoping it would end up being the greatest day in their history. 

Unfortunately, their All-Ireland club final against Na Fianna turned into a nightmare, as they were never able to land a punch on what was a very slick Na Fianna outfit.

It appeared that the occasion seemed to get to Sars, as they never got going. 

It took them nineteen whole minutes to get their first score from play, with the game getting away from them early doors, and they just could not find a way back into it.

Na Fianna, who only had to make the short stroll down Mobhi Road, a quick left down Botanic Avenue, a right at Fagan's Pub and a left onto Clonliffe Road, before turning onto Jones’ Road to get to Croke Park, were far too physical for Sars. 

They had no intention of letting this chance of grabbing All-Ireland glory slip by.

Cathal McCarthy was almost in for a goal in the first few seconds of the game, only for some last-ditch Na Fianna defending to deny him the chance to get his shot away. Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for Sars.

Sars keeper Bill Graham made a brilliant save in the 8th minute to deny Donal Burke an early goal, but when Burke knocked over a monster free a minute later the Dublin side already had a four-point lead.

Graham made another super stop in the 17th minute, rushing off his line to smother AJ Murphy, but Na Fianna buried their third goal opportunity.

Colm McCarthy, Cathal McCarthy and Jack O’Connor all had costly wides around this juncture as Sars badly needed a settling score, as they were 0-9 to 0-1 down after 16 minutes.

Aaron Myers, who had taken over the free-taking duties from Daniel Hogan, finally slotted a free in the 16th minute, in what was Sars’ first score in 13 minutes.

Daniel Kearney finally registered Sarsfields’ first score from play after a long 19 minutes, after being found by a brilliant Graham pass, but a minute later Tom Brennan found the net and the gap was a massive ten, and it remained in and around this margin until the final whistle.

The goal briefly fired the Sars’ men into life, as they cancelled out the goal within 120 seconds through fine scores from Myers, Jack O’Connor and Daniel Hogan. 

Sars' defence couldn’t keep tabs on the pacy Na Fianna forwards, and they shipped the next four points to push the gap out once more, and they shuffled in with the heads down trailing 1-16 to 0-7.

Na Fianna had 22 shots on goal in the first half to Sars’ 14, with the majority of those were gotten away under little or no pressure, as the Dubs had it far too comfortable.

Considering they were struggling in the physical stakes Sars can be considered guilty of trying to be too elaborate at times, with overly intricate play through the middle, when they would have been better served to go direct and try and panic the Na Fianna defence.

CHIPPING AWAY

In saying that, there was significantly more fight in the second half from Sars. The problem, however, was that Na Fianna were able to keep chipping away with points down the other end, to ensure they remained at arms-length.

Sars needed a goal, but the green flag arrived down the other end, when Brennan flicked home his second in the 41st minute there was definitely no way back for the Glanmire men then.

Myers halted another 10-minute scoreless spell with a free in the 45th minute, but the likes of Donal Burke and Brian Ryan ensured this death by a thousand cuts continued, as they kept the scoreboard ticking at the other end, and Sars just could not get the gap down to a total where a late charge could have rescued them.

The gap at the finish was only nine, but it felt like more than that, as Sars were never within reach of their opponents, which will have been extremely frustrating.

The manner of this defeat will leave a bad taste in the mouth, but once the dust settles Sarsfields will still be able to look back at what has been a proud year for the club.