Our Intermediate team were beaten by Sars in the league final which was held at Castle Road on Sunday June 8th. We played with the wind in the first half but we didn't take full advantage. After ten minutes the teams were level at two points each, both our points coming from Sinead Mills. Sars got a goal against the run of play but we continued to battle hard. A point from Caroline Craughan was followed by a goal from Caoimhe Rodgers and at this point we were in the asendency. Sars put over a few superb points before Sinead scored a beauty of a point to stay within one. The H.T score was 1-4 to 1-5. We were dissappointed at H.T because we knew we should have been more ruthless in front of goal on at least two occassions when we took our points instead of going for goal. We also missed a few frees but in fairness the wind was hard to judge. Susan Kate hit the post and we had a shout for a penalty when Jane Dooley was fouled in the box. On another day we could have been seven points up. Strong words of encouragement were said in the dressing room from both Linda and captain Susan Kate at H.T. Our work rate was superb but we knew at this level we must take our chances. We also knew that Sars with the wind at their backs would come at us strong in the second half and we had to be  ready for them. Shauna Walsh in goal was at her best and our defence were once again excellent particularly Deirdre Keane at corner back. Essie O Connell who was switched to wing back was also outstanding. Caoimhe went for a goal from a thirty metre free which narrowly went over the crossbar and Caroline who worked really hard got a second point from play late on. Sars with the aid of a strong wind were restricted to just five points in the second half and that was a great effort from us. The final score was 1-6 to 1-10. A tremendous game with strong committment from both sides. An example of that was when Therese Deane was sandwiched by two defenders and flattened, but in true Dillons style she got up faster than she went down. Congrats to Sars on their win. It was a tough one for us to take but we will take it. There will be better days ahead and we will be a challenge for any team in the championship. We had tears and all the rest at fulltime, we appreciate that sport hurts. Susan Kate spoke passionately to her team afterwards and demanded her players get back to the Tank and work even harder at training if thats possible. Dillons are determined the next time we travel to Castle Road we will be champions. In the time of darkest defeat, victory may be nearest.