This article is from page 49 of the 2005-08-23 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 49 JPG
WHEN London won the in- augural Nicky Rackard Cup with a 5-8 to 1-5 victory over Louth on Sunday, Ogonnel- loe’s Brian Forde claimed his first All-Ireland medal.
London, the only Division 2 side in the competition justi- fied their status as favourites with a composed 15-point win over the Wee county.
Brian Forde was outstand- ing at corner-back for the ex- iles and joined in the celebra-
tions once the final whistle blew in Croke Park.
London cruised through the entire competition unbeaten and Forde was especially in- strumental in their semi-final win when they had to with- stand a spirited Donegal sec- ond half rally.
Brian is a brother of coun- ty hurlers David and Colm Forde, indeed he was a member of the Clare hurling panel in 1999 and 2000 and was once very close to mak- ing the starting 15. In 2000,
When The Sunday ‘Tribune selected a potential 2005 All- Star team, they chose Forde at corner back. That potential side also included Eoin Kelly Gb orias meee s(oneanNy ioe flin (Kilkenny); it highlighted Forde’s standing at the time.
Brian has been living in London for the last number of years, and plays with the Kil- burn Gaels club.
London’s win finally returns them to the national stage. It’s easy neglect the fact that between 1985 and 1995 Lon-
don played in five All-Ireland quarter-finals and that during that period they claimed five All-Ireland B titles.
The B Championship was discontinued in 1996, but two years later London al- most claimed the scalp of the championship when they drew with Antrim in the Ul- Ster semi-final. Indeed, that match caused an almighty fu- rore since a late Antrim point exposed as being wide was waved over the bar.