This is in today's Camden New Journal. The journalist is a friend of Isaac Warshal's and plays footie and had heard of Max's tournament over the years. This year he came along and spoke to us and took some pics.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
A Long Time Coming
The 7th Max O'Connell cup took place on Saturday, August 11, 2012. It was the culminating event of an action packed, inspiring summer of sport that started with the Euros, was quickly followed by a fantastic London Olympics and fittingly rounded off with the biggest one of all - Max's tournament.
Although it was a slightly smaller event than the last two years, with 8 teams competing, it was as always a great day enjoyed by many. Babies and young kids were running around and being spoiled, the parents put on a spread of food and drink that was devoured and the football was once again top class.
The familiar teams were all there in one form or another. South Kilburn, Queens Park, Dave Ferguson's All Stars, Pele Pele, Jamie Shamas, Newcastle and the Hampstead Younger Older boys (Team GB) all represented. A new look West Hampstead were even there, missing the formidable Nelson brothers, but captained by Daniel Blenman, who as always, put up a serious challenge.
Once underway, the group stages flowed like clock work. Queens Park needed a win in their final game to secure qualification and, through goal difference, managed to top the group ahead of South Kilburn. It was more dramatic in the other group with Jamie Shamas going out on goal difference after losing their final game to Daniel Blenman. One man's victory is another man's heartbreak and so it proved.
Topping the group meant a first meeting between Dave Stars and Queens Park. Dave Stars, always dangerous with David Ferguson's trickery and trusty left foot didn't have quite enough left in the tank and a solid Queens Park display, led by two goal hero Dash Lilley, eased them into their first final in five years, 4-0.
The second semi, between South Kilburn and Daniel B was as tight as they come. 1-1 after normal time, someone needed to step up and be a hero. Daniel B was that man scoring in the first half of extra time to take them into the final.
As the sun shone down once again, the finalists took their places in the cage. Both teams were feeling the heat and the exertions of the previous 4 games but it was Queens Park that settled into a rhythm first and looked to be in control. Daniel B's team, with the human brick wall that is Vidal at the back were proving difficult to break down, but eventually they succumbed to the pressure. Hassling by Isaac near the area caused the ball to rebound off the back board to the edge of the area where Tom Quested was waiting, ready to stab the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Daniel B's team responded quickly, robbing the ball in the middle of the park, sauntering forward and unleashing a shot that was too much to stop. 1-1.
Extra time beckoned and no one could make the breakthrough. It was penalties.
Louis stepped up to take the first. It was struck cleanly, but the keeper made the save. But Queens Park had a secret weapon. Dave Mooney, making his debut in goal, is an imposing figure to say the least. He made him self big and that was enough to put Jed off and save his penalty. Still 0-0. Now it was Dash's turn. He set the ball, picked his spot and unleashed a solid, well placed shot to the left of the keeper who had no chance.
Could Daniel B's men equalise? Not with Mooney in goal. His second penalty save of the day meant that Theo was stepping up to take the winning penalty that would etch Queens Park's name on the trophy for the very first time. His pre-pen nerves proved to be nothing more than modesty as he lashed the ball into the top left hand corner. Queens Park had won. He was mobbed. Celebrations began.
A tangible sense of relief filtered through the players, friends and family. Dave Ferguson, gracious in defeat, sporting his 7th t-shirt paying homage to Max aka Ducky, gave a touching speech and handed over the trophy.
It was, once again, a brilliant day and a fitting tribute to Max. As Jamie Robertson said, if Max had been here we may have won the trophy earlier. As it is, we congregate, from all lover North London, with an amazing spirit, to remember Max and the things he loved.
This one was for you Max. We finally did it. See you all next year.
xXx
Winners: Queens Park
Runners Up: Daniel B
Max of the Day: Dash Lilley
Top Scorers: Dash Lilley, Scott Nelmes (5)
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Although it was a slightly smaller event than the last two years, with 8 teams competing, it was as always a great day enjoyed by many. Babies and young kids were running around and being spoiled, the parents put on a spread of food and drink that was devoured and the football was once again top class.
The familiar teams were all there in one form or another. South Kilburn, Queens Park, Dave Ferguson's All Stars, Pele Pele, Jamie Shamas, Newcastle and the Hampstead Younger Older boys (Team GB) all represented. A new look West Hampstead were even there, missing the formidable Nelson brothers, but captained by Daniel Blenman, who as always, put up a serious challenge.
Once underway, the group stages flowed like clock work. Queens Park needed a win in their final game to secure qualification and, through goal difference, managed to top the group ahead of South Kilburn. It was more dramatic in the other group with Jamie Shamas going out on goal difference after losing their final game to Daniel Blenman. One man's victory is another man's heartbreak and so it proved.
Topping the group meant a first meeting between Dave Stars and Queens Park. Dave Stars, always dangerous with David Ferguson's trickery and trusty left foot didn't have quite enough left in the tank and a solid Queens Park display, led by two goal hero Dash Lilley, eased them into their first final in five years, 4-0.
The second semi, between South Kilburn and Daniel B was as tight as they come. 1-1 after normal time, someone needed to step up and be a hero. Daniel B was that man scoring in the first half of extra time to take them into the final.
As the sun shone down once again, the finalists took their places in the cage. Both teams were feeling the heat and the exertions of the previous 4 games but it was Queens Park that settled into a rhythm first and looked to be in control. Daniel B's team, with the human brick wall that is Vidal at the back were proving difficult to break down, but eventually they succumbed to the pressure. Hassling by Isaac near the area caused the ball to rebound off the back board to the edge of the area where Tom Quested was waiting, ready to stab the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Daniel B's team responded quickly, robbing the ball in the middle of the park, sauntering forward and unleashing a shot that was too much to stop. 1-1.
Extra time beckoned and no one could make the breakthrough. It was penalties.
Louis stepped up to take the first. It was struck cleanly, but the keeper made the save. But Queens Park had a secret weapon. Dave Mooney, making his debut in goal, is an imposing figure to say the least. He made him self big and that was enough to put Jed off and save his penalty. Still 0-0. Now it was Dash's turn. He set the ball, picked his spot and unleashed a solid, well placed shot to the left of the keeper who had no chance.
Could Daniel B's men equalise? Not with Mooney in goal. His second penalty save of the day meant that Theo was stepping up to take the winning penalty that would etch Queens Park's name on the trophy for the very first time. His pre-pen nerves proved to be nothing more than modesty as he lashed the ball into the top left hand corner. Queens Park had won. He was mobbed. Celebrations began.
A tangible sense of relief filtered through the players, friends and family. Dave Ferguson, gracious in defeat, sporting his 7th t-shirt paying homage to Max aka Ducky, gave a touching speech and handed over the trophy.
It was, once again, a brilliant day and a fitting tribute to Max. As Jamie Robertson said, if Max had been here we may have won the trophy earlier. As it is, we congregate, from all lover North London, with an amazing spirit, to remember Max and the things he loved.
This one was for you Max. We finally did it. See you all next year.
xXx
Winners: Queens Park
Runners Up: Daniel B
Max of the Day: Dash Lilley
Top Scorers: Dash Lilley, Scott Nelmes (5)
.JPG)
.jpg)
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
camden new journal
Hi,
My name is Tom Foot, I am the deputy editor of the Camden New Journal
newspaper.
I don't think we've met and I did not know Max. But I feel like I do
to some extent because i have for my whole life being playing
football around the area and still do today.
I grew up in West Hampstead.
Perhaps you know Luka or Rhys, or Niall or Isaac – who I've known
since school. I'm not sure.
On Saturday, the people I play five a side with were talking about
what a brilliant player Max and the cup as they do every year and I
thought I wanted to do a piece on it this year.
"If he was on your side he made the difference", one guy said to me.
I think Max went to Hampstead School which is in our area.
The main thing I was thinking about this week is how so many people
I've grown up with really look forward to playing football on the
weekends more than anything else.
Perhaps they don't see or speak to the people they went to school
with at all in the week.
It is quite unique really and important, the way it keeps people
together, in my opinion.
Anyway, maybe someone could give me a call about it – I'd like to
tell the story of the Max O'Connell Cup in the New Journal and come
down and take some pics on the day.
Cheers
Tom
020 7424 3252
07966102180
My name is Tom Foot, I am the deputy editor of the Camden New Journal
newspaper.
I don't think we've met and I did not know Max. But I feel like I do
to some extent because i have for my whole life being playing
football around the area and still do today.
I grew up in West Hampstead.
Perhaps you know Luka or Rhys, or Niall or Isaac – who I've known
since school. I'm not sure.
On Saturday, the people I play five a side with were talking about
what a brilliant player Max and the cup as they do every year and I
thought I wanted to do a piece on it this year.
"If he was on your side he made the difference", one guy said to me.
I think Max went to Hampstead School which is in our area.
The main thing I was thinking about this week is how so many people
I've grown up with really look forward to playing football on the
weekends more than anything else.
Perhaps they don't see or speak to the people they went to school
with at all in the week.
It is quite unique really and important, the way it keeps people
together, in my opinion.
Anyway, maybe someone could give me a call about it – I'd like to
tell the story of the Max O'Connell Cup in the New Journal and come
down and take some pics on the day.
Cheers
Tom
020 7424 3252
07966102180
Friday, April 20, 2012
max - the latest
Hi All,
Meeting up with an old friend yesterday after probably about 5 years, we connected massively over Max; so I thought you would appreciate hearing how inspirational Max still is.
This friend told me how he had some dreams with Max in them. One of which Max was teaching him how to swim faster and stronger. I thought this beautifully summed up just how inspiring Max actually was.
In our big school no one actually did what Max did. He managed to connect with so many people on so many different levels. I always felt that I could tell Max anything and I knew that I could trust him with it without any fear of judging. This is a rare gem of a quality in this day and age.
He really wore his heart on his sleeve. There was no one quite like him. No one that was so open, so light and so beautiful. His honesty crossed all boundaries that often separate us as human beings. The only way I can sum up Max now, is to think that he must of been a modern day Angel in disguise. In that subtle Angelic form he is clearly still working his magic! Again and again I just thank my lucky stars that I was so blessed to of had him in my life.
Love Marina
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Wishes
Victoria and Seamus,
I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful evening on Sunday. It was a really special one this year and I'm missing Max terribly.
He has been with me strongly over the past weeks in the lead up to some big changes in my life that should mean great things. He would always have been there to remind me not to be cocky, but don't sacrifice any of my energy of fearlessness, and keep pushing.
If you want to add this to the blog i'd be ok with that but it was more of a message I wanted to send to you.
You have shown unbelievable spirit and devotion to your everyone in repeating these hard occasions. I know its probably a warming feeling to know that we all want to share these times with you so desperately, but the strength you have shown over the years is truly and inspiration and something I have come to rely on. I feel safe in your home and honoured to be part of the gatherings. Although you (both) and I never really had a relationship while Max was with us, I hope you realise that distance is testament to our friendship, which was one of true adolescent mischief and tom-foolery. It was all about absolute fun. It was all about love.
Someone told me before they passed away two years ago (another friend), that in true times of reflection and adversity, to turn to those around you is the hardest but yet most rewarding thing one can do, rather than looking to one's self for the solution. I still turn to Max for things, and I know his/our crew in the area will always be there for me. You have helped keep that together, and you have created a glue that continues to bond us. Its so important.
We are entering an age where our connections to each other are more powerful and important than ever, and strength alone cannot support us. I want you to know that I am here absolutely for you and your family should you ever wish or need me around, and thank you for helping me deal with the loss of such a great friend.
I cannot believe it has been 6 years. He still has more of an impact and heart warming influence on me than most people will ever be capable.
With all my love.
Jacob.
_________________________________
Jacob Tomkins
Jacob Tomkins
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