No splitting hairs as Na Fianna come of age and go for broke

Splits and schisms have been fundamental to Irish sporting and political life for most of this century, and even earlier if the truth be known. In the early 1950s, hardly an eyebrow was raised at national level when yet another sporting and cultural dispute led to a group of GAA followers on Dublin's northside breaking away from CJ Kickhams to form their own club. For a local split of its kind, it was a significant one; at least in terms of numbers. About 220 members, mainly younger ones, left to form a new club up the road in Glasnevin which they called Na Fianna.

Jimmy Grey, who was to become the godfather of Dublin's revival in the 1970s when as county chairman he brought in Kevin Heffernan to manage - and mastermind - the county football team, was one of those who left to form the new club. Some 40 years later, Grey is one of the club's surviving founding members and hopes to see what would be arguably their finest moment when the Dublin county champions take on Kildare kingpins Sarsfields in tomorrow's Leinster club championship final at Pairc Tailteann in Navan.

Indeed, there is an intriguing parallel between the reasons for the old split and the success story of the modern-day team in reaching the provincial final. "Probably the main reason for the split all those years ago was that a very strong underage set-up had been established in the CJ Kickhams club," explained Grey, "but the young members were prevented from having any real say in the club."

Now, a similar commitment to underage structures has been rewarded with Na Fianna's rise to the verge of provincial glory. Although a good deal has been made of the club's so-called "imports", the Armagh pair of Kieran McGeeney and Des Mackin, Grey points out that 12 of the recognised first team (and up to 20 of the squad) are actually "home grown talent." The other exception to this proud boast is someone who has made a tremendous contribution to Dublin football in the 1990s, Mick Galvin - the inspirational team captain - who transferred from Oliver Plunketts in the autumn of his career and who has fittingly reaped the dividends with his new club.

Yet, the base was set back in the late-1950s for Na Fianna's future success when the newly-formed club made a number of bold decisions. Chief amongst them, Grey recalls, was deciding to buy the land on Mobhi Road where the progressive club eventually built a clubhouse to service the pitches. The land was put up for tender by the Board of Works and Home Farm, who were actually playing matches there at the time, also bid for it. "They weren't too happy at the time when we got it," said Grey, "but that is all water under the bridge now, and we have a very good relationship with the soccer club."

The fledgling Na Fianna club secured the land for the princely sum of £670, a lot of money at that time. "An we didn't have it," acknowledged Grey, "however we borrowed, we ran carnivals, draws and any other fundraising activity we could think of in an effort to raise the money. From that base, we have reached the stage where we are today. It's a tremendous achievement for everyone associated with the club, but especially for those of us who have been around since the club's start." But Na Fianna's march to the provincial final has breathed life through the tree-lined roadways of the north Dublin community. "Apart from the expected sources, we've had an unbelievable number of good wishes from people you wouldn't have expected. It has created a great excitement around the area," said Grey. The club that developed out of a good, old-fashioned split has grown up.