The U-16’s clinched the league title with a hard fought victory over Drumkeerin in the 13 aside final on a scoreline of 3-07 to 1-11 in Pairc Sean last week. We trailed by 5 points at the beginning of each half but a more balanced team & a better spread of scorers proved the difference with the lads showing lots of determination & skill to overcome a strong Drumkeerin challenge. Diarmaid McKiernan accounted for all of our 4 first half points but it was 2 goals in the space of a minute just after the break from Shane Walsh & Ryan Heron which put us ahead for the first time in the match. Drumkeerin rallied but a third goal from Ciaran Walsh & a Wayne Reynolds point from play edged us in front again with time running out.
Diarmaid completed the scoring with a free in injury time and there were great celebrations when captain Niall Sorohan lifted the trophy. In goal Gareth Higgins was very good throughout & he found a blue shirt with almost every kick-out, in defence Alan McTigue, Kyle Flynn, Luke Bradley, Shane Walsh & Kevin Moran worked well as a unit & all made vital blocks & interceptions. In the middle of the park John Crawford & Padraig Clark covered acres of ground and worked hard and the introduction of Brian Moran also had a big bearing after Brian missed the last 6 weeks through injury. Upfront Ryan Heron, Niall Sorohan, Wayne Reynolds, Sean Beirne, Diarmaid McKiernan & Ciaran Walsh combined for the crucial scores while substitutes Jack Ozdobinski, Sean McGourty & Kevin Moran all made big contributions during the league campaign.
Congratulations to the management team of Paddy Higgins, Fergus Moran & Paul Lee and many thanks to everyone who helped out in the clubhouse afterwards.
