U19FC Division 3 final v Maryland/Tang

There was disappointment for our U19s when they came up just short against Maryland/Tang in a tempestuous Division 3 Championship final under lights at a bitterly cold but dry Castledaly last Saturday evening.

The concession of an unanswered 1-2 in the opening quarter proved costly as we succumbed to a 1-5 to 1-8 defeat on a muddy pitch. The combination side made all the early running and were rewarded with a scrambled seventh-minute goal from Cian Rainey after we had failed to clear a high ball.

The lively Cillian Rochford almost conjured up an instant reply, only to hit the left post at the other end. Shane Hanley kicked a super individual point for the winners before Ryan Dinnegan had a shot cleared off the line at the expense of a ’45 which nothing of.

Shane Keenan extended Maryland/Tang’s advantage to five points before we finally opened our account in the 22nd minute through Davin Egan who sold his opponent a lovely dummy in the build-up. Padraig Carton (free) and Egan followed up with further points to leave just in it after 25 minutes.

Maryland/Tang responded with three-in-a-row from Adam Smyth (free) and Shane Keenan (two, one free) before a Padraig Carton free – which he converted after being dragged down – made it 1-5 to 0-4 at half-time.

Maryland/Tang restored their five-point advantage in the 33rd minute when Hanley was gifted a point after we had attempted to play ‘keep ball’ close to our own goal. As tempers became frayed, a Keenan free widened the gap to six.

But we halved the deficit in the 47th minute when Cillian Rochford finished a brilliant goal to the bottom left-hand corner of the net. Cheered on by fantastic support once more, we then missed two frees before Rochford was on target again to reduce the gap to just two.

Adam Smyth lifted the siege for Maryland/Tang with a crucial score in the 57th minute before Ben Martin missed the chance to make it a four-point game on the counterattack. We rained high balls in on top of the Maryland/Tang full back line in the closing stages and almost scored an equalising goal through Aaron Nannery who was denied by a last-gasp block.

But it wasn’t to be and we congratulate Maryland/Tang on their victory. Despite missing out on silverware, our lads made great progress this year and can be proud of their achievements. Well done also to Mattie McCormack, Gary Doonan and Aidan Stone for all the work they put in with this group throughout the season.

Team: Conor Mullins: Kyle McMahon, Arthur O’Rourke, Brian McMahon; Jaoi Victor, Jamie Fuller, Brendan Fox; Padraig Carton (0-2, 1f), Jacob Browne; Cillian Rochford (1-1), Aaron Nannery, Joey Nannery; Jack Mullins, Davin Egan (0-2), Ryan Dinnegan. Subs: Cormac Egan for Fuller (40 min), Kieran Egan for Dinnegan (44 min).

Leinster Club JFC semi-final v Milltown

We continue of Leinster Club JFC campaign with a semi-final against Kildare champions Milltown in Rochfortbridge next Saturday at 1.30pm.

With a place in the Leinster final at stake, this is one of the biggest games in our history and we are calling on every supporter to make the short trip to the ‘Bridge and be our 16th man. Best of luck to the lads.

Lotto

Last week’s lucky numbers were 3, 6, 12 and 28. The Match 3 winners were Angela Guilfoyle, Simon Huidges, Tom Conroy and Sarah Heffernan. Thanks to everyone for their support. The jackpot is capped at €15,000. You can purchase your tickets in local shops or online.