Our u19 team put in a huge performance to claim the Division 3 Championship on Saturday, 11th November in front of a huge crowd in Castledaly GAA grounds.
In tough conditions, the lads grinded out a great result on a scoreline of 1-08 to 1-05 against a strong Kilbeggan Shamrocks side. Our lads got off to a great start when a long high ball came into the square before it was finished to the net by a lively Alex Johnston. Kilbeggan Shamrocks nearly got a goal of their own from their next phase of attack only to be denied by the width of the post. Shane Hanley tagged on a lovely point off the right boot to leave four points between the teams after ten minutes of the first half. Our defence continued to hold tight through brilliant full back play from the full back line of Sennan McKiernan, Colm Seery, and Cathal Reilly as well as wing backs Bobby Foxe and Keelan Blom. The next score came off the boot of Shane Keenan after a strong direct run through the middle of the pitch. Kilbeggan Shamrocks eventually got off the mark through three well taken scores. Excellent work around the middle of the pitch from Ben Martin, Daniel Taplin, and Kris Jonass allowed good quality ball to be delivered to danger man Shane Hanley who won a free in front of the goal that was put over the bar by Adam Smith. Shane Keenan added another two excellent points right before the half time break to leave the score line at 1-05 to 0-4. The second half began with another excellent point from Shane Hanley after high pressure up the pitch from the Maryland/Tang forwards. Even with the intensity rising and a lot at stake, our lads did incredibly well to keep their discipline. Adam Smith led the line of attack throughout the second with his incredible work rate to win dirty ball time and time again. Shane Keenan then added another point to put six points between the teams. Our lads were dealt a blow when Kilbeggan Shamrocks converted a well taken goal to bring our lead back to three points. That lead was then narrowed down to two points before Adam Smith kicked the score of the match from the left sideline off his left boot. After a nervy last few minutes, our lads held out three point winners. Massive well done to the lads in what was a huge occasion for our club.The shield was presented to captains Cian Rainey and Shane Keenan. Many thanks to the management as well as all the parents for their hard work throughout the year. Well done to referee Cathal Boland and his officials who did a great job on officiating the game. Special thanks to all in Castledaly GAA for providing their excellent facilities and stewardship for the game. Final thanks to Goretti Farrell for providing tea and refreshments to the lads after training the night before the game. Our panel on the night: Davy Marlow, Senan McKiernan, Colm Seery, Cathal Reilly, Bobby Foxe, Daniel Taplin, Keelan Blom, Kris Jonass, Shane Keenan, Cian Rainey, Adam Smyth, Ben Martin, Kyle Moran, Shane Hanley, Alex Johnston, Oisin McDermott, Mark Seery, and Nathan Downes.
