Minor Footballers Clinch County Title With Dominant Final Performance
Mick Neville Park was the location, with Ahane our opponents in the County Minor Football Final of 2024. Conditions were dry with a light breeze blowing from the town end of the ground. We were coming into this final as underdogs having shipped a bit of a clipping from our opponents earlier in the group stage. But our lads were also on a high following a hard fought win over Adare in the county semi-final two weeks ago.
Ronan Benson was immense in the middle of the park.
Ahane sprang out of the blocks knocking over the first two scores in the opening 4 minutes of the game. Their momentum was short lived as we were to hold them to that score until the 20th minute. Mark Hogan popped over our first point with Tommy Glynn adding 2 frees inside the opening 10. Ronan Benson and John Robinson were winning solid possession at midfield to help build our attack. Paul Mc and Darragh Jordan chipped in with a score each from play, Darragh picking up his customary yellow half way through. On 15 minutes we struck our first goal. Three fluid kick-passes found the ball in Mark Hogans hands. Tommy Glynn to Brosie, back to Tommy, on to Mark. Ball placed in the top right hand corner of the net. Total football.
Mark Hogan races to the ball.
Tommy Glynn didn’t waste any time adding to the scoreboard, putting another ball over the bar followed by our second goal of the game. He was causing the Ahane backs untold headaches all day, scoring or assisting at almost every opportunity. It’s fair to say this lad is a serious prospect. He finished the day with a score of 1-06.
John Robinson had fine game at midfield.
Daniel Collins blasted our 3rd goal to the net on 25 minutes, putting us into a commanding lead. There was more to come from the boy Collins later in the game. Ahane responded with a goal to keep them in the game leading into the break. While our forwards were doing the business up front, our backs were of equal measure, frustrating the Ahane forwards throughout the whole 60 minutes. Ben O’Regan was finding his target with kick-outs, keeping steady between the sticks. Sean Harrington and Adam Fitzsimons kept their men quiet in the corners while Louis gave a captains display at full back. Half-time score: Na Piarsaigh 3-07 Ahane 1-05
Darragh gets a kick pass away.
Ahane struck a goal straight from the throw in. A mild disaster maybe, but our lads weren’t fazed. We worked the ball back up the field, with Mark manoeuvring into a scoring position. He took a pop from 25ish yards out. The ball ballooned up into the air, catching a bit of snow, landing just outside the small square with Daniel Collins first to react and fire to the net. Tommy got another point with Paul Mc converting a well taken score, and his second of the day after a great run down the middle from Darragh. Brosie and Harry both defended and attacked with gusto, while also providing much needed cover when Darragh went wandering. Sensible wandering mind you, if such thing exists. Like Louis at full back, Darragh was giving a captains display of his own at 6. Both men worthy of their role in leading the team. Leon was going well at centre forward, himself and John Robinson showing some great fielding skills in both halves.
Ronan ships a heavy hit in the second half.
John O’Keefe and Thomas Fitzgerald were introduced at half time, John going to centre back and Thomas slotting into the corner forward position, but drifting out to assist our lads in the middle of the field. Ronan Benson was providing some key link-up play in the middle of the park, picking up loose ball and being instrumental in delivering ball to our attack. Daniel completed his hat-trick on 52 minutes with a well taken goal from just outside the square. We converted some lovely scores all throughout the hour of football but the best was to be saved till last. Harry gained possession on the Na Piarsaigh 65, finding Daniel with a hand pass. Daniel duly took off, keeping a consistent pace all the way to the Ahane 14, providing a calm finish low to the corner of the net. A great goal, to round off a great team performance. Final score: Na Piarsaigh 6-10 Ahane 2-06
Adam Fitzsimons holds off his man.
Huge congratulations to manager John Hogan and coach Con Daly who have both shown great commitment to the development of these young Na Piarsaigh players. Wednesday night was a fantastic achievement for football in the club and certainly compliments the last two excellent wins by our senior team. We now look forward to the minor hurling final to be played next Wednesday evening at the same venue.
Team: Ben O'Regan, Sean Harrington, Louis Murphy, Adam Fitzsimons, Harry McGann, Darragh Jordan(0-01), Eoin Brosnan, Ronan Benson, John Robinson, Daniel Collins(4-00), Leon Power, Mark Hogan(1-01), Tadhg Mullane, Tommy Glynn(1-06,0-02f), Paul McDonagh(0-02) Subs: John O’Keefe for Sean Harrington, Thomas Fitzgerald for Tadhg, Mike Duggan for Adam Fitz, Adam Halla for Leon, Brian Connolly for Brosie, Joe Patton for Paul Mc, Sean Condon, Joseph Corcoran and Sam Shawyer.
The Na Piarsaigh Minor football squad that defeated Ahane in the county final on Wednesday night.
Darragh Jordan and Louis Murphy are presented with the cup.
