St. Kiernan's Reclaim their under 16 County Title, edging out
St. Kiernan's Reclaim their under 16 County Title, edging out
October 09, 2017
St. Kiernan’s Reclaim their under 16 County Title, edging out Parnells
                St. Kiernan’s came out on top in an exuberating final, which had everything from great team scores, great individual displays and a red card. The game started at blistering pace, with St. Kiernan’s attacking and missing an early goal chance within a minute. Despite this Parnells got the better of the early exchanges, playing with a slight gaol behind their backs, with an opening point from Beanon Corrigan. Both defences started on top, with Martin Sexton for St. Kiernan’s and Eoghan Reilly putting in great displays right from the very start. Despite this after 11 minutes Lewis Dickinson widened the gap to 2 points, after he slotted over a well won free by Niall Bradshaw. Just a few moments later, Niall Twomey got Parnells third point of the day which firmly settled his side into the game. St. Kieran’s were guilty of being wasteful with the ball in the first third of the game, but right on the twentieth minute St. Kiernan’s got a much needed goal to get themselves up and running. Conleth Gallagher got the finish after a great run by Paddy Ryan and a fantastic block down by George Cooling. For the next few minutes St. Kieran’s enjoyed more of the possession but couldn’t turn it into scores. Undeterred by the Kiernan’s pressure, Parnells never panicked and regained the lead in the 24th minute with the score of the game by Niall Twomey. With half time coming ever closer, the game began to open up and the Parnells pressure was rewarded with two fine points from Beanon Corrigan and Lewis Dickinson. Right on the stroke of half time, Mathew Joyce managed to get on the end of a well worked team move by St. Kiernan’s to send them in at half time only 2 points in arrears.
                    Now St. Kiernan’s playing the second half with the wind at their back they really put their foot on the accelerator, Conleth Gallagher adding to his personal tally after just 40 seconds of the restart. After just 1 more minute, St. Kiernan’s had levelled the game displaying their intentions to win the championship. 3 minutes into the second half a melee broke out between both sets of players, with neither team wanting to give an inch. Now St. Kiernan’s turned up the heat, with Mathew Joyce really coming to the fore and bagging two quick points putting St. Kieran’s ahead 0 – 6 to 1 – 5. Just after, St. Kieran’s were a goal ahead as Paddy Ryan added another point. By this stage St. Kieran’s really had the bit between their teeth and this was highlighted through the exceptional work rate of Paddy Ryan, who was now tracking back 60 yards to disposes the Parnells on several occasions. However 15 minutes into the second half St. Kieran’s were dealt a major blow when Elliot McPhun was shown a second yellow, resulting in him being given his marching orders. Parnells managed to grab a point back before Mathew Joyce and Paul Nevin stemmed the Parnells momentum edging them ever future ahead now 0 – 7 to 1 – 8. Despite this, Parnells weren’t going to give up easily, and Niall Twomey reduced the gap to just two with 24 minutes gone. Minutes later St. Kieran’s goalkeeper Brendan Prior pulled off two unbelievable saves to keep his side in the game. Now with the game in the melting pot, man of the match Mathew Joyce stepped up and got on some vital possession keeping the ball away from the Parnells. St. Kiernan’s put the game out of site on the 29th minute when Cloneth Gallagher finished to the net from an unselfish pass from Ali Carney. The score now 2 – 8 to 0 – 9 the Parnells still didn’t give up and were unrelenting in their pressure, they managed to claw it back to 3 points with 30 seconds left on the clock. St. Kieran’s managers, Jason Mullarkey and Michael O’Donoghue, were left sweating on the sideline as they watched their side defend a last gasp effort from the Parnells.
                              The game finished 2 – 8 to 0 – 11 in favour of St. Kiernan’s. A delighted Mathew Joyce stepped up to collect the cup on behalf of his teammates and managers. A great game capping off a fantastic season.