Southern Gaels 4-13 Delvin 1-7
A strong closing performance ensured Southern Gaels deservedly claim the Under 13 division two shield title this past weekend.
This game was in the balance as the final whistle approached with the Athlone side coming out on top in the last five minutes. Finishing this final contest with two goals and two points without reply saw Southern Gaels close out the game that was a real contest until then.
A very evenly contested first half saw some well taken scores on both sides with Gaels leading by 1- 5 to 0-5, Dara Geary’s goal being crucial score for the Athlone side. Southern Gaels began the second half with well taken points from Dara Geary and Odhran Mitchell to open a seven point gap.
However, Delvin stormed back into the game with a goal and point to reignite their challenge. Gaels steadied the ship with Geary and Mitchell adding points before Shane Cahill added a point to leave Gaels more in control. Delvin pointed with ten minutes remaining to cut the margin to five and give them some hope but the strong finish from the Athlone side saw them lift the crown.
Gaels were well served by goalkeeper Eoin Whelan who was assured throughout. Daniel Crosbie and Padraig O’Neill were pillars in defence with excellent support from Cillian Lee and Daniel Nugent. Centerfield of Donnchadh O’Dwyer and Cian Cahill controlled that sector with efficiency and Geary and Mitchell combined well to account for 3-12 of the scores. Fichra Feeney and Thomas Herron also contributed well in attack.
Southern Gaels - Eoin Whelan, Cillian Lee, Daniel Nugent, Thomas Fahy, Daniel Crosbie, Padraig O’Neill, Conleth Feeney, Donnchadh O’Dwyer, Cian Cahill, Fiachra Feeney, Adam O’Brien, Dara Geary, Eoghan Joyce, Odhran Mitchell and Thomas Herron. Subs all used - Adam McCormack, Ben Gilligan, Eoghan Hardiman, Oisin O’Connor, Senan Kelly, Nathan Quigley and Shane Cahill.
Thanks to mentors Eoin Crosbie, Willie Quigley, Dan Nugent, Dermot Whelan and Frank Lee for their great work during the year.
