Clarinbridge’s bunch of young superstars have done it again. The All Ireland U15 Feile champions from 2021 added the 2022 county U16 title to their expanding portfolio of honours when they beat Loughrea. Although it was comprehensive in the end, 4-20 to 2-11, Loughrea did not make it easy.
It was an evenly contested first half with a goal from Aaron Niland keeping the 'Bridge in the contest, but as the half progressed the 'Bridge started to exert control around the middle of the field through Darragh Counihan and Ronan Murphy. When a 20 yard free was blasted to the net by Niland, it gave Clarinbridge a commanding half-time lead.
However, Clarinbridge were forced on the defensive after the break as Loughrea cut the gap to five points, but the Bridge again showed their class and finished the game strongly.
Captain Ben O'Dwyer was excellent at fullback, Sean Murphy was awarded man of the match, and Aaron Niland, Darragh Kearney, and Darragh Counihan were outstanding in what was an all-round super team performance.
BACK ROW L-R Micheal Donoghue, James Forde, Ben Cloonan, Aaron Spelman, Darragh Kearney, Eanna Cox, Alex Fitzgerald, Oscar Fitzpatrick, Ben O'Dwyer (capt ), Christopher Callanan, Caleb Fleetwood, Jack Kennedy, Shane Kennedy, Darragh Counihan, Aaron Niland, Sean Murphy, Martin Kennedy, Niall Armstrong.
FRONT ROW L-R Kieran Counihan, Jarlath Murphy, Conor Farrell, Rory Gallagher, Jack Dunne, Fionn Higgins, Simon Lynskey, Dylan Martyn, Ronan Murphy, Ryan McPhillips, Eanna Hillary, Rian Lydon, Niall Donoghue, Mikey Fallon, Cillian Horan.
