Under 16s Win Breslin Shield Final

South West Breslin Shield Final

St.Joseph’s GAC, Glenavy 9.07 v 1.05 Cuchullians, Dunloy

When these sides met in the league Glenavy came away with a comfortable win. This time a closer challenge was expected but the Chapel Hill side proved too strong for their North Antrim opponents. The game was played at the magnificent Ahoghill complex on a very cold blustery evening with the wind blowing across the pitch toward the pavilion side which meant a lot of the play was on that side.  Dunloy were dealt a cruel blow when they lost their centre back Eoin McFerran on 15 minutes with a nasty ankle injury. This had an unsettling effect on his team and indeed it would be fair to state they never got over the loss. The first half was a cagey affair with the Hill side getting the two important goals just before halftime.

The game started with Eoin Dixon showing his class with two excellent points. Then disaster hit Cuchullian’s with the loss of Eoin McFerran. It took the green and gold clad side 20 minutes to get on the score sheet with a pointed free from Barry McCloskey. We then had a two goal salvo from Caolan McClenaghan to put his side in the driving seat. Eoin Dixon added a point to put 8 points between the sides. Just like all Cuchullains sides this team were prepared to fight to the end. Sé Óg Martin  and Dara Watterson added two excellent points to leave the halftime score 2.03 v 0. 03 in the orange men’s favour.

Dunloy burst out of the blocks from the second half throwin, gaining position and with quick passing had the ball in their opponents net with a beautiful finish from Tom McFerran. The large crowed were then treated to a football master class from the very talented Eoin Dixon when he scored 1.03 in a 3 minute period. Three points from play and a penalty goal to put his side 3,06 v 1.03 in front. The penalty was awarded when Finn Malley was fouled in the large square.

Once again Dunloy were dealt a severe blow when the lost their talented full back Oran McGrath through injury. Glenavy keeper Lorcan Murphy brought off an excellent save when he kept out a goal bound shot to keep his side in the driving seat. Even though Glenavy were keeping the score board ticking over Dunloy were always dangerous from a quick breakaway. The lough view side’s defence were standing strong and repelled the attacks. With midfielders Finn Malley and team captain Darragh Doherty getting the better of their opposite numbers quick ball was getting through to their fast moving forwards. .

Dunloy’s keeper Ryan Maguire whose kick outs were good throughout the game was punished for one mistake when he miskicked with the ball reaching the ever alert Caolan McClenaghan who finished to the net for his hat trick. He added his fourth soon after to complete a good evening’s work. Caolan was given a standing ovation as he left the pitch to be replaced by Michael Morgan, At this stage it was all St. Joseph’s who was doing all the running and when Michael Morgan , Ronan Hill and Morgan again added goals it was all over for their shell shocked opponents.

True to Dunloy’s long  history these players didn’t give up and to their credit added a point from Sean McAleese. Finn Malley finished a solo run with a blaster to to net. Dara Watterson had the final score with a well executed point to leave the final score 9.07 v 1.05 in Glenavy’s favour.

Glenavy were the stronger throughout the team and with an excellent forward line they were superior on the night. Cuchullains have also some excellent footballers but unfortunately it just didn’t work for them on this occasion. The loss of Eoin McFerran and Oran McGrath didn’t help their cause.

South West Chairman Jim McGrath presented the shield to St.Joseph’s team captain Darragh Doherty to the delight of his fellow players and supporters.

Glenavy Panel: Lorcan Murphy; Joseph Mulholland; Timmy Honeyford; Conor Loney; Michael Fox; Matthew Lawlor; Emmet McCloy; Finn Malley; Darragh Doherty; Eugene Clenaghan; Eoin Dixon; Fiontan O’Boyle; Darragh Armstrong; Caolan McClenaghan; Shay O’Neill;  Michael Morgan; Ronan Hill; Lewis Collins; Daniel Hamill; Matthew McDermott; Conal Doran; Cian Shannon.

Dunloy Panel;  Eoin O’Kane; Ruairi Martin; Oran McGrath; Conal Mullan;                                                                       Ryan Maguire; Eoin McFerran; Se Óg Martin; Sean Mc; Sennan M Ryan; Conan McAlister; Barry McCloskey; Tom McFerrnan; Sean McAleese; Darra Watterson; Colm Mullan;  Ronan Doherty; Hugh Hyndman Caithaoir McFerran; Daniel Dixon;