Naomh Bhríde Claims Manguard Plus Minor Football ‘C’ Championship Title
In a hard-fought battle at Manguard Park on Saturday, Naomh Bhríde emerged victorious over Rathangan, clinching the Manguard Plus Minor Football ‘C’ Championship with a scoreline of 0-11 to 1-4. This win marked an impressive title retention for the Ellistown/Nurney combination, following their triumph last year.
A Game of Defense and Determination
Despite the game’s slow start and lack of high-octane action, Naomh Bhríde’s defensive prowess shone through, limiting Rathangan to just four points throughout the match. The winners led from the outset, showcasing a mix of skillful play and disciplined defense that set the tone for the encounter.
Naomh Bhríde kicked off the scoring with a close-range free from Leo Lennox. Rathangan’s Austin Donegan responded swiftly, leveling the match with a well-placed shot before Naomh Bhríde regained the lead thanks to a point from Harry Donnelly. Rathangan’s Pauric Carty leveled the scoreboard again with a goal, showcasing the competitive spirit that characterized the game.
Strategic Second Quarter
As the match progressed into the second quarter, Naomh Bhríde began to take control, thanks in part to Lennox, who converted another free. Captain Evan Donnelly displayed impressive footwork to navigate through the Rathangan defense, adding to Naomh Bhríde’s tally with their fourth score. Shortly before halftime, Rory Burke capitalized on a pass from Harry Donnelly, completing a swift move that left the scoreboard at 0-5 to 0-2 in favor of Naomh Bhríde.
The defensive work of players like Andrew O’Donnell was pivotal in thwarting Rathangan’s attempts to find the net, as he managed to deflect a potentially dangerous shot from Luke Mullally just before the break.
Extending the Lead After the Interval
With players refocused for the second half, Naomh Bhríde continued to assert their dominance, with Harry Donnelly extending the lead with a long-range free. Although Pauric Carty pulled one back for Rathangan, the combination’s standout performer, Theo Hanlon, showcased his skills, scoring a stunning point that left Naomh Bhríde with a comfortable gap.
Rathangan’s Donegan provided a much-needed point that narrowed the scores to 0-7 to 0-4, igniting hopes for a potential comeback. However, Naomh Bhríde refused to relent, with Harry Donnelly drawing fouls that led to consecutive frees converted by Lennox, pushing their lead to 0-9 to 0-4.
A Thrilling Finish
With the clock winding down, Rathangan produced a spark of excitement when Carty fired in a low shot to find the net, narrowing Naomh Bhríde’s lead to just two points. However, in a decisive move, Naomh Bhríde finished strong, securing their victory with an additional free from Lennox and a spectacular point by Hanlon in injury time.
Team Line-ups
Naomh Bhríde:
- Daragh Looney; Mikey Farrell, Andrew O’Donnell, Charlie Cullen; TJ O’Loughlin, Paddy Waters, Seamus Noonan; Oisín O’Loughlin, Leo Lennox 0-5 (5fs); Theo Hanlon 0-2, Evan Donnelly (captain) 0-1, Rory Burke 0-1; Seán Murphy, Alex Gleeson, Harry Donnelly 0-2 (1f).
- Subs: Conor McBrien for Murphy (temp) 17-21, McBrien for Burke 53.
Rathangan:
- Seán Moran; Alex Leech, Oisín Kenny, Darragh Sinnott; Oran McDonnell, Paddy Murphy, Darragh Gilligan; Niall Ahern, Diarmuid Conlan; Eoghan McMullen, Austin Donegan 0-2, Luke Mullally; Seán Heffernan, Ruairí Broughan, Pauric Carty 1-2 (1f).
- Subs: Aaron Moylan for Heffernan HT, Noah Maher for Sinnott HT, Stephen Walsh for Ahern 42.
Reflection and Future Prospects
This victory not only solidifies Naomh Bhríde’s status in the Minor Football scene but also emphasizes the importance of strategic teamwork and defensive discipline in achieving success. The blend of experienced plays and emerging talent bodes well for their future endeavors, with expectations high for the upcoming season.
As fans reflect on this thrilling championship final, many will be eager to see how these young athletes develop and carry their momentum into future competitions. What were your thoughts on the game? Share your views and engage with us in the comments below!
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