Mullahoran claim U13 Division 1 title in rip-roaring contest

Kyte Powertech U13 Division 1 League Cup Final

Mullahoran 2-12

Cavan Gaels 1-11

Mullahoran were crowned Division 1 U13 league champions on Tuesday evening last in Emmett Park, Butlersbridge. Cavan Gaels proved formidable opponents in the scorching evening sun as they held a one-point lead as the game entered the final 12 minutes.

After two early points from Cavan Gaels, Mullahoran hit the net in the second minute when Darragh McKenna put the ball away with power. The Cavan Town-based side replied with a free but Mullahoran took control for the following ten minutes, before the water break, in a period that was pivotal to their victory.

A Darragh McKenna free edge the Dreadnoughts in front before the Luke O’Donnell hit the back of the Gaels net on the tenth minute, to leave the score 2-1 to 0-3. Mullahoran tagged on two more points before being denied a third goal after a super save by Cameron McGovern.

The sides traded frees on the 22nd and 29th minutes before a sweeping team move the length of the field by Cavan Gaels found its way to Max Hanley and he slotted the ball to the net to close the gap to three points.

Mullahoran held that three-point lead at half-time after the sides exchanged frees. Both sides were playing superb football and dealing very well with the warm conditions.

The Gaels drew level soon after the break with Zach Byrne sending over two points and Oluebube Azubuike adding another. The Gaels hit the front at the start of the second quarter after points from Jude Shiels and Zach Burns.

Mullahoran needed to respond and with the finish line in sight they hit the gas and kicked for home, putting together some wonderful moves.

With the game in the melting pot, the young Dreadnoughts stepped up to the plate and summoned up an excellent finale, despite the best efforts of the talented young Terry Coyle Park lads.

With both Cameron McGovern and Rían Higgins making saves between the posts at either end it was clear that points were going to be the winning of the game and Mullahoran finished the final quarter with five points in a row to seal a four-point victory.

Mullahoran: Rían Higgins, Cormac O'Reilly, Thomas Comaskey, Dáire Reilly, Éanna O'Reilly, Ódhran O'Reilly, Philip O'Reilly, Mark McBrien, Ben Lynch, Darragh McKenna, Seán Harten, Paul Reilly and Luke O'Donnell

See next week’s print issue for full report and photos.