The wind was always going to be a major factor in this game. Fenagh won the toss and, thankfully for us, they chose to play against the wind in the first half.
Clonmore got down to business straight from start and worked the ball upfield intelligently to create good point scoring chances which Shane McGrath (5,2f), PJ Byrne (2), Willie Rooney and Kevin McCarney did well to convert. With the wind worth at least ten points, it was clear that we would need a goal or two and ace goal poacher, Gary Byrne, popped up to grab two opportunist goals in the 15th and 29th minutes to leave us in a strong position at half-time – 2-9 to 0-0 ahead.
Fenagh needed some early scores in the second half but it was Clonmore who got the first three points of the half – from Willie Rooney (2) and the outstanding Shane McGrath – to break the hearts of the Moll Bennetts. Clonmore proceeded to put in a hugely committed second half – defending in depth, supporting the player on the ball and generally showing the better teamwork and discipline. As a result, we outscored Fenagh by 0-5 to 0-4 in the 2nd half.
This was a great all-round team performance by a young Clonmore team which included 9 minors, and fitting revenge over Fenagh who beat us in last year’s U-21 final. Unfortunately the win was a costly one with Michael Murray, just back from the US, suffering a broken bone in his foot in the dying seconds. We wish Mikey a speedy recovery.
Team: Paddy Byrne, Mark D Byrne, Willie Byrne, Enda McGrath, David McCarney, Shane Murphy, Conor McCarney, PJ Byrne (0-2), Willlie Rooney (0-3), Kevin McCarney (0-1), Niall Humphries (Captain), Mark A Byrne, Jordan Walsh, Shane McGrath (0-8, 4f), Gary Byrne (2-0). Subs: Martin Doyle for Enda, 55 mins, Michael Murray for Jordan, 55mins.
Ref: Pat Kehoe, Rathvilly.
BEST OF LUCK TO THE U-21s IN THE FINAL AGAINST O’HANRAHANS ON THURSDAY 23rd AUGUST IN DR CULLEN PARK (7pm).
PHOTO: Four Minors who made an important contribution to the win over Fenagh – Paddy Byrne, Mark A Byrne, Gary Byrne and Jordan Walsh.
