The u-21s put up a great performance and led by 1-5 to 0-7 at HT. With the score 1-12 to 1-11 on 60mins, this game could have gone either way but the Blues scored 1-3 in injury time to win by a flattering margin.
This was one of the best games seen in Dr Cullen Park for some time with the result was in doubt right up to injury time.
The young Clonmore team, which included eight Minors, took the game to the Blues from the start with Willie Rooney scoring a sensational goal straight from the throw-in. The backs withstood some intense pressure and put in some great blocks and tackles while the forwards cut through the Blues defence with great skill and determination and were unlucky to see three good goal scoring chances go abegging during the course of the game. In a great all round team performance, Shane McGrath deserves special mention for scoring 0-8 and giving a brilliant display of forward play. The loss of Kevin McCarney through injury (45mins) and Willie Rooney for a second yellow card (55mins) proved decisive as the Blues scored 1-3 in injury time to give the scoreboard a misleading appearance.
The club would like to thank the lads for their hugely committed and skillful performance which drew glowing praise from club supporters and neutrals alike. They did themselves and the club proud. The club would also like to thank the big crowd who turned out to cheer on the lads.
Team: Paddy Byrne, Mark D Byrne, Willie Byrne, Paul Hogan, David McCarney, Shane Murphy, Conor McCarney, PJ Byrne, Willie Rooney (1-0), Kevin McCarney, Niall Humphries (Captain)(0-3,1f), Mark A Byrne, Jordan Walsh, Shane McGrath (0-8, 1f), Gary Byrne. Subs: Martin Doyle for Kevin McCarney injured, 45mins.
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Having beaten Mount Leinster Rangers (3-8 to 0-7) and Fenagh (2-14 to 0-4), Clonmore have made it to the County U-21 ‘B’ Final for the second year in a row.
Our opponents in the Final are O’Hanrahans who have beaten Michael Davitts (4-17 to 1-7) and Burrin Rangers (4-7 to 0-4).
Fourteen of the panel from 2011 are involved again this year – unfortunately two of them, Darren McGrath and Michael Murray, are currently injured. Nonetheless, it is a strong, well balanced team who play with a high level of skill, intensity, teamwork and discipline, and have a great chance of winning the Final.
The photo below is the U-21 team beaten by Fenagh in the 2011 final 2-12 to 0-11. The names in red are the players involved again this year. The 2012 mentors are Paddy Molloy (Trainer), Jim Bolger, Conor McCarney and Ger Doyle.
Best of luck in the Final lads.
Back: PJ Byrne, Willie Rooney, Willie Byrne, Paddy Doyle, Daragh Kelly, Mark A Byrne, Shane McGrath, Darren McGrath, Gordon Hickey, Shane Murphy. Front: Mark D Byrne, James Doyle, Niall Humphries, Michael Murray, Paul Hogan, Enda McGrath, Martin Doyle, David McCarney, Kevin McCarney. 2012 Mentors: Paddy Molloy (Trainer), Ger Doyle, Jim Bolger & Conor McCarney (Selectors).
