Headford juniors in heaven after thrilling final triumph

Tuam Stars 0-14

HEADFORD footballers were just about able to fend off a spirited late Tuam Stars rally to claim the County Junior A title in dramatic fashion at Pearse Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

This was an excellent match from start to finish with Headford doing damage early on before a smashing Tuam revival, spearheaded by substitute Rory Gaffney, currently impressing for Limerick FC in the Airtricity League Premier Division, and John Donnellan, had the deficit narrowed down to a point.

Under pressure, Headford needed an injection of urgency and that is what Alan Meenaghan's last minute goal gave them as a couple of late Tuam points were subsequently rendered insufficient. The Stars undoubtedly deserve credit and plaudits for clawing their way back into the reckoning because Headford had ruled vast chunks of the opening period.

When the inevitable pitch invasion happened following the game, the fact that Headford only scored once in the last quarter didn't matter. Meenaghan's goal earned them a much coveted County title and the progressive Headford club enthusiastically celebrated a morale boosting triumph.

Headford's sterling work at underage level has seen become a respected force with representation on county minor and Ted Webb teams happening on an annual basis. These players are now beginning to graduate to adult level and that is why Headford have been adamant for quite some time that intermediate status could be obtained.

That increased expectation brings added duress also, but Headford appear to be motoring smoothly in the right direction. Tuam, especially following the introduction of Gaffney, examined Headford's resilience and resolve with Alan Meenaghan's making the decisive play when the issue was delicately poised.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.