Kinvara U-19 footballers hit jackpot second time round!

St. Michael’s 0-6

KINVARA were crowned county U-19 B football champions as Joshua O’Connor’s brace of goals helped them home in Milltown on Saturday. The victory saw Kinvara avenge their defeat in last year’s decider to An Spidéal.

Vinny Martyn’s side were lining out in their second game in six days after defeating Menlough/Pádraig Pearses in the North Board final. In contrast, this was St. Michael’s first competitive outing in 49 days after they claimed the West Board title in mid-October. St. Michael’s were expected to be rusty and so it transpired as they lacked cohesion up front.

However, they were in with a shout, trailing by just three points, 2-3 to 0-6 after 49 minutes. However, from the 50th to the 56th minute, Kinvara buried 1-4 without reply as St. Michael’s’ attempts at chasing the game sapped their collective gas tank. In the end, Kinvara’s robust defence proved decisive as their foes only converted six out of 23 scoring chances.

St. Michael’s had 10 wides, dropped six efforts short and saw an early point effort hit the post on a day when they struggled from frees and open play. Only two of their scores came from play as their shot selection was questionable. They were placed in a difficult position with the gap between competitive games. but will harbour regrets surrounding those missed opportunities.

For the second week running, O’Connor bagged two goals with the dangerous full forward also denied by a fine save from St. Michael’s goalkeeper Conor Cooke-Winters. Kinvara have scored a minimum of two goals in all eight of their championship games. They won the U-19 B North Board League and Championship while also claiming the county title. Three titles this year for a club deep in hurling territory!

Pictured: Kinvara's Cormac Ivers is challenged by James Summerville of St. Michael's during Saturday's County U-19 B Football Final in Milltown. Photos: Joe O'Shaughnessy.