Headford crowned Junior football champions with win over

HEADFORD lived up to expectations after an impressive season, building an early lead before seeing off a Fr. Griffin’s/Éire Óg comeback to secure a 1-14 to 0-8 victory and a return to the Intermediate ranks after four seasons in Primary Junior.

The lights were switched on during the warm-up for this rescheduled fixture, despite a 3pm throw-in, such were the conditions. The bank holiday double-header was played in miserable weather that followed in the wake of Storm Boelo, but neither side was deterred. A county title and promotion to Intermediate for 2027 were both at stake – a key change from last year’s arrangement.

Francis Roche’s side shot 14-95 in six games, finally getting their hands on the North Board title after losing three consecutive finals – including last year’s loss on penalties to Williamstown. This year, only Ballinasloe ran them close, in a group fixture, as Headford recorded convincing victories over Athenry, St. Gabriel’s, Killererin and Williamstown, before defeating Athenry 2-19 to 1-6 in the North Board final, where Sean Birmingham top-scored with 0-10.

It was a unique final pairing, with Fr. Griffin’s/Éire Óg looking to make a first-ever breakthrough to Intermediate since their 2007 amalgamation. They retained six starters from their historic 2018 Junior A success. Former professional soccer player Seamie Crowe, who also won an All-Ireland SFC title with Salthill-Knocknacarra in 2006, guided the city club to a memorable comeback victory against Naomh Padraig An Fháirche in the West Board final.

Fr. Griffin’s/Éire Óg recorded just one first half score in the West Board final before turning things around. Even so, Headford built a lead at an alarming rate, racing into a 0-7 to 0-0 lead after 14 minutes with no sign of slowing down.

Stephen Casey opened the game’s scoring with a splendid two-pointer before Sean Birmingham and Mark Earnor spearheaded Headford’s attack for the remainder.

The winners’ early dominance was also influenced by turning over multiple opposition kickouts, with Sean Lee, former county man Padraic Cunningham, and James O’Brien all strong aerially.

Salthill-Knocknacarra won a senior final after taking 25 minutes to land their first score, but the rapidly growing Headford lead demanded a response from Fr. Griffin’s/Éire Óg. Captain Paul Healy crucially earned a free which Stephen Killeen converted for his side’s first score after 20 minutes.

Headford’s concentration slipped, conceding a breach, as four more first half points from club stalwart Killeen brought his side right back into contention. Alan Campbell was perhaps fortunate to avoid a second booking before being withdrawn, while a Birmingham free ended an 18-minute scoreless period for the winners, who led 0-8 to 0-5 at half-time.

The contest remained close in the third quarter, however Headford managed to pull five clear. Earnor got a brace from play before Birmingham, with an expert dummy hop and solo, took the score of the game, putting Headford 0-11 to 0-6 ahead after 41 minutes.

Healy replied with a score from a mark which was his side’s last score until the 60th minute. Stephen Killeen, who shot 0-7 in the West Board final, was forced off due to a serious injury which held up the game for six minutes. It was a huge blow for Fr. Griffin’s/Éire Óg, who struggled without their main scorer.

Ciaran O’Donnell forced an excellent save from former Galway United goalkeeper Conor Winn, but there was no stopping Birmingham who blasted home in the next play after 52 minutes.

The contest was decided, as Birmingham added three more scores from frees. Healy converted a late two-pointer free, but goals eluded Fr. Griffin’s/Éire Óg as Headford remained in control.

Roche, who previously managed Monivea-Abbey to Junior A (1985), Intermediate (2023) and Senior (1992) titles, praised his players’ commitment after guiding Headford back to Intermediate.

“They’re a great group of guys. They’ve worked really hard and you only get out of anything what you put into it.”

Roche also made clear that Headford’s ambitions extend beyond their county success.

“When we leave Pearse Stadium today, we’re representing Galway, and we have to go out and make sure we’re representing them with dignity. I’m in it to win, and we’re in it to win everything.”

Headford: E Mannion; S Moran, D Garvey (captain), C O’Reilly; B Walsh, S Lee, F Barnes; J O’Brien, M Day; S Casey (one 0-2 score), C O’Donnell, P Cunningham; M Earnor (0-4), S Birmingham (1-8, 0-5 frees); T Newell. Subs: C Gavin for Day (temp, 3-5mins) & for Newell (56 mins); E Flynn for O’Reilly (HT); J Greaney for Moran (42mins); G Corbett for Walsh (54mins); K Greaney for Cunningham (60mins).

Fr. Griffin’s Éire Óg: C Winn; C Doyle, A McPhilbin, J Concannon; M Kirwan, A Campbell, C Quinn; R McKernan, D McPeake; D Moylan, P Healy (0-3, one 0-2 free, 0-1 mark, captain), S Ruttledge; E Concannon, S Killeen (0-5, 0-4 frees), P Lennon. Subs: L Murray for Kirwan (18mins); J Doyle for Campbell (30+3mins); J Gray for McKernan (37mins); R Barrett for Killeen (inj., 48mins); N Muldoon for Lennon (54mins).

Referee: Paddy Ó Gríofa.