Headford’s 17-year wait ends

Caherlistrane 0-09

David Killarney at Tuam Stadium

Headford completed a magnificent second-half comeback against Caherlistrane on Sunday to claim their first U-21 title since 1998. Man-of-the-match Padraig Cunningham (0-4) was in inspired form for Headford as they overturned a four point half time deficit to come out victorious in Tuam Stadium.

It was Caherlistrane who started the game brighter with a point coming from corner forward Conor Faulkner after Eoin O’Mahoney was taken down 25 yards out. Moments later it was level after Niall Cunningham found a galloping Aaron McDonagh running into space before the wing forward made himself an angle to fire over a left foot shot from 30 yards.

On six minutes Faulkner hit back with another free for Caherlistrane after captain Shane Nally was taken down by corner-back Kristopher Cunningham. Headford levelled through Niall Cunningham with a free 45 yards out after McDonagh was dragged down by Cian Darcy after another mazing run.

For all Headford’s dominance in around the middle of the field through captain Michael Day and centre back Dylan Corbett it was Caherlistrane who were making the most of their chances, Faulkner taking advantage of an indisciplined Headford backline to stroke over three unanswered points and give his side some breathing space.

With the game turning a bit fiery it was Headford’s Cathal Newell who got the next score coming from another free after McDonagh was taken down again. With minutes remaining in the first half, Nally found Faulkner who made no mistake 45 yards out for a great score to put Caherlistrane ahead by three once more.

Faulkner capped off an inspiring first half performance with his and his side’s seventh point from another free. Full-back Darren Moran was shown a yellow card by referee Noel Dempsey for a cynical challenge on midfielder Kevin Nally as he was bearing down on goal.

Caherlistrane took a four point lead into the break after taking advantage of a strong wind in the first half. Headford would look to take advantage of this, having not benefited from facing the town end in the first.

Headford came out for the second half the way they would have liked and got the scoring back underway through Padraig Cunningham who turned his man and struck straight between the posts. They got a second in as many minutes as Cunningham found McDonagh in acres of space before firing over on 34 minutes.

Faulkner, who hit all of his side’s points for the afternoon, got another point from a free after he was taken down near the left touchline for a great score. Cunningham hit back for Headford to bring it within two with another free after being brought down 20 yards from goal.

It was all Headford at this stage and the scoreboard was about to show it. Some great play in midfield from Day and Newell found wing forward Stephen Monaghan who made no mistake to put them within one.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.