Killannin U20s get over the line in extra time against battling Clonbur
Killannin 3-10
Clonbur 0-17
John O’Sullivan in Clonbur
KILLANNIN’S rising stars edged the West Board U20 B football final with a hard-earned victory over Clonbur after extra time on Saturday.
A big personal haul of 1-8 from corner forward Cathal Walsh – son of former Galway manager, Kevin – sufficed for Killannin along with a goal apiece from Cian Folan and Sean Seoighe. Their victory was all the more impressive when seen in the context of having to play the final in Clonbur’s home venue due to a lack of available pitches in the county.
Clonbur, led by free scoring corner forward Sean O Cearnaigh, who notched 11 points, eight of which were from frees, were determined and dogged throughout. Their scoring efficiency meant the teams could not be separated in regulation time, with the final whistle sounding with the score 1-8 to 0-11.
On balance, however, Killannin – whose wastfulness in regular time troubled the umpires with a raft of wides – were worthy victors by virtue of their territorial and possessional dominance, factors they finally took advantage of in extra time.
Finals tend to be cagey affairs, with the fear of losing paralysing the attacking intent of teams. However, in a brilliant exhibition of the idealism and fearlessness of youth, both contestants committed to attacking game plans; producing a final that provided a distraction to the bitterly cold November weather for the onlookers camped in the stand.
Encouraged by the vocal crowd on their home turf, Clonbur – with midfielder Ronan Mac A Bhearsula a source of dynamism and forward momentum – started well and were the first to make an impression on the scoreboard. O Cearnaigh, showing the accuracy that notched him such a big personal haul of points, kicked the game’s opening score. The corner forward would add three more points, including two from frees, in the first half and he was joined in the scoring act by Maritin O Ciarragain and Padraic O Cathain, accounting for their seven points at half time.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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