First Ever Grade 1 Youth Title For Fintona Pearses

Wednesday 10.09.2025

Club

Fintona claimed their first ever Grade 1 youth title in Omagh on Wednesday evening when they defeated Carrickmore 2-10 to 2-9 in the minor league final. Played in difficult conditions the Pearses were the better side throughout the first half with Tom Gallen, Igor Samulewicz, and Paudie Goodman covering the hard yards. The well organised Fintona rearguard diluted the Carrickmore scoring threat and reached the break 1-6 to 1-3 ahead.

Peter Colton battled hard and struck five fine first half points including one superbly struck two pointer. Defensively it was a very well drilled and disciplined display from the underdogs restricting Carrickmore to just three points during a very competitive first thirty minutes. Diarmuid Martin’s movement and ball winning were  important but the ability of Tom Gallen and Owen Griffiths to find space where there was none helped lift the siege at key times in the game.

A disappointing first half return of just three points from Carrickmore was came from Michael Mc Callan, Conal Loughran and team captain Ryan Donaghy. A similar performance in the second half would not be enough to deny a hungry Fintona side their first Grade 1 Minor League title.

Carrickmore threw off the shackles in the second half with Shea Munroe and Vincent Gormley carrying the battle to Fintona. Gormley opened the scoring early in the second half with a point before Fintona responded with a fine second goal from Diarmuid Martin.  Weather conditions worsened and both teams worked hard to retain possession in increasingly difficult circumstances.

A brace of points from Gormley followed by an opportunistic goal from Phelim Mc Crory had Carrickmore back in the game and very much in the hunt. Match referee Martin Conroy kept the game going and contributed significantly to the pace and quality of the game.

Diarmuid Martin hit the net in each half with his second goal making the score 2-7 to 0-4. Lesser teams would have thrown in the towel but not Carrickmore. They rolled up their sleeves and began to chase the game. They defended higher up the field and attacked from deeper and a Phelim Mc Crory goal midway through the second half had them really back in the contest.

Two minutes later and Carrickmore struck for their second goal of the game courtesy of Ryan Donaghy. A point from Lochlann Gillen reduced the gap to a single point as momentum swung towards Carrickmore.

Fintona captain Eugene Colton steadied the ship with a fine point but with time running out and little between the teams a draw looked the most likely outcome. Vincent Gormley pointed to leave one in it before player of the match Tom Gallen made it a two point game once more.

Carrickmore pushed forward in search of scores and reduced the gap to a single point once deep in injury time. They won a forty five from their next possession. However the ball was played short and did not travel the requisite distance giving Fintona the chance to clear the ball and take the title.

With that history was made as the Fintona supporters, families and players celebrated joyously winning their first ever grade one youth title with a 2-10 to 2-09 scoreline.