U16 Title For Ardboe

Saturday 08.05.2021

Ardboe And Donaghmore Serve Up A Cracker

The Grade One Under 16 final is a game that will live long in the memory after Ardboe and Donaghmore served up a high scoring, superb game of football. Played in excellent conditions and hosted brilliantly by Dungannon Eoghan Ruadh both sides produced some outstanding football before the Loughshore lads emerged 4-18 to 5-13 winners.

The game ebbed and flowed from the start with both teams enjoying periods of dominance and in truth the result was in doubt right up to the last few minutes before late, late points from Naoise Quinn and the outstanding Jack Martin secured the title for Ardboe.

Early scores from Cormac Dwayne and Cormac Devlin were followed by a fine goal from the boot of the industrious Daniel Quinn who hit the net for Ardboe’s first goal. 

• 

Donaghmore’s response was immediate with goals from Ronan Cassidy and Ronan Donnelly to put “The Village” 2-3 to 1-1 ahead. 

Ardboe’s Cormac Devlin, who was totally outstanding throughout, landed a fine brace of points to keep his side in the game. Donaghmore pushed further ahead and hit their third goal of the game courtesy of the industrious Cormac Drayne. There was no time for back slapping as in the next attack Ardboe bagged a second goal from Conan Devlin after being superbly set up by his brother Cormac. 

Three points in as many minutes for Ardboe from Cormac Devlin, Jack Martin and Shea O’Hare put them in front but scores from Ronan Cassidy (1-2) and Noah Grimes sent the teams off at the break with Donaghmore leading 4-7 to 3-9.

The second half began with Ardboe enjoying territorial supremacy and very much on top. Jack Martin and Cormac Devlin led the line superbly and four points in a row signalled their intentions. Donaghmore missed several chances before they found their shooting boots and scores from Jack O’Callaghan and Ronan Molloy had them back in the game.

The quality of play and the attacking intent of both sides was on view for all to see and corner backs from both sides were as likely to be found in the opposition square shooting for scores as they were back defending their own goal. 

Naoise Quinn landed a lovely point to put Ardboe one ahead but Donaghmore responded with points from Drayne and Cassidy before sub Connor Mc Cartan finished a fine team move with a well taken goal. 

Entering the closing minutes the game was very much in the balance and Ardboe seized the initiative out-scoring Donaghmore five points to two minutes to seal a narrow 4-18 to 5-13 win. Jack Martin, Cormac Devlin, Conan Devlin and Naoise Quinn were the men on target with the vital scores.