Classy O Raghallaighs claim U-14 ‘A’ crown

O’RAGHALLAIGHS ST MARY’S ARDEE 4-17 0-6

O Raghallaigh’s came out on top in this final on Sunday in Darver with an excellent display of attacking and running football.

Having lost their two previous meetings this season to their rivals from Ardee the O’Raghallaighs were ready this time and in truth they never looked like losing.

Straight from the throw-in Ciaran Kinsella drove the ball to the net to settle nerves and several points quickly followed from man of the match Ewan Sweeney, Andrew Collier and Ben Sweeney.

The Mary’s replied with well taken points from Carl Gillespie who was also denied a certain goal a magnificent Evan Tyndall save.

The save was all the more significant moments later when Ben Sweeney netted at the other end.

At this point Ben Smyth in midfield was getting through huge amounts of work as was Rory O’Neill. Full forward Connel Rice had pulled out the field and was winning considerable amount of ball from the Mary’s kick outs as the North Road men went in at half-time 2-9 to 0-5 up.

More of the same ensued in the second half with Rice, Ben Smyth, Tony Smith and Andrew Collier adding to the scoreline. Aaron Lawlor was dominant in the sweeper role and captain fantastic Dylan Lynch was in control at the back helped by Daire O’Rourke, Ronan Collins and James Smith.

Tim Curran added two points from wingback and Tyndall pulled off another magnificent save.

At this point the Mary’s were reduced to 14 followign an off-the-ball incident which finished the game as a contest.

O Raghallaighs made the full amount of allowed substitutions and brought home the title amid jubilant celebrations.