Shield joy for Junior side

WOLFE TONES CUCHULAINN GAELS 1-11 0-7

WOLFE Tones’ junior team followed up their Under-16s’ league triumph with victory in the Division 3 Shield decider against Cuchulainn Gaels.

First blood in the game went to the Cooley Peninsula club, but Martin Smith’s charges hit back quickly and a well struck penalty by Darren Weldon put them in the driving seat.

Mark Healy was dominant in midfield, winning the majority of high balls, and two vital scores during the game also helped earn him a deserved Man of the Match award.

Micheal Rafferty’s safe hands between the posts also proved crucial as he made vital saves early in the second half when Cuchulainn threatened, while the Tones defence stood up to the test and kept their composure.

Second-half substitutions and the influence of fresh legs helped generate another couple of Tones scores to give them a cushion they were never going to relinquish.

After the match the Division 3 Shield was presented to captain Niall Smith by County chairman Des Halpenny.

The club couldn’t be prouder of this group of lads for all their hard work and dedication and let this be the start of many more victories to come. Congratulations to Martin Smith and his management team.

WOLFE TONES: Michael Rafferty; Taidgh Rock, Graham Fanning, Alan Fanning; Cathal Bergin, Niall Smith, Marc Lugoye; Patrick Fanning, Mark Healy 0-2; Garret Cooney, Jordan Duffy 0-2, Adam Gartland 0-1; Eoghan O’Shea, Darren Weldon 1-4, Chris Cudden 0-1. Subs: Kevin Collier 0-1 for Graham Fanning, Andy Faulkner for Garrett Cooney, Colm Ward for Adam Gartland, Paddy Healy.