The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Fenit boys win Mini Sevens football title
THE boys semi-finals and final were also played in the John Mitchels complex and we were treated to some top class performances.
Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn were defeated 6-0 to 1-6 by St. Brigids Duagh but don’t let that scoreline deceive you as this was anything but a comprehensive victory for Duagh as they were made work for every score and can be extremely grateful to outstanding goalkeeper Jake Heffernan who denied the Gaelscoil on numerous occasions. He was simply outstanding and as Duagh took a 3-0 to 0-2 to the break the Gaelscoil boys took control possession wise in the second half but couldn’t convert to goals and were caught on the counter attack by a well drilled Duagh team.
The second semi-final saw last year’s champions Scoil Eoin Balloonagh take on St. Brendan’ Fenit in another observing encounter. Fenit led 1-2 to 0-3 at the break and had to endure some nervous moments in the second half as the Tralee outfit saw at least two goal bound shots go just wide of the post as the Fenit boys held their composer to win 2-3 to 1-5 and claim their place in the schools first ever Cumann na mBunscol Mini Sevens football final. On Monday last they were defeated in the hurling equivalent.
In the final St Brigid’s Duagh got off to an excellent start with a well drilled goal from Luke Sheridan from the throw in. Dylan Buckley added another goal during the opening half in a fantastic game of football the Fenit boys didn’t panic and registered 1-1 through influential and versatile midfielder Maurice Lenihan.
Joseph Maher landed a fine point to leave the North Kerry champions 2-1 to 1-1 ahead at the break. Duagh lost Timmy O’Connell and Gavin Dillon to injury and the Fenit boys took full advantage with some sublime football in the second half.
Their work rate, speed of movement and execution of passes and scores was a joy to behold as the raced into the lead and kept their opponents scoreless in the second half. Maurice Lenihan added a point and Hugh Lenihan, Seán Hickey and Tom Quilter landed a pair each to see their school through as champions for the first time in the quarter century history of the competition.
ST. BRENDAN’S FENIT: Alex Tuite, Jayden Deady, Ryan Hickey, Hugh Lenihan, Tom Quilter, Maurice Lenihan, Seán Hickey, Sé O Neill, Bobby Sugrue, Conor O’Sullivan.
ST. BRIGID’S DUAGH: Jake Heffernan, Dylan Stack, Oran Doorley, Denis Gould, Ronan Sheridan, Joe Carroll, Gavin Dillon, Joseph Maher, Luke Sheridan, Timmy O’Connell.