Deadly Doyle drives Ashford to big victory

UNDER-15 ‘B’ AND ‘C’ SHIELD FINALS

ASHFORD TOMACORK 6-7 1-4

The loss of Maurice Sheil to injury late in the first half and the subsequent withdrawing of Dylan Farrell from corner-forward to full-back would prove costly to the Tomacork men over the course of this game, especially as Doyle unleashed his goal-scoring exploits on the second half. Farrell’s absence up front and Sheil’s departure from full-back did David Byrne’s charges no favours whatsoever. But they had big efforts from a number of players such as Shane Byrne, Zach Jordan, Dan Redmond, Ben Gilligan and Richard Greene while Liam O’Neill was their best man on the night.

Ashford look a very good side. Adrian Marah has had the core of this group since under-8 level and they are well equipped with the necessary skills of the game. Keevan Doyle was sublime in the second half, Noah Sheridan was excellent and Shane Marah, despite falling foul of Stephen Fagan, is a natural born leader on the field of battle.

A superb victory for Ashford. The large crowd of supporters that attended the game on a bitterly cold Wednesday night in Ballinakill will tell you all you need to know about where Ashford are in terms of underage football. The future is bright if this squad stay together and put the work in.

– Ashford: Keevan Doyle 4-1, Noah Sheridan 2-2, Ryan Beale 0-3 (2f), Shane Marah 0-1.

Tomacork: Liam O’Neill 1-1 (f), Dan Redmond 0-1 (f), Ben Gilligan 0-1, Finian Collins 0-1.

Scorers Ashford:

The AGB team who defeated St Kevin’s in the Under-15 ‘B’ Shield final in Ballinakill.