Carnew come through battle with Dwyers
CARNEW EMMETS survived the toughest of tests to seal a sweet victory over Michael Dwyers and claim the under-15 ‘C’ football title after extra-time in Tinahely last Sunday morning.
A battle that had pretty much everything you’re looking for in a football final, this epic served up some scintillating play, fantastic scores, a missed penalty, yellow cards, feisty verbal exchanges on the sideline and drama galore in front of a passionate crowd.
All over the field there were some fine footballers on show with Dan Redmond, Ben Gilligan and Shane Byrne catching the eye for the winners while full-forward Conor Byrne impressed hugely in parts for the Dwyers with Cathal Sheehan, Adam Kinsella, James Boland and Tom Parker shining alongside.
It was the Dwyers who started brightest, easing out to a 1-3 to 0-1 lead after six minutes with points from Ben Gilligan (two frees) and Richard Greene being followed by a wicked goal from a ground strike from full-forward Kacey Cullen with Tom Parker pointing for Dwyers after good work by Ewan McCrae and Adam Kinsella.
Dwyers settled into the game and recovered very well from the early blitz but they were hit hard after 11 minutes when Ryan Austin got on the end of a fine move that was started by the impressive Maurice Sheil in his own defence to fire home the game’s second goal and make it 2-3 to 0-2.
At 2-4 to 0-2 things were looking bleak for Dwyers but they clawed their way back into the game with a precious goal from Adam Kinsella giving them a massive boost after 22.
Flawless for much of the game, Carnew freetaker Ben Gilligan pushed Carnew further ahead only for the lively Conor Byrne to peg one back after good work by Adam Byrne.
Richard Greene would have the last say of the half to send Carnew in leading by 2-6 to 1-3.
A stern talking to at the break must have ignited something in the Dwyers lads because they were level after 19 minutes of the second half thanks to a superb showing from the restart with points from Conor Byrne (3), Ewan McCrae (free) and Tom Parker and a wicked goal from Jack O’Toole to turn this game completely on its head.
Dwyers took the lead for the first time a few moments later but it all looked to be coming undone when Carnew were awarded a penalty, but Dan Redmond’s strike was pulled just wide with Mark Kinsella looking like he had it covered regardless.
The miss didn’t hurt Carnew that much as Richard Greene fired over the levelling score after 25, a score that would send the game to extra-time.
Dwyers took the lead early through Connor Byrne but that would be their last score of the game. Carnew gathered momentum in that first half of extra-time and finished strongly with two points from Richard Greene and a strong showing from Ruairi O’Brien at full-back.
But it was Carnew who were looking like scoring the most and Ben Gilligan’s late point sent the Carnew supporters wild with delight and guaranteed a sweet victory for the Wexford border side.
Scorers – Carnew Emmets: Ben Gilligan 0-7 (6f), Richard Greene 0-5, Kacey Cullen 1-0, Ryan Austin 1-0.
Michael Dwyers: Conor Byrne 0-6, Adam Kinsella 1-0, Jack O’Toole 1-0, Tomm Parker 0-2, Ewan McCrae 0-1 (f), Sean Murphy 0-1.
CARNEW EMMETS: Adam Jordan; Jack Keogh, Ruairi O’Brien, Darragh Rawson; Zach Jordan, Maurice Sheil, Jake O’Dwyer; Dan Redmond, Shane Byrne; Ben Gilligan, Richard Greene, Will Molloy; Billy Molloy, Kacey Cullen, Ryan Austin. Subs: Jack Brownrigg, William Kenny.
MICHAEL DWYERS: Mark Kinsella; Enda Goggin, Caolin Geotelen, Scott Daly; Cathal Sheehan, James Boland, Fionn Morrissey; Ewan McRae, Tom Parker; Callum McCrae, Adam Byrne, Sean Murphy; Jack O’Toole, Conor Byrne, Adam Kinsella. Subs: Ben Keogh, Sean Kelly.
REFEREE: Chris Canavan (Avoca)