Buttevant lose fifth U21 final in a row
play by Michael Forde led to a well taken point by Matthew McEntee. In the 22nd minute Buttevant were back on terms when John O’Neill worked well for Chris O’Toole to point. Brian O’Shaughnessy edged Buttevant in front with a fine point. In the closing moments good play by William Cronin led to a well executed point by Conor Crowley 0-6 each at the break.
Chris O’Toole came close to a goal on the resumption but was denied by the post with the rebound coming to the impressive Seamus Madigan who kicked over. Both sides were off target with Gearoid O’Shea saving well from Kevin Lenahan. In the 42nd minute a good movement involving Darragh Walsh, Ronan Flanagan and Tim Buckley led to Seamus Ronayne levelling at 0-7 each. Buttevant gained control in the last quarter.
Seamus Madigan was outstanding at midfield. However their attack found it hard to get scores. Good play by Jamie Whelan, Seamus Madigan and Chris O’Toole led to a very good point by Kevin Lenahan. Buttevant were wide soon after. Clyda moved Matthew McEntee as an extra midfielder. Good play for Buttevant by Seamus Madigan, Chris O’Toole, Jamie Whelan and John O’Neill led to fine point by Madigan. They moved three points clear when Jamie Whelan and Chris O’Toole combined well for Seamus Madigan to edge his side 0-10 to 0-7 clear.
Clyda struck two wides and had a free cleared off the line by Kevin Crowley. In the 58th minute impressive Ronan Flanagan and James Buckley set up Seamus Ronayne for a point. The kickout by Ronan Donovan found Anthony O’Neill who placed Seamus Madigan for his 5th point. Clyda had two wides in succession and Buttevant looked like holding out. However in a dramatic last twist Clyda made a good four man attack that resulted in Matthew McEntee being brought down in the square. Colin Kelly converted the penalty. Deep in injury time Seamus Ronayne dispossessed a Buttevant defender and kicked the winning point followed by the final whistle. After the game Board Chairman Barry Aherne presented the cup to the winning captain while Seamus Madigan (Buttevant) was named ‘man of the match’. Clyda Rovers now meet Kiskeam in the quarter final.