Buttevant U-16s ease past Kilmurry to claim League title

three while Mark O’Sullivan also figured making it 0-5 to 0-0.

Buttevant’s first score was a goal from a free by Michael O’Neill. Good play by David Keane led to a Gavin Carey point. In the 16th minute Paddy Behan placed Mark Lenahan who levelled 1-2 to 0-5. The Avondhu side came very strong with Michael Walsh, Paddy Behan, Conor Stanners, Mark Lenahan, and David Keane doing very well. Their forwards were in regular supply and they took some good scores. In the 15th minute Paddy Behan put Mark Lenahan through for a goal.

Both sides missed some chances with Buttevant having their third goal in the 23rd minute when Conor Stanners made a good run out of defence linking up with Paddy Holmes who fed the inrushing Gavin Carey who made it 3-2 to 0-5. Michael O’Neill worked well for Conor O’Hanlon who goaled. Kilmurry fought back well before the break. Daniel Looney pointed and Lloyd Ashing with a well taken goal had the lead down to five points.

Buttevant keeper Diarmuid Doody saved well from Evan Carroll. In injury time a good attack by Kevin Barrett and Daniel Looney led to a well taken Evan Carroll point 4-2 to 1-7 at half time.

Buttevant sealed victory on the resumption. Michael O’Neill soloed through and scored a great point. Mark Lenahan forced Luke Knight to make a splendid save with the rebound coming to the well placed Paddy Holmes who goaled 5-3 to 1-7. Conor Stanners came through on the flank giving a good cross to Mark Lenahan who punched to the net. At the other end Kilmurry never gave up James Mullane forced Diarmuid Doody to make a very good save. David Keane placed Mark Lenahan for a point 6-5 to 1-7.

In the 40th minute James Mullane soloed through for a Kilmurry goal. At the other end Michael Walsh made a good interception and combined with Paddy Behan who placed Gavin Carey for a fine point after a good solo run. Mark Lenahan pointed a free off the keeper and Buttevant were four goals clear 6-7 to 2-7. Entering the final quarter Michael O’Neill forced Luke Knight to save well. Kilmurry’s James Mullane kicked another fine point. Good play by Jack Casey and James Mullane led to a point by Lloyd Ashing.

Further Kilmurry pressure saw Stephen O’Donoghue put Caelam Lynch through only to be denied by Diarmuid Doody who saved well. Buttevant’s last goal came in the 53rd minute when a Mark Lenahan free found Paddy Holmes who goaled from close range. Conrad Cremin pointed for Buttevant with Evan Carroll from a free picking out Caelam Lynch who made it 7-8 to 2-10. Michael O’Neill completed the scoring in injury time.

After the game Jimmy Murphy Co Board presented the cup to the winning captain Mark Lenahan.

This has marked the final game of the 2016 season for Buttevant. It proved very successful winning the following. Northern Region U-16 B Hurling championship, U-14 B Hurling League, U-16 B Football League and championship. They were also crowned Co Premier (2) U-15 2A football championship winners along with the Co Premier MFC 2 (A) and now Co U-16 B FL championship titles.