Five star show from Emmets to take U-21 title
Robert Emmets 5-9 Dromtariffe 1-13
GRANTED a late reprieve in the drawn encounter, Robert Emmets made no mistake to take full advantage of the opportunities presented to better Dromtariffe in an exciting Central Stores, Kanturk Duhallow U21 C Football Championship Final Replay at Glantane.
From an early juncture, Emmets were more diligent in their approach and the improvement sought from a week earlier was definitely forthcoming in exploiting goal scoring opportunities.
In fairness, Dromtariffe didn’t go down without a fight, producing a terrific comeback to whittle the deficit down to a single point inside the closing 10 minutes. However another scoring burst from Emmets put a generous bit of polish on the scoreboard but all told on this occasion, the winners looked the better team, showing more composure in their play and crucially more goal scoring options.
Straight from the off, Emmets laid down a marker, team captain Ryan O’Keeffe bagged a first minute goal. A further two points extended Emmets position before Dromtariffe stepped up their game, Mark Lynes goal helped force parity.
Still Emmets bossed the key battles, Cathal Browne, Cian Crowley, Aidan Browne and O’Keeffe to the fore in the key departments. A second goal from Jack Murphy boosted Emmets cause before Jamie Kenneally placed O’Keeffe for another green flag. Dromtariffe fought back to trim the arrears, Conor O’Callaghan and Evan Murphy pointing to trail 3-4 to 1-6 at the break.
Again Emmets restarted on a promising note, Murphy and Padraig O’Sullivan adding points though faulty shooting hindered further scores. Dromtariffe were far from finished, a persuasive response prompted by the play of Gavin O’Keeffe , O’Callaghan and Murphy.
Indeed Dromtariffe were right back into the mix, five consecutive points left the minimum between the sides. However, the initiative, again veered toward Emmets, instead of trying to hold out, they offered an aggressive offensive.
Full forward O’Keeffe laid off to centre back Browne to net before O’Sullivan bagged a fine individual goal.
Those scores confirmed Emmets posed a threat going forward all through the hour, O’Keeffe added a pair to extend their position. Dromtariffe tried gallantly to remain in touch but the most, they could muster were late points from the hard working Brandon Murphy.
On this occasion, there was no denying that Robert Emmets deserved the spoils, team captain Ryan O’Keeffe accepted the silverware from Duhallow Board Secretary Tony McAulliffe.
EMMETS: B Newman; A O’Callaghan, J O’Keeffe, S Murphy; M Browne, C Browne 1-0, J Kenneally; A Browne 0-1, C Crowley; P O’Sullivan 1-2, P Browne, D Cottrell; J Murphy 1-1, R O’Keeffe 2-5 (0-3f), D Reidy.
DROMTARIFFE: M Dennehy; R Daly, B O’Keeffe 0-1, G O’Keeffe; B Murphy 0-2, T Howard, O Harty; C O’Callaghan 0-5 (3f), K O’Sullivan 0-1; M Lynes 1-0, E Murphy 0-3 (2f), M Sheehan; J O’Connell 0-1, A Downey, D O’Leary. Sub. J Leader for J O’Connell.
REFEREE: D O’Leary (Kiskeam)