Shamrocks 2-12, St Vincents 4-3
Shamrocks captured the u12 C Football League crown with a thrilling 3 point win over a gallant St Vincents team on Saturday afternoon last in Ballinora’s pitch in Waterfall.
A strong second half propelled the Shamrocks lads to the clubs first ever win at Rebel Óg level and sparked great scenes of celebration among the players, mentors and the huge travelling support of parents and supporters.
Shamrocks started the better with a great early Luke O’Driscoll point from a free way out the wing. Shamrocks scored 2 goals in the first half through Seán Browne (who was Shamrocks most consistent performer throughout) and Fionn Herlihy. St Vincents hit back each time though and went in a point adrift at half time of Shamrocks (2-4 to 2-3).
The second half was nip and tuck again and when St Vincents got an early goal to go ahead for the first (and only time) in the game, it looked like they were going to push on for victory. However, the Shamrocks players reacted to this and driven on by Evan Seymour, operating in a more midfied role, Dylan O’Flaherty who was the scorer in chief in the second half and Sean Andrews who really came strong in the last 10 minutes and won virtually every Vincent kick out with superb reading of the play, they drove on to victory, kicking 4 points in that time to close out the game.
This is Shamrocks first underage victory since the Minor footballers in 2010 and before that, the u16 hurlers in 2001. Well done to all the players, the 3 bainisteoirí Jed O’Flaherty, Aidan O’Leary and Pa Andrews who started out with the lads in February. The responce from both players and parents has been getting better each week and it culminated in yesterdays victory!
Panel: Robert Van Pelt, Evan Seymour, Mark Sisk, Sean Andrews, Jody Sisk, Dylan O’Flaherty, Sean Browne, Fionn Herlihy, Harry Andrews, Luke O’Driscoll, Cian O’Flaherty, Jeff Farquer, Shane Donegana, Sam Geary, Dylan Gregson.