U21 Champions

The Ibane Gaels and Newcestown U21A teams met last Friday night in the new, superbly presented, playing pitch in Ahiohill. Ibane got off to a good start with points from Adam McSweeney (both from play and placed balls), Lorcan O' Leary, Fergal Walsh and a monster effort from Ryan O' Donovan. It was nip and tuck all through the half until Philip Flynn collected the ball on the wing, soloed past three tackles and neatly finished off the hurley to give Ibane a 1-07 to 0-09 halftime lead. Ibane pulled further ahead in the second half thanks to solid defending from Seán O' Riordan, James Molonely, Seán Henchion and Conn Dineen. Adam McSweeney continued his tour de force up front and Ibane led by 8 points approaching full time thanks to a goal poacher's finish from Lorcan O' Leary. A mix up at the back led to a Newcestown goal deep into injury time and, much to the amazement of both sets of supporters, nearly seven minutes of injury time was played and Newcestown brought the game to extra time with a free from halfway. Full time score 2-14 to 2-14. A further mix up early in extra time led to another Newcestown goal who now led 3-16 to 2-16 at half time. However a strong finish led to points by Darragh Holland, Lorcan O' Leary and a free from Adam McSweeney which led to joyous celebrations as captain Andrew Guinivan lifted the cup after a 2-21 to 3-17 win. Team; Florence Whcherley, Michael Ryan, James Moloney, Sean O' Riordan, Sean Henchion, Conn Dineen, Fergal Walsh, Andrew Guinivan (captain), Adam McSweeney, Donál O' Buachalla, Philip Flynn, Lorcan O' Leary, Ryan O' Donovan. Subs used; Tomás O' Buachalla and Seán Ryan.