U15’s Fall Just Short in Epic Final

Our U15 final v Salthill/Knocknacarra brought the curtain down on our Juvenile season and what a way to finish the season. With pitches flooded all over the county, both managers agreed on Pairc Maigh Cuilinn, and Maigh Cuilinn got the dream start with a goal from Evan Kenny. Salthill added 1-2 before Cian Deane got a 2nd goal for Maigh Cuilinn, and a point from a free from Evan Kenny gave us a 2-point lead. The rest of the half belonged to Salthill, scoring 1-3 to give them a 2-5 to 2-1 half-time lead.

The second half started as the first, with Maigh Cuilinn awarded a free (45). It was lobbed in around the goal by Kenny and finished to the back of the net by Tommie McNeela. This was followed by a point from a free from Niall Fitzgerald to leave the sides level.

Fitzgerald added another point from a foul on Croke to give us the lead, but a point from play from Salthill cancelled it out. Salthill took the lead with a point from play, and with time running out, Kenny levelled the sides to leave the final score 3-4 to 2-7.

EXTRA TIME PART 7 min a side.
With conditions very heavy, it was the visitors who raised the first white flag, a point from a free. With time running out, Kenny was pulled down, and Fitzgerald raised the white flag with a well-taken free to tie the sides for the third time.

Maigh Cuilinn got their only point from play from sub, Fionn McDonagh at the start of the second half. Salthill continued to battle and got a point in the dying seconds to level the sides for the fourth time.

EXTRA EXTRA TIME 5 min a side
Salthill was first out of the blocks with a point from a free and led at halftime. Maigh Cuilinn were not to score again, and after a line ball to Maigh Cuilinn was awarded to Salthill, they took advantage of it and scored their third goal to leave the final score 3-6 to 3-10.

Well done to the lads who gave it their all but just fell short in the dying minutes.

After storm Desmond hitting yesterday, who would have thought such a great afternoon’s football would have been served up today. Well done to both Salthill and Maigh Cuilinn managers to ensure this final was played today. Also thanks to referee Mairtin O Curraoin.