Our U-19 Football Panel were on the road early on the 7th November for their eagerly anticipated County Football Final against the U-19 footballers from Rathkeale. It was great to see Mr.Harte make a return to the sideline having being absent for our semi-final victory.
The last time these two teams met was in the first round of the Munster Championship last year where despite a late charge by the Rathkeale outfit, our lads won by 4 points.
Weather conditions were extremely wet and windy on the day but it was the Rathkeale lads who settled the better but missed some chances in front of goal. Their 1-4 to 2 points lead after 15mis could have been a bigger margin.
However, winning becomes a habit and our men charged back into the game winning back our kickouts and gaining a few breaking balls from Rathkeale’s. Rathkeale’s lead was now down to 4, 1-6 to 5 points. Then two stunning goals just before half-time had the Salesians heading in with a 2-5 to 1-6 advantage. A huge turning point in the game.
The second half started the same way as the first half finished with our lads bossing midfield and making life difficult for Rathkeale to get near our goal.
Pallaskenry added a further 3-3 to their score in the second half while Rathkeale scored just 3 points.
The loudest cheer of the day came for Kenneth Leahy (the super sub!) who came on with 10mis to go and scored his first goal for the 19s and subsequently our final goal of the game.
The trophy presentation followed with our joint captains Tiernan Meaney and Jamie Behan going up to collect the cup. Our lads headed for the dressing room where the celebrations continued!
Mr.A.O’Connor
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