‘Templemore Motor Works’ Mid U13C Football Final
Dúrlas Óg 2-06
Loughmore Castleiney 3-01
Match report courteous of Mark Dunne, Mid Bord na nOg PRO.
Drom village once again provided the picturesque venue for this year’s Mid U13C Football Final kindly sponsored by Templemore Motor Works. Dúrlas Óg and Loughmore Castleiney battled this one out and what a game all spectators were treated to!
The game opened on a whirlwind. Both teams sought the early possessions and it was the green and red of Loughmore who secured the first vital possession. Daniel McDonnell took on the ball with his shot narrowly wide at the near post. Dúrlas Óg regrouped and on the next possession Conor O’Dwyer beautifully found Jack Broderick who found the back of the Loughmore net! Conor O’Dwyer was then himself involved in the next goal chance but Loughmore Captain Richard Bourke Morris pulled off a great save to keep his charges in the game. Ernst Bruzgaite got Loughmore off the mark with a good score off his right. Durlas Óg quickly responded with another Conor O’Dwyer goal chance but Morris again stood up and saved; George Barry though was fastest to react and pointed to put three between the teams again. This was turning into a cracker and Loughmore Castleiney raised the stake with Daniel McDonnell netting after a hard fought turn of play. Game level, Game on! Loughmore were not backing down and can thank Thomas Bohan for a last minute block denying Barrett a goal chance. Durlas Óg struck first after the water break with Captain Barry raising another white flag. Durlas Óg commanded the final few minutes of the half but had to work hard to get their scores. Barrett pointed in the last play of the game to send his side two points into lead just as the half time whistle sounded.
The second half opened similarly to the first. McDonnell from Loughmore was involved again but his shot was saved. Durlas Óg capitalised on this and on the counter attack found Broderick who netted to send his team 2-03 to 1-01 in front. The Thurles lads now with their tails up got another score on the board courtesy of a wonder score from young George Barry. Loughmore Castleiney though were not going to give up, Meade, Murray and Breen worked hard and it was to be young Breen who was instrumental in their next score. A super bit of play between himself and McDonnell found Tadhg Stapleton who netted to put three points between the teams at the water break. Loughmore were now the ones with their tails up and they took full advantage of this. Tristan Bourke Morris scored a goal you’d witness in Croke Park to tie up the game with minutes remaining. Durlas Óg did not panic and turned to their captain Barry who pointed. Loughmore fought hard to win possession and tie up the game but it did not come. A late Durlas Óg penalty saw Broderick point to put two points between the sides and that was to be how it finished. 2-06 to 3-01 at John Dooley’s final whistle.
A game that had everything and huge credit is due to both sets of players who worked hard over the game. For Loughmore Castleiney Thomas Bohan, Cathal Ryan, Ronan Murray and Tadhg Stapleton all worked hard to name but a few. For the champions their captain George Barry led from the front along with Conor O’Dwyer, Jack Broderick and Diarmuid Barrett again to name but a few. In all honesty and similar to the ‘A’ final I could name all players as each of them stood up and played a great honest game of football.
Dúrlas Óg captain George Barry happily received the MId U13C Football Trophy from Mid Board Chairman PJ Bowden.
Team and scores:
Durlas Óg: Tom Gleeson, James Mockler, Charlie Lawlor, Josh Connors, Bobby O’Dowd, George Barry (0-04), Brandon Wade, Conor O’Dwyer, Jack Fitzgibbon, Diarmuid Barrett (0-01), Jack Broderick (2-01), Lennon Kearney, Ryan Quill.
Loughmore Castleiney: Richard Bourke Morris, Thomas Bohan, Cathal Ryan, Henry Meade, Daniel McDonnell (1-00), Ernst Bruzgaite (0-01), Ronan Murray, Cathal Breen, Brannoc Hickey, Stephen Shorley, Ryan Mullins, Ben Moran, Tristan Bourke Morris (1-00), Geoffrey Meade, Dylan Considine, Tadhg Stapleton (1-00).
Referee: John Dooley (Thurles Gaels)
Picture with thanks to John O’Loughlin
