Máigh Cuilinn head for Shield after Carnmore disappointment

Post date: Jul 25, 2014 4:37:44 PM

Mágh Cuilinn 2-04 Carnmore 2-08

A team racked by injuries and absentees put up a brave performance and with a little luck might have overcome table toppers Carnmore at full strength in the last and crucial group game. A combination of injuries, illness, holidays and absence meant Mágh Cuilinn could only muster a bare 15 of the 27 players used to date.

Carnmore were very much on top in the first half but some wayward shooting, some stout defence and some smart saves from Fionn McDonagh in goal meant they had only five point to show at half time. Mágh Cuilinn had looked dangerous on the break and an early goal from a long range delivery which found its way to the net with Daniel Lydon exerting pressure. Daniel Lydon might have had two more goals but his kicked lob dropped just outside the right hand post and the goalkeeper advanced bravely to block his second effort. Dara Davoren had pointed a free and but for an earlier 20m attempt at goal rather than taking the point on offer, the score might have been level at halftime.

The second half was a very open game and despite an outstanding performance from the reconfigured full back line of Evan Kenny, James Dempsey and Tom O'Connor, Carnmore broke through for two crucial goals. The depleted visitors did have plenty of chances as Daniel Lydon, Joe Lydon and Shane Clancy created five clearcut goal chances but were narrowly wide or denied. The goal that did come was a replica of the first half goal and although Dara Davoren, Joe Lydon and Ger McDonagh all added points, 2-08 is rarely enough to win a game at this level, so 2-04 was never likely to produce a win.

The team started with 4 u14s but if at a size disadvantage they showed their older colleagues the standard in terms of fitness and intensity needed to win any county championship. Part of any success is having all your players available most of the time. Unfortunately, Mágh Cuilinn through postponements had three games in a week, when badly affected by holidays and injury and although comfortably overcoming Ballygar (the eventual champions), falling just short against Annaghdown and Carnmore meant there was to be no second u16 title in a row.

Mágh Cuilinn: Fionn McDonagh, Owen Hester, James Dempsey, Walter McDonagh, Evan Kenny, Neil Mulcahy, Seán Barrett, Ciaran Scully, Joe Lydon, Ger McDonagh, Gareth Kenny, Dara Davoren, Tom O'Connor, Daniel Lydon, Shane Clancy.