South West Under-12 League (Final)
Erin’s Own Cargin 2-09 St Ergnat’s Moneyglass 1-04
Cargin retained the under-12 league title when a strong second half performance saw them get the better of their near neighbours, and parish rivals Moneyglass under the lights at Ahoghill on Friday evening.
The Toome boys having impressed in their league programme entered the fray as firm favourites, but although they ran out winners with an eight point advantage they had to work hard for the privilege as the gallant Moneyglass side proved a tough nut to crack.
Little separated the sides in the opening period and although Cargin were away on the positive with a couple of early points via the hugely impressive Conhuir Johnston and Callum Gribbin Moneyglass took the lead in the 6th minute as Jamie Mc Loughlin found the net.
A foul on Sean Boyd who was grounded in progress was firmly punished when centre back McLoughlin strode forward to send the resultant award directly to the back of the net to let their neighbours know that they were not in the decider just to make up the numbers.
After the concession of the major Cargin recovered quickly as they soon returned to the offensive and after a Ciaran Mc Peake interception and clearance initiated a counterattack, a slick cross field delivery from Ryan O’ Neill opened the way for Callum Gribbin to claim a point and tie the game.
The flame haired O’ Neill came close to finding the net shortly afterwards but his flick on from a Cahir O’ Boyle delivery was to come back off the post.
.The Moneyglass boys were working hard to employ the scoreboard attendant with Sean Boyd often involved in promising approach work but the Cargin rear guard were standing firm in defiance and when Jack Harney made an interception to foil another offensive, Cahir O’ Boyle’s cross opened the way for Ryan O’ Neill to split the posts, and Cargin were 0-05 to 1-00 at the 15th minute.
Moneyglass added a second score in the 16th minute as Sean Boyd delivered a long distance effort between the posts to add impetus.
A foul on Paul Duffin ensured the St Ergnat’s side reduced the deficit further when Jamie Mc Loughlin steered the award between the posts to square the contest.
Cargin had the last say in the twenty minute period however and a good score as a Sarah O’ Neill clearance paved the way for the hard grafting Callum Gribbin to send Cain Scullion in to loft an injury time point to ensure a half time advantage at 0-06 to 1-02.
A fully contested opening period in which little had separated the protagonists left the attendance anticipating more of the same in the second portion and in the event they were not to be disappointed.
Cargin were about to raise their efforts with the very impressive Conhuir Johnston leading the way.
The mid-fielder who certainly looks one for the future had the opening score when he despatched a 30 metre free over the crossbar in the 22nd minute and when he followed with a goal a couple of minutes later Erin’s Own had opened up a five point lead.
Cahir O’ Boyle was again in the role of supplier after Ciaran Mc Peake and Ben Mc Larnon had combined to lead a well organised counter attack and when the powerful mid-fielder blasted to the net Cargin were at 1-07 to 1-02.
The Blue and Gold clad Moneyglass boys required a score to regain composure and indeed after Callum Gribbin had delivered another point to increase the Toome boys advantage back came St Ergnat’s and a fine Sean Boyd 30th minute pointed free hinted at revival.
Cargin stood firm in defence however and another subtle clearance from the cultured corner back Jack Harney sent Conhuir Johnston racing away to send Callum Gribbin in to claim a fine score taken on the run.
Cargin had moved away again to earn a 1-09 to 1-03 advantage and when Conhuir Johnston added a second goal following a Sarah O’ Neill clearance and a Ryan O’ Neill pass the die was cast.
The Moneyglass faced a nine point deficit as the under-12 decider moved towards conclusion but they were not about to concede without a fight and with Sean Boyd driving them on they kept fighting to the death.
A foul on the mid-fielder saw him plant the resulting free between the posts but in the event this score was to prove only consolation as the last mark was made on the board.
The Cargin rearguard stood firm in the closing minutes and at conclusion they had retained the trophy with a 2-09 to 1-04 winning scoreline.
That Juvenile football is most certainly alive and flourishing in the parish of Duneane is more than evident on the contents of this under-12 decider with both Cargin and Moneyglass having talent a plenty within their obviously well coached ranks.
An excellent game in which not a single act of indiscipline witnessed within either side and most certainly brings huge credit to the neighbouring clubs.
Cargin: Daniel McCann, Brian Darragh, Hugh O’ Donnell, Jack Harney, Ben McLarnon, Ciaran McPeake, Sarah O’ Neill, Conhuir Johnston (2-04), Cathair O’ Boyle, Callum Gribbin (0-03), Cian Scullion (0-01), Diarmuid Quinn, Ryan O’ Neill (0-01) Subs: Brogan Martin for D Quinn, Aiden Lynn for B Darragh, Charlie McCann for C Scullion
Moneyglass: Callum Graham, Finn McCloskey, Aoife Kelly, Kevin McCann, Jamie McLoughlin (1-01), Seanan O’ Boyle, Sean Boyd (0-03), Paul Duffin, Alicia Boyd, Mark Duffin, Damien Duffin, Callum Murray. Subs: Naoishe McCloskey for C Murray, Sean McAuley for F McCloskey, Fiochra Duffin for D Duffin.
Referee: Jarlath O’Donnell (Glenravel)
