U16B Championship Final
Aghagallon 2-16 Moneyglass 0-15
Venue: Dunsilly Pitch 2
Report and photographs: Brian Hamill
Aghagallon were crowned U16B champions after holding off a spirited Moneyglass challenge in a compelling final at Dunsilly Pitch 2.
The eventual winners settled quickest and opened the scoring through Ciaran Grogan inside the opening minute. Moneyglass responded through Shea Scullin and Cahir McErlain but Aghagallon gradually took control through the accuracy of Micheal Mulholland from placed balls and the energetic contribution of Dara Trowlen around midfield.
The contest remained closely fought throughout the opening period. Moneyglass stayed firmly in touch through scores from Sean O’Reilly, Connell McMaster and a fine effort from a 45 by Lughan Hardy.The crucial breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute when Liam Davey finished to the net, giving Aghagallon valuable breathing space and helping them take a 1-9 to 0-7 lead into the interval.
Moneyglass emerged determined after the restart, but Aghagallon struck a decisive blow almost immediately. Within two minutes of the second-half throw-in, Liam Davey struck for his second goal of the game, extending the lead and putting the champions in a strong position.
To their credit, Moneyglass refused to let the game slip away. Scores from Shea Scullin, Cahir McErlain and Sean O’Reilly kept the pressure on, while Sionán McCormack was hugely influential, landing a point before producing an outstanding two-point score from play to reduce the gap.
Aghagallon, however, showed tremendous composure. Micheal Mulholland continued to punish infringements from frees, while Finn Lavery, Cormac Walsh and Eoghan Walsh added vital scores at key moments. Midfielder Dara Trowlen also played a leading role, finishing with three points from play, including a late score that helped settle Aghagallon nerves.
Moneyglass continued to push right to the final whistle and introduced fresh legs from the bench, but Aghagallon managed the closing stages effectively. When referee Kevin McParland sounded the final whistle, it confirmed a deserved championship success for a side that combined defensive discipline with clinical finishing when it mattered most.
Aghagallon scorers
Micheal Mulholland 0-6 (all frees)
Dara Trowlen 0-3
Finn Lavery 0-2
Ciaran Grogan 0-3
Liam Davey 2-0
Cormac Walsh 0-1
Eoghan Walsh 0-1
Moneyglass scorers
Shea Scullin 0-3
Cahir McErlain 0-3
Sean O’Reilly 0-3
Connell McMaster 0-2
Sionán McCormack 0-3 (including a two-point score)
Lughan Hardy 0-1 (45)
Referee: Kevin McParland
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