Gerry’s Prepared Veg. U14 Football Div 4 Championship Final.

Spoils go to Toome after Classy Encounter

A blistering first quarter by Toome U 14s, laid the foundation for a merited win over Latton by 3-17 to 3-5, in the final of the Div.4 Football Championship, played in Aughnamullen on Tuesday 12th June. To their credit, Latton fought back in the second period, producing a gutsy performance, resulting in a highly entertaining encounter that contained some excellent passages of direct fluid play, interlaced with memorable scores from both sides.
After 3 minutes, Toome’s co-captain, Frank Connolly, fired over a steadying point, which was followed two minutes later by a classy point from Kevin McCooey. James Wilson split the posts to keep the scoreboard ticking over.  Latton was finding it difficult to find their rhythm. Charlie McDonnell added two well taken minors on 11th and 14 minutes for the Reds. Toome was in the ascendancy at this stage, and Frank Connolly helped himself to his second white flag. This was followed by another sweeping move up field by Toome that saw Barek Karpinski go through for a stunning first goal of the evening.  Frank and James added a point apiece, before Charlie McDonnell ended the first period with a well worked goal from close quarters.
Toome led at this stage by 2-8 to 0-0.
On resumption, James increased his point tally with a brilliant effort after some delightful St Victors interplay. After a sustained period of pressure, Latton recorded their first score, a well taken point by Liam Quinn. Suddenly, Latton were coming to grips with their plight. A minute later, their stalwart midfielder, David Hughes tagged on another point, which was instantly followed by a super goal from Shane Duffy. Conor McCabe converted a free to keep up the Latton momentum.  Toome had not scored for ten minutes. However, their inimitable talisman, James Wilson was foraging deep and initiated a move that ended up with him taking his point. Three minutes later, Charlie McDonnell kept up the pressure and angled his attempt over the bar. Latton surged up field and Liam Quinn raised the stand roof with an excellent goal. The Toome talisman, James kept foraging away converted two points, to end the second period.

Latton outscored Toome by 2-3 to 0-5.
Half time score –Toome 2-13 to 2-3.
After 2 minutes of the third quarter, Latton were awarded a 45 which eventually resulted in a point by Liam Quinn. The margin was narrowing. But Toome’s co- captain, James Wilson had other ideas. Within 2 minutes, he spread-eagled the Latton rearguard and rattled the back of the net. His co-captain, Frank Connolly contributed a further point, and James obliged with a similar contribution. Dillan Quinn raised the white flag to complete Latton’s total for this period.
Toome outscored Latton by 1-2 to 0-2 for this quarter.
Toome led by 3-15 to 2-5 at the end of the third quarter.
James put Toome further ahead with a well taken point immediately on resumption but Latton resumed the pressure and a wicked shot rebounded of the Toome post, a goalmouth scramble ensued, resulting with a David Hughes goal. The Toome ’keeper was injured and replaced by full back, John Gorman. Kevin McCooey relieved the Toome tension with a typical point but Latton stormed back and John Gorman had to perform heroics to keep them at bay. At the stroke of full time, Latton blazed wide from close range.
Latton outscored Toome by 1-0 to 0-2 for this quarter.
Final score – Toome 3-17 to 3.5

Congratulations to both teams and their mentors for magnificent performances all round.
Tuaim – Gabriel Wojtas, Mark Byrne, John Gorman, Stephen Blessing, Kevin Tibby, Frank Connolly (0.4) co- captain, , Barek Karpinski (1.0), James Wilson (1-8), co-captain, Keane O’Reilly, Charlie McDonnell (1-3) Kevin McCooey (0-2)
Subs used– Andrew Connolly, Killian Ruddy, Igor Wojtas, and Joseph Harte.
Bainisteoiri – Enda Quinn, Louise Ruddy-Kelly, Laurence Murtagh.
Leachtain – Darren Quinn, Liam Quinn (1-2,) David McCabe, Cathal Lennon, Shane West, Dillan Quinn (0-1f) Luke Mullen, David Hughes (1-0), Conor McCabe (0.1f),  Shane Duffy (1-1,) Killian Lennon
Subs – Niall Maguire, Conor Corrigan, Ben Morris, Padraig Hughes.

Referee – Anthony Marron.