St. Colmcille’s came up against a superb Mallow side in today’s Rebel Óg Coiste Under 14 Premier 1 Football Championship Final in Grenagh, with Mallow running out 2-10 to 0-7 winners in front of a large crowd.
While the result was disappointing for Colmcille’s, there was no lack of effort from the players, who battled right through to the final whistle against a Mallow team that have been the outstanding side in Cork at this grade this year.
Mallow made the stronger start and quickly put pressure on the Colmcille’s defence. Cian McMahon opened their scoring from a 45 and would prove to be a major influence throughout the afternoon. McMahon added another 45 before Conal McCarthy and Dylan Carey extended Mallow’s advantage.
St. Colmcille’s had opportunities to get on the scoreboard, with Charlie Cox going close, but it was Mallow who continued to dictate the opening half. A superb save from Alex Lynam denied Cian McMahon when he looked certain to score, but Mallow eventually found the net when Dylan Carey finished to the goal.
Further scores from McMahon, McCarthy and Carey left Mallow 1-8 to 0-1 ahead at half-time, with Cian Ramsell providing Colmcille’s only score from a free.
The second half saw a much-improved Colmcille’s performance. The players came out with renewed determination and briefly got on top, holding the Mallow attack and winning some important turnovers. Danny Twomey at wing back and Ruairi Harte were particularly prominent during this spell.
Cian Ramsell added two further frees, while Alex Lynam also converted twice to reduce the deficit. Ramsell then added a point from play as Colmcille’s showed considerable character and refused to give up.
Mallow, however, had too much quality and eventually restored their control. Dylan Carey added another point before Leo O’Sullivan struck for Mallow’s second goal, effectively ending the contest.
Ronan O’Leary added another point for Mallow before Colmcille’s continued to battle to the very end. Ronan Cunningham and Rory Ahern got on the scoresheet late on, with Ahern’s point coming after a determined effort following his introduction.
The final score of 2-10 to 0-7 reflected Mallow’s superiority on the day, and they thoroughly deserved their county title.
For St. Colmcille’s, there is nevertheless enormous credit due to every player and coach involved. Reaching a Premier 1 county final is a remarkable achievement, and the players can take great pride in the way they continued to compete despite the difficult circumstances of the afternoon.
There is certainly no shame in finishing second to a Mallow team of this quality. The experience will stand to this group of players, and their achievement in reaching the highest level of Under 14 football in Cork will remain a significant one for St. Colmcille’s.
St Colmcille’s
1 – Alex Lynam (0-02, frees)
2 – Bradley Roche
3 – Ruairi Harte
4 – George O’Connell
5 – Joseph Crowley
6 – Harry Varley
7 – Danny Twomey
8 – Ayo Osunboyde
9 – Cian Ramsell (0-03, 2 frees)
10 – Ross O’Donovan
11 – Patrick Ahern
12 – Ronan Cunningham (0-01)
13 – Charlie Cox
14 – Ben Cashman
15 – Corey Forde
SUBS USED: Rory Ahern (0-01), Gearoid Hayes, Oscar O’Connell
Mallow
1 – Lucas Relihan
2 – Kyle Hunter
3 – Michael Lynch
4 – Jake Kennan
5 – Matthew Ryan
6 – Greg Sheehan
7 – Ryan O’Callaghan
8 – John Hogan
9 – Ronan O’Leary (0-01)
10 – Charlie McCormack
11 – Cian McMahon (0-05, 2x 45s, 1x 2ptF)
12 – Shay O’Brien
13 – Dylan Carey (1-02)
14 – Conal McCarthy (0-02)
15 – Leo O’Sullivan (1-00)