The Raonaithe Na Gael minor football team (an amalgamation of White’s Cross and Brian Dillons) opened their account with a comprehensive 5-09 to 3-02 victory over Ballincurra on Saturday afternoon last. This was a particularly I impressive victory given that they team played almost the entire game with two players short. Prior to the game, goalkeeper Cathal Quinlan picked up a knee injury which meant that the only sub on the day had to start the game. Shortly after the game started, Zak Porter and Cian O’Brien were involved in a nasty clash of heads which required treatment for both players and meant that neither could continue. All of this happened before there was a single score in the game. Na Gael played with the aid of a strong wind in the first half, however, they only led by one point at half time – 1-04 to 2-0. The lads faced a real uphill struggle playing into the gale being two men short in the second half. This was compounded when Ballincurra equalised almost immediately. However, showing real battling qualities and determination, the White’s Cross and Dillons began to dominate. The ability of all players to work hard to counter the numerical disadvantage was the key feature of the game. Goals from Kieran Mills and Jack Stewart helped Na Gael to open up a four point lead, 2-05 to 2-01 with ten minutes to go. Ballincurra came right back into the game scoring 1-01 in quick succession to narrow the gap to 1 point. This, again,was a real test of character for Na Gael having surrendered a commanding lead. However, they rallied again and goals from Kieran Mills, Colin O’Brien and Jack Stewart and fine points from Luke Murphy and Cathal O’Flynn ensured that Raonaithe Na Gael ran out deserving winners.

Team: Gavin Cronin, Jack Madden, Zak Porter, Sean Kennedy, David Hyde, Tom O Mahony, Luke Murphy, Max Philpott, Colin O’Brien, Cian O’Brien, Kieran Mills, Jack Stewart, Cathal O’Flynn