The under 14 footballers were the second underage team in the week to reach a championship final. Following their comprehensive victory over Tracton in the first round, this game was always going to be a lot tougher encounter. Though the margin of victory was 15 points in the end, the result does a big disservice to the efforts of the Gleann na Laoi/Dripsey outfit. White’s Cross played with a strong wind at their backs in the first half but struggled in the opening period where wides and overcooked passes were the main features of the game. Lee Gaels, by contrast were much more clinical and made White’s Cross pay with some well taken scores and opened up a four point lead. This would have been more except for some stout defending from Charlie Browne and Ruairi Quinlan. White’s Cross eventually did get a score though Luke Kelleher who put over a fine point. Then a stroke of luck. A speculative shot from Eddie Coughlan was turned in to the net at the far post by the alert to Patrick Harrington to bring White’s Cross level. This seemed to stun the eventual losers who lost their way at this juncture. Another goal from Robert Docherty put gave White’s Cross the lead at half time on a scoreline of 2-03 to 0-05.

They would turn and face the breeze after a half-time and many in the large attendance would have felt that White’s Cross had not done enough in the first half either through their scoring return or

performance. The second half saw a massive difference in attitude and endeavour, however. Jack Collins scored a super point on the resumption. This score lifted the crowd. Shortly after PJ O’Donovan who was showing brilliantly in the corner throughout popped up the score a fine goal and also added a few points shortly after. This put White’s Cross in a commanding lead and now were playing full of confidence. Gleann Na Laoi rallied but when Patrick Harrington got his second goal it finally killed off the efforts of their opponents. A late goal by Riain Harden put the gloss on the scoreline for White’s Cross who have now qualified for the final. While the victory was deserved, the team and coaches know they have plenty of work to do for the final.