In glorious sunshine in Ballinacurra, our Under 12s came out tops after a free-flowing game of football against Brian Dillons, in the football shield final.

Here it was Brian Dillons were first out of the traps but St. Colmcille’s vice captain Cathal Geaney got us off the mark, with a beautiful finish to the back of the net from an acute angle.

However rather than kicking on, it was Dillons who were prompted into action as they got in for a goal of their own. This plus four points on the trot from the boys in blue and we Colmcilles looked rattled. A rejig that saw Jake Varley switch from centre forward to centre back, plus a couple of substitutions, steadied the ship, with Joseph Crowley making an instant impact at wing-back. Further up his wing another sub Tommy Forest also made an immediate impact as he scored a fine goal with his very first play of the ball. Ian Loftus, who was winning every ball sent in his vicinity, kicked a fine point and when Geaney pounced for his second goal, the momentum had turned very much turned in Colmcilles favour.

However, the City lads had not gone of the game either. Goalkeeper Cárthach Kelleher had to make an excellent diving save, from what looked a certain Dillons goal. Odhran O Farrell collected the loose ball and twenty seconds later, after more good play from Oisin Arrigan on the wing, Tadhg Harden had another green flag being raised at the opposite end of the field. This was an effective six-point swing and was a decisive moment in determining the outcome of this game. After an enthralling first half St. Colmcille’s were somewhat fortunate to find themselves leading 4 – 04 to 1 – 05.

That 8 point lead didn’t look nearly as large when Dillons carved open the Colmcille’s defence early in the second half for a well worked goal. After this team captain Cian Barry, aided by midfielder Alan Murphy, showed great leafership with some very strong play. Soon after Hayden O Keeffe got a much welcomed point which broke up this period of Dillons dominance. Tom Kelleher stormed into the contest winning a lot of ball on the wing and kicking a couple of fine points. The Gubbins brothers Michael and Sam, along with cousins Daniel Murphy and Padraig Murphy also won some good ball when it came their way. Sam Dunne’s goal 12 minutes from the end gave the winners the cushion needed to see out the contest. A timely interception by Tom Forde prevented what looked like might have otherwise been a Brian Dillons goal. With Alex Jeffries, David Lynch and Jamie Hourigan all winning their own battles St. Colmcille’s ran out worthy winners in the end on a 5 – 08 to 3 – 05 scoreline.

Well done to the Colmcilles players and their management, consisting of Oliver Murphy, John Loftus, Niall Gubbins, Nick Harden and Diarmuid Geaney. A special mention finally for Eamonn Tattan, very much part of this squad all year long, but ruled out of today’s game with a hand injury – hopefully he will be back in action again very soon.

Finally a shout out to our Under 12 sponsors Lucianos Pizza – the Big Luch pizzas went down a real treat in the post-match celebrations.