St. Colmcille’s edged a testing Minor Football Championship clash in scorching conditions at White’s Cross to make a positive start to Championship 2025.
First-half goals from Alex Flynn and captain Fachtna Kelleher gave the home side a comfortable cushion, and by the interval St. Colmcille’s led 2-8 to 0-4. The central diamond were dominant early — Ciarán Ryan, Jack Harte, Cian Dunne and Darragh McGuire controlling midfield and supplying the front men, while Charlie Horgan, Evan Quain and Dean McCarthy impressed across the pitch. Keeper Eoghan Murnane’s kick-outs were repeatedly won by Tom O’Sullivan, whose excellent fielding relieved pressure throughout.
Canovee mounted a fierce third-quarter fightback, rattling in three goals that tested the hosts. St. Colmcille’s answered promptly, Oscar O’Connell and Rónán Aherne slotting points immediately after each setback to steady the ship. At the three-quarter water break called by referee Kevin Crowley, management urged a renewed work-rate as the visitors probed for openings.
In the final quarter timely interceptions from Ciarán Tattan and Jamie Murphy helped maintain a five-point buffer, and late points from Evan O’Leary and Alex Flynn sealed the win. A hard-fought, disciplined performance in testing heat — well done to all involved.