County Semi-Final replay – U-21’s v Moy Davitts (“It’s not your Davitts, it’s Moy Davitts…”)
Davitts qualified for the County U-21 B final with an excellent 2-14 to 1-11 victory over a gallant Moy Davitts side in Mayo Abbey on Tuesday evening. This was the third time these two well matched teams met in this competition and the standard of play in all three games was a tremendous advertisement for both the 13 a side format and the U-21 grade.
Davitts looked in big trouble after fifteen minutes, 1-5 to 0-2 behind and playing second fiddle in most departments to the Moy Davitts lads. Three points in quick succession from Josh Ronayne, team captain Keith Prendergast and an inspirational Mark Ronayne effort lifted the Davitts team and their magnificent supporters. Five minutes before the break Davitts produced a stunning move with John Heneghan, Richie Kilkenny, Fergal McGrath and Liam Kearns involved, setting up the outstanding Josh Ronayne for a goal. McGrath added a point to put Davitts ahead for the first time but Moy Davitts replied with a pointed free to leave the sides level at the interval, 1-5 apiece.
In the second half a fiercely determined Davitts team showed what they were all about with a terrific display of football. Corner backs Kevin Gallagher and Michael Waldron were setting the tone with their no nonsense approach. David Mitchell was looking assured in goals while Johnno Clarke (pictured) began to dominate at centre half back getting great assistance from Tommy Mitchell and young Mark Ronayne. John Heneghan and Keith Prendergast were lording the midfield exchanges while up front, Josh Ronayne, Richie Kilkenny, Fergal McGrath, Liam Kearns and sub Darren Connolly, who had replaced the hard working Jason Connolly, were mesmerising the Moy Davitts defenders with their clever passing and slick movement.
Excellent points from Josh Ronayne (2), Fergal McGrath (2), Liam Kearns, Johnno Clarke, Richie Kilkenny and Darren Connolly were secured before Fergal McGrath scored a brilliant individual goal to seal a great win. Davitts will now play a highly rated Ballaghaderreen side in the county final on Saturday at 3pm in Castlebar.
Davitts team: David Mitchell, Kevin Gallagher, Michael Waldron, Johnno Clarke (0-1), Tommy Mitchell, Mark Ronayne (0-1), John Heneghan, Keith Prendergast (0-1), Jason Connolly, Josh Ronayne (1-5), Richie Kilkenny (0-1), Liam Kearns (0-1), Fergal McGrath (1-3). Subs used: Darren Connolly (0-1), Dara Halligan, Gerard McWalter.
