Minors cruise to victory in Division 3 decider
Davitts: 3-11
St. Muiredachs: 0-5
Davitts Minor team had a surprisingly comfortable victory over St. Muiredachs (Ardnaree/Bonniconlon) in the County League Division 3 final played in a bitterly cold Ballyheane on Monday. When those same two sides met earlier in the league in Ballindine, St. Muiredachs emerged the victors, but a repeat never seemed likely as Davitts dominated from start to finish.
After a pretty mediocre first half, that saw Davitts leading by 0-5 to 0-3 at the break, the Davitts supporters were treated to an exhibition of football in the second half. Two excellent goals scored by the imperious Andrew Peters and another by corner back Donal Ronayne sealed the win. Thomas Waldron ran the show with a tremendous display at wing forward. As well as scoring three good points, he was involved in most of the other scores and proved to be a great link between defence and attack. Waldron was a popular man of the match choice, but team captain Cathal Higgins, Donal Ronayne, Cathal Hennelly and Andrew Peters were not far behind him.
Michael Mangan was dependable in goals with Brian Clarke and Padraig Mangan in top form in defence. Sean Waldron and William Freeley assumed full control of the midfield area in the second half after a slow start. Gearoid Lyons, Liam Noone and Michael Clarke excelled in a slick forward division. Substitutes Matthew Trench, John Macken, Gerard McWalter and John Huane all played their parts in an impressive team performance.
Congrats to the management team of Liam Nyland, Paul Carey, Tom Kearns and John Waldron, who thoroughly deserved this success after a long season.
Davitts: Michael Mangan, Brian Clarke, Donal Ronayne (1-0), Cathal Hennelly (0-1), Cathal Higgins, Padraig Mangan, Sean Waldron, William Freeley, Thomas Waldron (0-3), Gearoid Lyons (0-1), Andrew Peters (2-2), Michael Clarke, Liam Noone (0-5). Subs used: Matthew Trench, Gerard McWalter, John Macken, John Huane.
