Minors Win County Final
Davitts Minors captured the County E Title with a very hard fought extra time victory over a gallant Achill team in McHale Park. After the two sides finished deadlocked on 1-10 apiece, Davitts finally got on top in extra time to win by 2-13 to 1-10.
A fifth minute Ryan McLoughlin goal and three tidy Evan Ronayne points had Davitts ahead by 1-3 to 0-1 after ten minutes. Achill responded well and a fortuitous goal and two points had them on level terms midway through the first half. It was nip and tuck from then on and points from Niall Kearns, Shane Treacy and Conor Keane helped Davitts to a 1-6 to 1-5 interval lead.
Achill really put it up to Davitts in the second half but were finding it hard to breach the Davitts defence where the excellent Fahy brothers, Kieran and Denis, Jordan Flanagan, team captain Patrick Keadin, Keelan Cosgrove and Thomas Corless were putting in powerful shifts and goalie Mikey Kelly was coping well with anything that came his way. Two points from Evan Ronayne kept Davitts in front but with ten minutes remaining Achill took the lead for the first time in the game. The Davitts boys displayed their mettle and two more well taken points by Shane Treacy and Evan Ronayne saw them regain the lead with time running out but Achill fired over the equaliser with time almost up to snatch a draw.
Davitts took control of the game in extra time and another well taken Ryan McLoughlin goal was the only score in the first period. Evan Ronayne added three more points in the second period to clinch the victory.
As stated earlier, the entire backline performed brilliantly throughout the game. John Kilkenny and Niall Kearns worked themselves to a standstill at midfield. The hardworking duo of Daniel Huane and Shane Treacy were superb in the half forwardline with Evan Ronayne giving a point scoring masterclass at wing forward. Conor Keane was always a threat inside but he excelled when moved to midfield. Ryan McLoughlin was the hero, scoring the two goals, but he also worked very hard throughout the game. Subs Jamie Mullee, Jack Ronayne, Thomas Corless and Keelan Kilgallon all played their part in a great win.
Davitts: Mikey Kelly, Jordan Flanagan, Kieran Fahy, Denis Fahy, Patrick Keadin (capt), Keelin Cosgrove, John Kilkenny, Niall Kearns (0-1), Daniel Huane, Shane Treacy (0-2), Evan Ronayne (0-9), Conor Keane (0-1), Ryan McLoughlin (2-0). Subs used: Thomas Corless, Jamie Mullee, Jack Ronayne, Keelan Kilgallon.
