U-14s v Knockmore – Match Report
Davitts U-14 team qualified for the County B Championship semi-final after defeating Knockmore by 3-13 to 2-9 in an entertaining game played in Ballindine on Thursday evening. A storming last quarter swung the game in the homeside’s favour and they will now meet Ballina Stephenites in the semi-final in Ballina on July 4th.
Davitts started well with Ciaran Treacy opening the scoring with a first minute point and the superb Conor McDermott goaling in the 5th minute. Knockmore rallied with two points and a peach of a goal but Davitts centre back Mark Birmingham levelled the game with a neat point. A second Davitts goal, this one a fine individual effort from Fionn McLoughlin in the 19th minute was cancelled out by three points from the visitors to leave the sides level at the interval.
The exchanges were tight in the third quarter with the defences on top but Davitts hit their purple spell just at the right time. Midfielders Dylan Gallagher and Sean Keadin started to dominate and they fired over some classy points. Fionn McLoughlin scored a terrific goal with ten minutes remaining and the same player, Harry Fallon, Conor McDermott (2) and Ethan Boyle all pointed before Knockmore goaled from the penalty spot, a score that came too late to revive their chances of a comeback.
Davitts had outstanding performers in Aaron Trench, Conor Feerick, Mark Birmingham, Sean Keadin (0-2), Dylan Gallagher (0-4), Conor McDermott (1-2) and Fionn McLoughlin (2-1). Dylan O Brien returned to goalkeeping duties after a long layoff and he performed confidently. Brian Hett, Ethan Boyle (0-1) and Sean Meehan were heroic in defence. Ronan Kelly, Ciaran Treacy (0-1), Harry Fallon (0-1) and Fionn McTigue worked hard in attack as did substitutes Dylan Gormally, Brian Corless and Sean Clarke when introduced.
Davitts can now look forward to next weekend’s Feile. Davitts are grouped with Kilcormac-Killoughey (Offaly), Headford (Galway) and Aodh Ruadh, Ballyshannon (Donegal) with all games being played at Davitt Park.
