MÍCHEÁL BREATHNACH 0-20

AHASCRAGH-FOHENAGH 0-13

(After extra-time)

By OISÍN NOONE AT KENNY PARK

TOP scorer and Mícheál Breathnach captain Glaisne Mac Réamoinn struck five of his ten-point tally in extra-time as the Connemara side emerged as Minor B1 county champions against Ahascragh-Fohenagh on Monday in Athenry.

Mícheál Breathnach had only scored twice in the second half and were losing to 14-man Ahascragh-Fohenagh in normal time before Mac Réamoinn sent over one of his nine total frees to extend this replay to 80 minutes.

Mac Réamoinn, along with other starters Caomhán Mac Con Iomaire, Dylan Ó Curraoin, and Seosamh Ó Cúláin, are the oldest starting members of Macdara Ó Béarra and Padraic Mahon’s team. The 11 players that completed their starting line-up were all part of the club’s U-15 A1 success last year against Carnmore.

In the first final, Darragh Gavin secured a replay as his late free rounded off a run of scores for Ahascragh-Fohenagh, who had trailed by seven heading into the final quarter. The two teams both emerged from the same group, in second and third place behind Annaghdown, and have been equals this entire championship as they drew 3-14 apiece back in July.

Losing any final is hard to take. Losing two in quick succession is even more heartbreaking – the second after 140 minutes of hurling – as Ahascragh-Fohenagh were runners up in the U-16 B1 final to Cappataggle four days prior. However, the achievement of reaching multiple underage finals in the same year is still one for Ahascragh-Fohenagh’s young players to be proud of.

Each team made one change to starting lineups since their last meeting. Ryan Glynn replaced Ahascragh-Fohenagh forward Matthew Cunniffe, though he played at corner back as Darragh Kennedy operated as a sweeper. For Mícheál Breathnach, Eric Norman came in for the injured Dara Ó Frighil.

Ahascragh-Fohenagh struggled playing against the elements initially. Their general play was fine, but shooting into the wind in misty conditions was challenging. Mícheál Breathnach made good on their wind advantage, taking a 0-8 to 0-5 half-time lead.

Seamus Carroll’s outfit took the game’s first lead through Darragh Gavin – man of the match in the first final, scoring 0-9 – as he slotted three first half frees. James Gerrard was responsible for both of their first half scores from play, despite close attention from Stiofán Ó Neachtain.

Mac Réamoinn led his side by great example and equalled Gavin’s efforts from placed balls. Mártan Ó Cualáin knocked over two brilliant scores, both out by the sideline, while Oisín Ó Neachtain also enjoyed a first half brace. Oisín Mahon contributed one of four consecutive scores as Mícheál Breathnach led by three before the change of ends.

Ahascragh-Fohenagh made quick work of reducing the deficit as they levelled affairs six minutes into the second half. Ryan Kennedy hit over a great point, as Gerrard nabbed his third, before Kennedy struck again as the Ahascragh-Fohenagh captain rose to the occasion in the second half.

Pictured: Ahascragh-Fohenagh’s James Gerrard on the attack against Stiofán Ó Neachtain of Micheál Breathnach during the County Minor B 1 Hurling Final at Kenny Park on Monday. Photo: Joe Keane.