Tory Gaels (Crecora – Manister & Croom amalgamation), in their inaugural year in Minor Premier Football, have qualified for the County Final following a pulsating win over an excellent Newcastlewest side on Saturday last, 13th September.
This game had everything, sportsmanship, great scores, reflex saves and a most dramatic ending.

In the opening third, both sides were well matched and traded scores with Tory Gaels holding a one point advantage.

Our scores came from Conor Burke (0 – 2), Damien Kearney, Gary O’Connell and Liam Quirle. A key moment early on was an acrobatic save by the secure Shane O’ Connell.

For the ten minutes before the break Tory took complete control, this was triggered by an inspirational move and goal by man of the match Gary O’Connell.
Then the Shinners brothers, Jamie & Dean, scored 4 points in succession giving a half time score of 1 – 9 to 0 – 5.

The second half saw the expected fightback from Newcastlewest. NCW took advantage of missed opportunities by Tory Gaels and they were the dominant side in the third quarter.
With ten minutes remaining the sides were level. With a numerical disadvantage at this stage it took courageous effort from all, especially our keeper, our backs and midfielders to keep us in the game.

With time almost up, Tory Gaels went for broke, Dean Shinners attacked down the right and played a pinpoint accurate ball into the crowded goalmouth area where Conor Burke rose and punched the ball to the net.
The final whistle was greeted with a combination of joy and relief.

Panel:  Shane O’Connell, Richard Bateman, David Macken, Evan Moloney, Ryan O’Shea, Mark Reidy, Brian Cregan,Cormac Flanagan,  Jamie Shinners, Dean Shinners, Damien Kearney, Gary O’Connell, Barry Fitzgibbon, Conor Burke, Liam Quirke, Darragh O’Farrell, Roy Sheerin, Jordan Ryan, Eoin Kennedy, Seán Cahill, Eoin Cregan, Micheál O’Neill, Robert Sweeney

Kilpeacon (Crecora Manister and Fedamore amalgamation) U14 footballers finished top of their group in the U14 league which put them through to the County Semi-Final against Na Piarsaigh which was played in Rathkeale last Friday night 12th September.
This was a keenly contested game with Kilpeacon running out winners on a scoreline of 3 – 4 to 1 – 5.

We lost the toss and had to play into a stiff breeze in the first half.
Na Piarsaigh dominated the opening period but stout defending kept the scoreline to a minimum. At the other end chances were limited but on one of those attacks we won a free which Sammy O Donnell converted.
In our next attack Eoin Feeney was fouled as he went through on goal and Sammy O’Donnell confidently put away the resultant penalty. Soon afterwards both teams were reduced to 14 men.
Eoin Feeeney added another point just before halftime and we lead 1 – 2 to 0 – 3 at half time.

We started the second half strongly and Eoin Feeney scored a goal and Darragh Foley added a point to extend the lead.
Na Piarsaigh fought back and reduced the deficit with a goal of their own.
The game was quite open at this stage with play moving from end to end.

The lead was reduced to 2 points but we got the chance to extend it again when we won another penalty.
Sammy O’Donnell stepped up again with the same result.
The game was far from over though and Joshua Skehan-Fitzgerald had to make some vital interceptions and goalkeeper Colin Coughlan was called upon to make some important saves.

Midfield of Donnacha Connolly and Timmy Duggan were working hard to relieve the pressure on the backs and we won a vital free after a typical run up the pitch from Donnacha.
The ball was played to Darragh Foley who scored his second point to finish the scoring in the game to the delight of our large group of supporters.

We await the winners of the other semi-final which will be either Newcastle West or Ahane.