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