Tory Gaels have qualified for the U21 “A” County Football Final following a high quality win over a fancied Athea-Mountcollins Rangers side, in Rathkeale on Sunday the 11th December.

While the final scoreline suggested a clear winning margin, the key difference between the sides was Tory’s clinical goal finishing while the West Limerick side, missed two  goals scoring opportunities.  The three first half goals from Tory Gaels were excellent both  in conception and execution, each coming at the end of sweeping move from the back.

The opening quarter was tit-for-tat with Tory Gaels holding a slender lead with points from Conor Burke (3) and Dean Shinners. Then three outstanding quick-fire goals by Mark Kelly (2) and Conor Laffan put us in control. As expected, Rangers responded well with three unanswered points to leave the half time score 3 – 4 to 0 – 7 in favour of Tory Gaels.

Our supremacy in the early part of the second half proved crucial, allowing Rangers no path back into the match. The work intensity  by our  half backs, midfielders and half forward line was inspirational as epitomised by  the efforts of Gary O’Connell and Conor Laffan in covering back on multiple occasions. The full back line  excelled and Shane O’Connell again proved his ability in goal with a fine tip-over save. The early second half scores by Conor Laffan, Gary O’Connell, Conor Burke and Dean Shinners ensured that our lead remained intact. In the closing ten minutes, Conor Burke capped an excellent team and personal performance and  closed out proceedings by adding three further points to give a final score of 3 – 11 to 0 – 10.

Tory Gaels now progress to a county final meeting with Galbally on Dec 18th, venue and time to be confirmed.Team: Shane O’Connell, Brian Cregan, Tim Moloney,Kevin Laffin,David Macken,Eoin Cregan,Darragh O’Farrell,Micheál O’Neill,Mark Reidy,Gary O’Connell,Cormac Flanagan,Conor Laffan, Dean Shinners,Conor Burke, Mark O Kelly, Damien Kearney, Ryan O’Shea.