Crotta U16’s are County Plate Champions for 2016 following a great win in the final on Tuesday evening 2nd August. Crotta had qualified for the final following a quarter final win over South Kerry(4-11 to 2-07) and a semi final win over Ballyduff(2-12 to 1-07). Ballyheigue were Crotta’s opponents in the Final which was played at Austin Stack Park. Crotta started the brighter and were a goal up inside a minute. Tomas Dillon finished to the net following a good save from the Ballyheigue keeper from a Darragh O’Donoghue shot. Sean Murnane with another good ground strike
got the second goal on 8mins. Darragh O’Donoghue then added a third goal firing past the Ballyheigue keeper. The Seasiders opened their account on 12mins.
Another Sean Murnane goal plus two points(one from a long range free and another from play) by Darragh ODonoghue left the halftime score Crotta 4-02 Ballyheigue0-03. Ballyheigue upped their performance in the second half and closed the gap to 4points with 12 mins left but a great point from a tight angle by Denis Quille following
well worked free by midfielder Declan O’Donoghue stretched it to 5 points again. Darragh Murnane was having an outstanding game in goals for Crotta pulling off some mighty saves. Denis Quille ended the game as a contest on 50 mins and Darragh ODonoghue sealed victory with another goal two mins from time. The full back line of Ryan McElligott Micheal Kennedy and Aodhan Behan in front of him limited Ballyheighue to few goal chances. Aodhan McKenna worked tirelessly at centre back and was well supported by both wing backs Cillian Trant(who had a brilliant
match) and Daniel O’Rourke. Daniel also proved to be a great outlet when Crotta’s backs were to the wall. Declan O’Donoghue had a great game at midfield as did James Sheehan. Tomas Dillon scored the opening goal and Denis Quille also played really well. The team was captained by Darragh ODonoghue who showed great skill at times. The full forward line of Denis Nolan Eoin Relihan and Sean Murnane also played their hearts out. Daniel Hunt Gavin Parker Eamonn Rohan(great to see Eamonn return after such a long layoff) Cillian Baker all played well when introduced.
Tadhg McKenna was unable to line out on the evening and Pauric Shanahan and Jack Kevin Mc Kenna are long term injured players. Final score: Crotta 6-03 Ballyheighue 1-08. Scorers: Darragh O’Donoghue(2-02) Sean Murnane(2-00) Denis Quille(1-01)Tomas Dillon(1-00) Reggie Griffin presented the Shield to Crotta Captain Darragh O’Donoghue after the full time whistle. John Ross refereed the game very well leaving the game flow as much as possible. Shane Herbert is Manager of the U16 team and JP McElligott and Paul O’Donoghue are Mentors. Congratulations to the
Crotta players and their mentors of Shane, J.P and Paul.
