Lee Strand U16 Plate Final: Feale Rangers 2-10 Castleisland District 1-10
Feale Rangers and Castleisland District played out a fascinating finale to the Plate Championship. The tone was set right from the off, with a lightning fast Rangers’ move seeing Niall Lynch goal within twenty seconds. Darragh Broderick replied with a fine point, by the excellent Ted Moloney boomed over to make it 1-1 to 0-1. PJ Curtin, another to shine on the day, cut the gap back to the minimum with two good scores before Michael Fogarty pointed a free for Feale Rangers. Daniel Kelly swung over a brilliant reply for Castleisland. At the other end Niall Lynch was just wide of goal after a great pass by Mikey Kelliher, while keeper Padraig Hilliard brilliantly deflected a Ted Moloney rocket over the bar – a stunning save. Donnacha Maher stretched the lead, but it was wiped out in a flash as Tadgh O’Shea set up Daniel Kelly for a goal to make it 1-4 apiece. Unfortunately, a bit of comtretemps saw Feale Rangers reduced to fourteen, good refereeing from Paul Hayes and his match officials. Mikey Kelliher and Darragh Broderick exchanged pointed before Mark Hickey nudged Castleisland in front for the first time from an acute angle. Tomas Dillon replied but John Bell restored his side’s slim lead before the break.
Half-time Castleisland District 1-7 Feale Rangers 1-6
Feale Rangers emerged after the break like a streak of lightning. Tomas Dillon tied the game and a Michael Fogarty free put them in front. Ted Moloney fired over to make it 1- 9 to 1-7. Castleisland District gradually started to soak up those attacks and drive forwards. Dylan Dunne Moriarty sparked the revival with a fine point, Darragh Kelly quickly adding another. Mark Hickey had a goal attempt well saved by Eoin Relihan, but Daniel Kelly coolly pointed to give them a one point lead with time beginning to run out. Feale Rangers held their composure, however, with a nerveless Mikey Kelliher sending over an equaliser. 1-10 to 1-10, game poised on a knife edge, a draw looking very likely…until Michael Fogarty sent a great ball into Sean McGrath, and he struck faster than a cobra to drive it into the net.
Hard luck on a very brave Castleisland, but Feale Rangers were worthy winners in the finish, with Coiste na nOg Chairman Tom Keane presenting the Plate to winning captain Michael Foley. Well done and mile buiochas to the players, mentors, sponsors, the huge amount of supporters, and the match officials for serving up a thriller.
Feale Rangers: Eoin Relihan (Senans), Liam Ross (Senans), Aodhan Shanahan (Finuge), Eoghan Shanahan (Duagh), Darragh Lynch (Emmets), Aodhan Behan (Finuge), Dylan Quinn (Emmets), Ted Moloney (Duagh) 0-3, Tadhg McKenna (Senans), Donnacha Maher (Duagh) 0-1, Michael Fogarty (Moyvane) 0-2,2f, Ciarán Commane (Finuge), Niall Lynch (Emmets) 1-0, Mikey Kelliher (Senans) 0-2, Tomas Dillon (Senans) 0-2. Subs: Sean McGrath (Senans) (1-0), Cillian Rodriguez (Emmets), Jack McElligott (Emmets), Dylan Breen (Duagh), Evan McCarthy (Finuge), Oisín Moloney (Finuge), Ryan Guerin (Senans), Sean Mahoney (Emmets), Mark Foley (Emmets), Christian Griffin (Finuge), Adam Collins (Duagh), Michael Kissane (Moyvane), Gavin Parker (St Senans)
