Dromintee (Armagh) 2-14 v Denn (Cavan) 0-09
Reigning champions Dromintee remain on course for back-to-back titles in the Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Championship when they came out on top of an absorbing encounter with a gallant Denn side on a frosty evening in Gardrum Park Dromore.
The Armagh champions survived a stirring comeback from Denn. They ushed on in the final quarter to secure their place in this weekend’s Ulster final against Magherafelt O’Donovan Rossa.
Despite the freezing conditions, both sides produced a very entertaining encounter that kept the large travelling support on their toes. It was the more experienced Dromintee side who came out on top.
Their large spread of scorers proved the difference as Denn were very dependent on the highly talented Nathan Quigley. Quigley, despite being very well marshalled by the tenacious Tomas Fox, accounted for all but two of his sides scores.
Quigley opened the scoring as both sides took time to adjust to the surface on a cold evening. Dromintee went on a scoring spree then for the next fifteen minutes. Scott Harris and Jarlath O’Neill edged the midfield battle. Gavin O’Rourke proved an ideal target man inside despite being double marked.
Man of the match
Man of the match
O’Neill and Oisin Byrne notched their first two points, which were followed by a trio of scores from the mesmerizing Ronan Martin, who had a superb outing including a cracker from forty yards.
Byrne went on a driving run and cut inside to put his side five clear before the first goal arrived. MFC Sports man of the match Gavin O’Rourke, hit an empathic finish to the top corner capitalizing on a defensive slip up.
Further scores from Oisin McCrink and Martin gave the Orchard County boys a cushion. At this stage, Denn were starting to find their feet. Conor McCabe, Finian Smith and Mark Reilly led their charge. Three points from Quigley and a fine effort from Senan Smith gave the Breffni boys hope as the break approached.
Trailing 1-09 to 0-05 at half time, Denn needed a good start to the second half. To their credit they pushed extremely hard and were awarded by two converted frees from Quigley to reduce the deficit.
Realizing the danger, the Dromintee management switched O’Rourke out to midfield and this move had the desired effect. O’Rourke, Harris and Aodhan O’Neill ensured they regained control of proceedings.
Winning run
The hard-working McCrink got his second of the evening. Senan Smith replied with a free after McCabe was upended as he careered through the Dromintee defense. Dromintee showed all their experience, dominating possession and patiently probing until they found gaps in the Denn rearguard.
Jarlath O’Neill hit a brace of points as conditions worsened. Dromintee then put the game beyond all doubt when substitute Ben McCoy found the net having been put through by the industrious Harris.
Denn keeper Marc Libanza prevented a further major producing an excellent save to deny O’Neill. Oisin Byrne, with two points and a much-deserved score from Harris, ended the scoring, rounding off an excellent display from the title holders.
“We are really happy to come out on top against a stern test from a really good Denn side.” said a delighted Dromintee joint manager Shane McCoy as his thoughts turned immediately to Sunday’s final.
“We were aware of their qualities, and they had a great result in their quarter final against Carrickmore. When we got over the line against Burren, it was about recovery for the lads because they have a heavy schedule with other football commitments.
“Now, going into the final, we need to manage the lads over the next 6 days. I felt we got the scores on the board this evening at crucial times. We started well in the first half tonight and got a bit of a lead and we kept on chipping away at points from there on.
Up next
Up next
“The lads showed good composure to keep the scoreboard ticking over and we defended well. Focus is now on Magherafelt and the threat that they will pose to us. Delighted for our club to be competing in another provincial final after last year’s victory. The hard work can’t stop, and the lads will be looking forward to Sunday.”
The Magherafelt management will no doubt have been impressed with the work rate and composure shown by a strong Dromintee side. Both sides will be hoping for a clean bill of health with players involved in key school games during the week.
For Denn they can be proud of their efforts, in was unchartered territory for the Cavan side but they showed they have the quality to compete at this level and have plenty to build on for the future.
Dromintee: Patrick Rice, Tomas Fox, Darragh Bolger, Reece Kelly, Aodhan O’Neill, Emmett Mullen, Ronan Martin (0-4), Scott Harris (0-1), Gavin O’Rourke (1-0), Oisin McCrink (0-2), Jack Casey (0-1), Oisin Byrne (0-4), Peter Rice, Jarlath O’Neill (0-2, 1f), Ollie Rice Subs: Ben McCoy (1-0) for O Rice, Jake Mooney for O’Neill, Louie Winters for E Mullen.
Denn – Marc Libanza, Christian Ashfield, Daniel Galligan, Oran Smith, Conor McCabe, Rian Brady, Adam McManus, Finian Smith, Ronan Tierney, Mark Reilly, Senan Smith (0-2, 1f), Oisin Smith, Oisin Baker, Nathan Quigley (0-7, 5f), Aaron Farrelly.
Subs: Rian Tobin for Farrelly.
Referee: Paul Gallagher (Tyrone).