History makers!

Dromintee 2-09

Our under 14 boys team raised the Division 1 Championship trophy in the Athletic Grounds after a hard-fought game against Crossmaglen. This is the first time Dromintee boys have won an all-county championship at under 14.

It was a nervous start to the match as both teams sussed each other out and came to terms with the size of the pitch. Both teams had to adapt, and a Pauric McGenity point for Dromintee got our scores ticking over. Cross’ responded with what ended up being the only two pointer of the game, a rarity in under fourteen football, scored by their Captain, Finn O’Hara.

Dromintee then went on a run, with our opponents not scoring again until after the 20th minute. In this period, we had pointsfrom Junior Winters, three further points from Pauric McGenity and a well taken goal by Fionn O’Neill. Conall Phillips and Jack Begley did a lot of selfless work around the middle third of the pitch, winning crucial ball, and laying it off. This was backed up by strong running from Jude Garvey(Captain), Dylan McCoy and Andrew McNally. Crossmaglen scored two further points, however Dromintee’s period of dominance was emphasised by a fantastic goal by Junior Winters right before half time.

Half time

Junior Winters started off the second half with a point, and the right footed Fionnán O’Rourke calmly slotted over a free offhis left boot. The relatively low scoring nature of this game does not reflect the high standard it was played at, in front of a big crowd from both clubs.

As has become a pattern with our under 14 lads, the defenders came to the fore in the second half as Crossmaglen hit their own purple patch. After two Crossmaglen points, Dromintee points from Fionn O’Neill and Junior Winters were not enough to see the game out, and our lads probably left 2 or 3 goals behind them as chances were not converted.

15 minutes still to go, a lifetime! Our u14 Head Coach, Martin O’Rourke, commented that the clock in The Athletic Grounds must be the slowest in the country!

With the score tally now at Dromintee 15, and Crossmaglen 6, the Cross’ lads went on an unanswered run which made sure this game went right down to the wire. Pearse Conlon in nets was solid all night, both with kickouts and shot stopping, and he was called on at least four times to keep out genuine goal opportunities. Three Crossmaglen points brought the game back to only a six-point gap, and our excellent defensive display prevented that gap being completely closed. 

Right at the end of normal time Crossmaglen got their reward for constant pressure, with Finn O’Hara again on hand to rattle the net, and a single point followed to bring the game down to a two-point margin – probably the worst lead in Gaelic Games. This Crossmaglen team have been our toughest test all year, reflected by the fact that Dromintee only had four players registering scores on the night, significantly lower than our average.

All match Ronan McNally, Shane Rice and Feidhlim McKeever were industrious across the full back line, backed up by Luke McBennett and Anthony McGeough at half back. In the modern game these players are a lot more than pure defenders, and their forays up the pitch, particularly by Rice, McBennett and McGeough, were a welcome sight.

A superb display of tackling and blocking was epitomised by an Andrew McNally block right at the end of the match, a massive lift to the team. Calm heads prevailed as Dromintee retained possession and saw out the added time to secure the win.

Fantastic scenes at the end, jubilation and massive sense of relief. Many generations of Dromintee people took to the field to help the team celebrate. There was huge pride in the achievement of winning The Championship, but also in theirdisplay of football.

It is a credit to our county board, and the team at the Athletic Grounds, that these finals are played in our county HQ. A fantastic experience for all the boys, and long may this tradition continue. Many thanks to everyone on the county board for making this happen. Thanks also to referee Paul Graham and his team of officials.

This team has already had a long season, with training starting back in November 2025, as many of the panel were involved with our Féile u15 campaign. With a panel of 32 players, and limited game time for many of the lads, it is a credit to players on the fringes of the playing squad that they continue to turn up in big numbers to training and matches. This will undoubtedly stand them in good stead for future years. Of the 17 players used in the Championship Final, nine of them are still eligible for the under 14 grade in 2027 – the future is bright! 

Big thanks to our team of U14 coaches, lead by Martin O’Rourke and supported by Greg McNally, Aidan Rice, Damien Phillips and Scott Winters. Thanks also to Shane O’Neill for his provision of a strength and conditioning programme for this team, and the use of his gym (DP Fitness).

Thanks also to the McGeough family for providing sports drink and snacks for the lads on the night.

Our Senior Men play Carrickcruppen at home this Friday night (12th June) at 7.30pm and our under fourteen team will parade the trophy at half-time. Please come along and support both teams.

Scorers:

Junior Winters 1-3
Pauric McGenity 0-4
Fionn O’Neill 1-1
Fionnán O’Rourke 0-1

Squad:
Pearse Conlon, Shane Rice, Feidhlim McKeever, Ronan McNally, Anthony McGeough, Luke McBennet, Dylan McCoy, Andrew McNally, Jude Garvey (Captain), Fionnán O’Rourke, Jack Begley, Pauric McGenity, Conall Phillips, Junior Winters, Fionn O’Neill. Subs used: Caellum Murphy, and Liam Finnegan.

Extended panel:
Shane Campbell, Daniel Loughran, Harry McNamee, Lughan Rice, Joe Kelly, Thomas Kiely, Logan Conlon, Ryan Toale, Fearghal McCoy, Donal McCoy, James Byrne, Dáire Laverty, Oran Toale, Joe Byrne, Brián Thompson

Footnote – big congratulations also to Oran Smyth whose Madden Raparees team lifted the division 3 championship trophy on the same night, against Naomh Colum (Maghery & Grange). Oran is formerly of this club and parish, son of Ainé, and grandson of Jimmy Phillips.