INTO/Cumann na mBunscol Football Mini 7s Finals – Report
Castlebar, Wednesday May 1st
Congratulations to Ballyvary girls and Breaffy boys. Well done!
The first girls semi final was Currabaggan v Charlestown.
Charlestown had lost almost all of last year's great team but fought bravely to retain their title. It wasn't to be as the Knockmore girls eventually wore them down and booked their place in the final.
The next semi final was a ding-dong battle between Logboy / Irishtown and Ballyvary, the game moved from end to end throughout, with Ballyvary getting a goal and a point at the very end to win by 4 points.
The first boys semi was between Breaffy, Ballina and Carracastle / Dernabroc, with the town boys proving too strong for the amalgamated schools.
The other semi was an end-to-end tight affair with Tuar Mhic Éadaigh eventually pulling ahead of a gallant Newport team.
The Girls final was a dogged battle for most of the first half with just a point in it, as Currabaggan missed several crucial chances, Ballyvary eventually made their strength tell and two goals before half time and one immediately after set them on their way and Currabaggan could not make a comeback. Ballyvary emerged as champions on a 3 – 5 to 0 – 1 scoreline.
The Boys final proved to be a closer tougher game with Breaffy holding a slight lead for most of the match, as the game ebbed and flowed Breaffy gradually built on their lead but were never out of sight as both teams exchanged scores. The Ardnaree boys eventually overcame the Gaeltacht lads on a score of 3 – 7 to 1 – 7.
Thanks to the local media who covered the games and our great photographer, Frank Dolan. Thanks to our match referees Seán Mac Éil and Martin Corcoran.
Thanks to Phil Heneghan who looks after McHale Park and dressing rooms for all his help.
We would like to thank the County Board for the facilities.
Lastly and most importantly, to Eugene Lavin and his team for setting up the pitches and goalposts and having everything in place for us.
Congratulations to all the teams and their mentors for getting so far in the competition and thanks to all the local areas who have played earlier in the year to get us to the county stages.
All teams who qualified for quarter finals in this year's competition are reminded to contact James Feeney re Exhibition Match on May 19th.