Rossa 2.6 - 0.2 Dunloy

Rossa under 14 footballers unexpectedly progressed to the All Ireland Feile na Peile in Offaly with a comprehensive 2-6 to 0-2 victory over Dunloy on Sunday in the all county final. Previously Rossa had beaten a strong St Galls and red hot favourites St Bridgids in the South Antrim competition

Dunloy started as firm favourites having scored 32 goals in 6 games this year and with Rossa missing a number of players. However this young Rossa faced upto the challenge and produced a stunning display.

Captain, Michael McGreevey was the top marksman with 2-3 of Rossa's scores.

Daire Matthews started the scoring with a long range free. After this both teams exchanged a number of points before Rossa began to take control of the game. Oran Callaghan, James Cooley and Paul Mc Coey controlled the centre of the field ably assisted by Dominic McEnhill and Tiernan Murphy. Dunloy fought back in the remaining minutes of the first half but Rossa's two smallest players Manus Smith and Conal Shannon came to the fore spoiling and breaking up Dunloy offensive threat. When they eventually get at the goal then found Michael Byrne in top form.

After the break Dunloy began to dominate the game but the Rossa defence held firm. Jack Morris and Eoin McMenamin along with Lorcan Mulvenna dropped back to help out at midfield and defence as Dunloy grew in confidence. However, Rossa hit them on the break and forward Daren Grego found Lorcan Fitzsimons who had replaced Jack Silcott, fed McGreevey, who lashed the ball into the net.

Dunloy continued their onslaught but to no avail as the Rossa boys continued their aggressive tackling and blocking.

As the referee blew the final whistle the young Rossa kids, 19 of whom can play next year at this level fulfilled their dreams of qualifying for the All Ireland series in June.

The boys will now represent Antrim in Division 1 in Offaly on the 22-24th June. Tweet

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