On a glorious spring afternoon with the sun shining Rossa U14 entered Corrigan Park to play St Bridgids in the South Antrim football final more supposedly in anticipation rather than expectation as they were deemed the underdogs for this title, however someone forgot to tell them. The Rossa U14 footballers retained the South Antrim Feile cup for the third year in a row on Sunday against hot favourites St Bridgids to the surprise of everyone apart from themselves. The Rossa boys started the year with only eight full U14's and were not expected to push for honours at this level. The addition of Dara Conlon, Caolin Young and James Webb have strengthened the team and reduced the pressure on the younger boys from the U12's

The Shaws Road boys raced into a 6 point lead in the first ten minutes to surprise their south Belfast opponents.

The 3 players who have played in all three finals Eoin McMenamin, Dominic McEnhill and Cormac McGettigan showed their experience and dominated the game from start to finish. McMenamin was to the fore will his powerful drives through the heart of the St Bridgids defence. McEnhill although carrying a knee injury minimised the St Bridgids attack ably assisted by McGettigan.

Captain Padraig Cullen led by example in midfield alongside Connell McParland and Adam Cunningham.

St Bridgids got their first score, a well worked goal prior to half time. This appeared to rattle the Rossa Boys, who hit 8 wides over the half.

Half Time Rossa 0.6 - 1.0 St Bridgids

The 2nd half was a very tight affair with St Bridgids showing why they were hot favourites having dominated competitions from U10 through U12 for this group of players. Ruairi Brolly was their main threat as he drove his team forward. St Bridgids kicked a further three points to narrow the gap whilst Rossa again wasted a number of chances. Sean Leith rattled the bar with a powerful effort from a tight angle.

St Bridgids had two great efforts on goal to take the lead but Rossa keeper Kieran O'Neill made two great stops to thwart them and maintain Rossa's lead

Oran Conlon probably gave his best performance in a Rossa jersey at centre half forward been involved in most of the Rossa attacks. Nathan Rooney and Sean Leith in their first full year playing at Rossa added strength and power to the young Rossa front line

Special mention should go to the young U12s who completed the team line up; Michael McEnhill, Eoin May, Daire Murphy and Charlie Cooley who belied their young years and demonstrated their ability to step up to this level. Young Cooley entered the game as a sub late on to settle the nerves with two great points

Eoin McMenamin completed his man of the match performance with the last point of the game.

At the final whistle the Rossa team celebrated this unexpected the victory. They demonstrated that the best team doesn't always win but with the right attitude commitment and hard work anything is possible.


Full Time Rossa 0.10 - 1.3 St Bridgids

Next up is the all county final against All Saints from Ballymena next Sunday. Tweet

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