Walterstown 4-12 Clonard -Longwood 6-5

There was heartbreak for Clonard-Longwood last night as they lost out by the narrowest of margins to a strong Walterstown team in the U14 Football final in Dunganny. Both teams served up a fantastic game in front of a large crowd on what was a beautiful evening for football.

Walterstown were quicker to settle and opened up a 1-4 to 0-0 lead after 10 minutes. A well taken goal by James Connolly settled Clonard-Longwood nerves but Walterstown responded with the next couple scores. With the game threatening to slip away, the penalty king (aka Tadhg Connolly) struck for what was his fourth successful penalty in the last three games. Yet again Walterstown responded and stretched their lead to 11 points at the break.

The Clonard-Longwood players re-emerged after half-time and really took the game by the scruff of the neck. 3 Goals from Clonard boys Shane Clarke (2) and Justin Coyne (1) and another from Longwood's Shane Dixon ensured that both sets of supporters remained on edge during the closing minutes. In addition, the crossbar twice came to Walterstown's rescue during the closing stages as the boys from south Meath dominated proceedings.

Ultimately it was not to be, despite winning the second half by 10 points, our fantastic panel of players lost nothing in defeat. They never dropped their heads and showed a tremendous never-say-die spirit that will surely stand them in good stead for the future. The panel has improved enormously over the past 12 months and both Clonard and Longwood can look to the future with optimism. 

Thanks to all the players for their dedication and commitment during the year. They will be involved with U13 and U15 teams through the autumn and hopefully success can be achieved in the near future. Thanks to all the parents and members of the community for their support during year. It is very much appreciated.

Clonard-Longwood: 1.Jack Raleigh, 2.Ben Leacy, 3.Sam King, 4.Sean Crum, 5.Adam O'Brien, 6.Abedotun Shina-Mabinuori, 7.Adam Leacy, 8.Stefan Holzner, 9.Justin Coyne (1-0), 10.Shane Dixon (1-0), 11.David Coloe, 12.Tadhg Connolly (1-2), 13.James Connolly (1-0), 14.Caolan Moriarty, 15.Shane Clarke (2-3) 

Subs: James Howlin, Eoin Sheerin, Ciaran Sheridan, Quin Fisher

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