Barna GAA had a very successful week gone by when the U16s beat Dumore McHales in the County B League Final whilst the Junior Cs beat Carna/Caisheal in the west board junior C final. The club hopes this good form can continue when the U12s take on Salthill/knocknacarra in the U12A West Final Barnas U16 footballers put in a great team performance to win the county league final against a fancied Dunmore in Corofin on Saturday. A strong wind made conditions difficult for the players on both sides but Barnas ability to win the ball and their clever play ultimately separated the sides. While all 18 players used can take immense pride from their contribution full forward Prionsias McComiskey deserves a special mention as he held his nerve time after time to reward the hard work of his team mates by putting the scores on the board both from frees and from play. Playing into the wind in the opening half Barna worked hard to limit their opponents opportunities. In defence Dara Hesnan started brilliantly at corner back, ably assisted by talented full back Ger Hanley and Barry Gannon in the other corner who tidied up on the rare occasions when Dunmore appeared to threaten. All over the field the Barna boys were committed and determined to work for each other. Centre forward Stevie Delaney opened the scoring with a fine point from play. After Padraig O'Grainne was fouled near the side line McComiskey kicked a free from the ground straight into the wind and over the bar for an inspirational point. Dunmore finally opened their account after several wides which were largely due to the pressure applied by the Barna rearguard. Corner forward Enda Keane kicked a point and was unlucky moments later when his goal effort was well saved by the keeper. McComiskey added another from play after a fine move involving the impressive Jack Dowling at wing back and Delaney who was very impressive throughout. Trailing by four points to one despite having the breeze Dunmore had to respond and they were thrown a life line with a well taken goal which gave Barnas James Keane no chance. It had to be a special effort to beat him as he was in fine form, generating confidence among his defenders with his safe handling throughout the hour. Dunmore added another point before the break to lead by 1-02 to 0-04 at half time. Andrew O'Halloran storming run which resulted in a free, converted by McComiskey set the tone for the second half. Barna were rampant now with McComiskey adding another from play before captain Cian Thornton scored what was arguably the games finest score when he fielded a high ball, beat two players and split the posts with an effort from forty meters. Thornton and midfield partner Evan Mc Sweeney dominated their opponents and were pivotal to the Barna success. Dunmore rarely threatened in the second half but when they did they were denied by an excellent save by Keane in goal who stormed off his line, throwing himself at the Dunmore attackers goal bound effort. A Dunmore point was cancelled out by another Stephen Delaney point after some good work by Ronan Geraghty, who despite carrying an injury was instrumental in many of Barnas attacks. McComiskey added another from a free with ten minutes remaining. Dunmores final point followed shortly after as they desperately chased the game. Barna looked dangerous on the counter attack with Brian McNamara's introduction adding more pace to their attack. Defenders Sean Concannon and John McHugh made vital interceptions late on to keep the North Galway side at bay before McComiskey added his sixth to seal a three point victory. Final score Barna 0-10 Dunmore MacHales 1-04 Captain Cian Thornton was presented with the trophy by Coiste Peil Na NOg secretary Seamus O'Grady. This was an excellent performance from start to finish as Barna showed a real hunger and desire to work for each other which was great to see. David Fahy and Shane O'Meara who excelled throughout the season were unable to play due to injuries. However, this is a talented group of players as these losses didn't weaken the side. The players, manager Donal Feeney and selector Sean O'Grainne would like to thank juvenile chairman Aidan Brady, Bosco McDermott and Murt Conneely for their tireless work behind the scenes which facilitated this success. Barna junior Cs had a great win over Carna/Caisheal last Sunday in the final of the West Board Championship at Inverin. Carna/Caisheal entered the match having not lost a match all year, however Barna also entered the final with a good record, having only lost once to An Spideal in the league. Barnas march to the final included a convincing win over Clifden in the Quarter final and a win over neighbours Salthill in the semi finals. In previous matches Barna had opened well and this match was to be no different when soon after the throw in Adrian O'Neill supplied a great ball to the on coming Mark Clancy who put the ball to the back of the net. Barna played some good football during this half however four missed frees during this half, dampened the enthusiasm of the big Barna support that was present. The highlight of the first half was the tigerish defending of the Barna defence. In this department Sean Naughton and Muiris Quinn were ably assisted by minor players Paddy Naughton and Cormac Thornton. In the second half Barna were forced to defend their three point lead against a strong wind blowing in from the sea. To their credit the Barna forwards put in a trojan effort with Johnny Curran winning countless frees and Gerry Curran winning every ball that sent into him. In the fiftieth minute it appeared that Barna were going to a have a comfortable winning margin when they lead by four points however the match was turned on its head when Carna Caisheal got a goal to put the minimum between the teams. In the remaining ten minutes Barna showed great character, especially Mark Clancy who done some great work in supplying the forwards and also Gerry Curran who scored a great free from a very acute angle. With time nearly up it seemed destined that the match would go to a replay, when Carna Caisheal hit the upright, fortunately for Barna the ball came out into play where Colm Cleary was on hand to clear the ball from defense. In the end this Barna victory was won with the minimum to spare, Barna 1-9 to Carna/Caisheal 1-8. Muiris Quinn a veteran of the clubs last West board wining junior C team in 1999 accepted the cup from west board secretary Martin Curran. In his acceptance speech he thanked the players for the effort put in through the past few months whilst also crediting the Carna/Caisheal for their part in a keenly contested match. Along with those already mentioned Enda Flaherty had a great game in midfield catching whilst both corner backs Seamie Coyne and Tom Burke marshaled their men well This west board campaign has been very successful in introducing players that have come through the clubs underage structure into adult football. Through the campaign six players made their debut for the adult club. Eddie Grealis, Seamie Coyne, Muiris Quinn, Tom Burke, Paddy Naughton, Sean Naughton, Cormac Thornton, Colm Cleary, Enda Flaherty, Mick Walsh,(Jimmy Greaney,55) Adrian O'Neill, Mark Clancy, Johnny Curran, Gerry Curran, Rob Creedon. The numbers drawn in this weeks jackpot were 5,7,8,30. There was no jackpot winner, there was two match three tickets, Mary Flaherty and Cecilly Harris who each collect a cheque of 50 euros. The sellers prize went to Kathleen Murphy. This weeks jackpot will be 2,400 and the draw will take place in Sheridan's Tweet

Most Read Stories