Dunshaughlin 3-10 Blackhall Gaels 1-2

Dunshaughlin’s U13s produced a commanding display in difficult conditions to claim the Cup title with a comprehensive victory over near neighbours Blackhall Gaels in Ballinlough on Saturday afternoon.

A sharp, cold wind and overnight rain made for testing conditions, with even the goals seeming to have “shrunk” in the chill. Despite that, the pitch was in excellent order, freshly lined by the club’s robotic mower, and both teams gave a full-hearted effort despite missing several players due to midterm holidays.

From the off, Dunshaughlin set the tempo. Three unanswered points in the opening minutes signalled their intent, before corner-back Eoin Kenefick sent in a speculative 40-yard effort that somehow found its way into the net — a moment that lifted the large Dunshaughlin support on the terrace.

Shane O’Reilly, who was instrumental throughout, added one of his trademark two-pointers to extend the lead before Blackhall Gaels got off the mark with their first score of the game. Just before the interval, Dunshaughlin struck again when Mateaus Barbosa, the team’s midfield man mountain, showed great reflexes to flick home an O’Reilly free.

That left the half-time score at 2-5 to 0-1 in favour of Dunshaughlin, who looked well in control.

Blackhall Gaels emerged with renewed energy after the restart and quickly pointed to narrow the margin, but Dunshaughlin’s response was emphatic. Harry Bohan’s, who was introduced just before HT, work rate and movement in attack caused constant problems for the Gaels defence, while further scores from O’Reilly and Barbosa kept the scoreboard ticking over.

Blackhall managed to find the net from a close-range free with 15 minutes remainingla, but Dunshaughlin responded in style, tagging on 1-5 in the 2nd period, closing out the game with Imran Dowd rounding off a fine team move to score their third goal — fittingly the last play of the match.

In defence, Aron was assured between the posts, with Dean Kelly and Kenefick strong and composed in front of him. The half-back line of Cormac Lavelle, Elliott Newport(captain on the day), and Archie Walsh formed an unyielding barrier, while the midfield partnership of Barbosa and Harry Kane dominated proceedings.

Up front, O'Reilly, Bobby McGrath and Tom Herlihy worked tirelessly, stretching the Gaels’ defence, while Dowd and Tiernan Cocman proved clinical when opportunities arose. Substitutes Bohan and Jack Flood also made valuable contributions after being introduced.

Elliott was presented with the trophy at the end of the game on behalf of the team by the brother and sister of Tom Lynch whom the inaugural trophy was named after.

The victory caps off a memorable season for Dunshaughlin’s young charges, who finish the year with two trophies in the cabinet — a testament to their effort, skill, and commitment throughout the campaign. Word around the clubhouse is that the committee may soon be in the market for a bigger trophy cabinet!

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