Cloich Cheann Fhaola 2-12
Termon 4-5

By Piaras Ó Raghallaigh

CLG Chloich Cheann Fhaola U14 footballers were pushed to the pin of their collar by Termon in this hugely exciting and entertaining All-County Division 2 U14 championship final.

Leading 1-11 to 1-02 at the break, CLG Chloich Cheann Fhaola had to dig deep in the second half to stem an amazing An Tearmann fight back. Playing with the breeze at their backs, Cloich Cheann Fhaola were full value for their first half lead.

Corner forward Anthony Mac Gabhann hit three splendid two-pointers in the half with Alex Ó Dochartaigh at full forward also contributing on the scoreboard.

The opening goal arrived after eight minutes when Ryan Ó Colla sent a pile-driver into the roof of the net after Mac Gabhann and Ó Dochartaigh did the donkey work out the field.

An Tearmann only managed two points from play in the opening half. They did however orchestrate a brilliant goal that kept them in the game when the tide seemed like it was gone. A swashbuckling run from Hugo Cooper set up Dylan Crossan, who duly slotted home with his ciotóg.

The second period produced all the drama with Termon landing three goals inside ten minutes to leave the game on a knife edge.

Rory Mc Gettigan got the ball rolling when his shot for goal was blocked and deflected over the goal line by a diving defender.

The Burn Road side had their gander up and two further majors from Dylan Harkin and Hugo Cooper had the crowd on their feet.

Cloich Cheann Fhaola were stunned but they refused to buckle and when Alex Ó Dochartaigh found the net it stemmed the onslaught. Both teams threw off the shackles in the closing minutes with this ding-dong battle producing fireworks in the closing seconds.

This game could have gone either way at the end, with near misses, ferocious defending and some superb fielding keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. Eventually, Anthony Mac Gabhann drove forward for Cloich Cheann Fhaola and clipped a sweet point from out on the left that put one between them and time up. Heart, courage and focus at the finish but this game will live long in the memory for the amazing sportsmanship from both teams, management and supporters.

Teams

Cloich Cheann Fhaola: Josh Mac Casarlaigh, Daithí Mac Choille, Nathan Ó Coileáin, Aidan Ó Gallachóir, Caomhan Mac Giolla Cumhaill, James Mac Giolla Bhríde, Shay Mac Eiteagáin, Conor Mac Pháidin (0-1), Cathal Mac Hárlaigh, Darragh Ó hAlmhain, Iarla Ó Ceallaigh (0-1), Ryan Ó Colla (1-0), Sean Ó Baoigheallain, Alex Ó Dochartaigh (1-2), Anthony Mac Gabhann (0-8, 3tp).

Termon: Finn O’Shaughnessy, Mark McFadden, Riley Burrows, Faolan McGrenra, Ben Fowell, Noah Alcorn, Dualtach Harvey (1-0), Hugo Cooper (1-1), Abraham Igiebor, Leon McFadden, Cian Kelly (1-0), Dylan Crossan (0-2), Dylan Harkin (1-1), Rory McGettigan (1-0), Dominic Gallagher.