BY RYAN FERRY
ARDARA wing-forward Anthony Bennett says his Under 21 team have a really close bond and that was one of the reasons that they were able to dig out the result in a tight game on Saturday.
Glenfin asked plenty of questions of Ardara but they had the answers and are a well-balanced side.
They have no shortage of talent but Bennett says they weren’t relying on that and put in the tough graft.
“For ten weeks there we were working hard in the gym and on the field and that’s the result you get for putting in the effort.
“It’s the best feeling in the world – winning a cup with your team.
“We are all so close and the bond we have is just unreal.”
It’s been a highly competitive Under 21 ‘B’ Championship but there can be no doubt that Ardara are deserving champions after defeating Naomh Columba, Naomh Pádraig, Uisce Choain and Glenfin in the knockout stages.
Bennett said: “This is my second year with the Under 21s.
“We didn’t do so well last year so we owed it to ourselves.
“We wanted it from the start and now we have it.
“We have some very good forwards and we are very lucky to have them.
“Those boys are talented but they also work hard.
“They show up when we need them.”
Ardara threatened to kick on and put daylight between the teams at times in the second half on Saturday.
However, Glenfin kept going and Bennett was full of respect for the challenge that was presented.
“They didn’t give up, and that’s what you expect in a final.
“Glenfin made it really hard on us and all credit to them.
“They are a fantastic team and they will be back.
“They are always strong at senior and reserves and you can see that they have a very good team coming up.”
Ardara will move up to the Under 21 ‘A’ Championship next year and while they will be down a couple of players, they have won the Division 2 Minor Championship in 2024 and 2025 so there are players who can step in and fill the void.
“We lose five players and we will miss them.
“But we have boys coming up from the minors.
“It’s good for the boys that were in their last year like my brother Charlie and the twins Niall and Ruairi (McHugh).
“Jamie Elliot has been out all season but got back for the final and it was brilliant to have him.”
The future is bright for Ardara and Bennett thinks they can kick on at senior level next term.
“We had a tough year this season for the seniors.
“We were going well and momentum kind of dropped then towards the end but that happens.
“We just have to get together again and rebuild and next year will be a big one for us.
