U16 Div 3 Cup final replay: Two titles in two years for Boyne Óg

Boyne Óg's Sean Monahan heads for the Dunsany goal during the Under 16 Division 3 Cup final at Bective.

Boyne Óg 4-9 Dunsany 2-7

There was deserved elation and celebration in Bective yesterday as our Under 16 Boyne Óg lads claimed the Division 3 championship title with a hard-fought win over a dogged Dunsany side in very difficult wet and windy conditions. It followed their maiden title last year when they captured the Division 4 Under 15 championship.

First off, huge credit must go to the host club, Bective, who had their grounds presented in excellent condition allowing this replayed final to take place. It’s clear why they are known as one of the best hosts and grounds in the county, with dedicated volunteers. We also pay thanks again to Kilmainham GFC for their wonderful hosting and assistance in the original final which was abandoned to treat to a serious leg injury to Donnchadh Quinn. Donnchadh’s recovery is well under way and he was in the dugout supporting his teammates at today’s game, which is thanks in part to everyone’s response and co-operation that day.

Referee James McGarry threw the ball in as the twenty strong panel of young men from Clonard, Longwood, and Ballinabrackey made the stronger start with Sean Monahan opened the scoring. Almost immediately a pointed effort from Brendan Nicholson came off the uprights and landed in the grateful hands of Roan Saunders who duly dispatched to the net.

Two more goals followed from Sean Monahan and Fionn Campbell as the amalgamation side looked to be cruising towards the half time interval with a lead of 3-3 to 0-1. But as in the original final Dunsany showed character and dug deep scoring 1-4 without reply in injury time to head to the dressing rooms with a pep in their step. The impressive Bective half-time scoreboard read Boyne Óg 3-3 Dunsany 1-5.

Substitutions were introduced with Tyler Daly, Zach Campbell, Finian Mooney entering the fray. Thanks to Zach Campbell and his Under 14 coaches for him making the comfortable step up from Under 14’s this year to assist his Under 16 teammates.

An identical start to the second half ensued as nippy corner forward Sean Monahan registered the first score, and then another. The impressive corner forward really had his shooting boots on and would finish with 1-5 to his name on the day.

Boyne Óg were again dominating possession around the middle third with the Campbell brothers, Fionn and Eoin, along with Cooper Lynch and Michael Glennon constantly winning primary ball. In defense Lar Giles, Brendan Nicholson, and Cathal Brangan were representing their club proudly with some fine score saving tackles.

But just as Boyne Óg seemed to be pulling away Dunsany once again hit back with a goal, as a well struck ’45 found its way to the net, thanks in part to the difficult playing conditions.

But Boyne wasn’t to be outdone as a crucial score was to come from an unlikely source as full back Billy Coyne got on the end or a rebounded effort to finish to the net. Five more minutes were played until the final whistle sounded which cued delight for players, mentors, and supporters of the Boyne Óg clubs. Final score Boyne Óg 4-9 Dunsany 2-7.

All that was left was for the Declan Black Cup to be presented to captain Fionn Campbell, a cup named in honour of a true gent and loyal servant to Meath GAA and Kilmainham GFC.

Well done to all concerned.

Boyne Óg: Adam Baldwin, Cathal Brangan, Billy Coyne (1-0), Samuele Patrizi, Luke Orton, Michael Glennon, Laurence Giles, Fionn Campbell (1-0), Cooper Lynch (0-3), Cian Dixon, Eoin Campbell (0-1), Roan Saunders (1-0), Sean Monahan (1-5), Brendan Nicholson, Mason Anderson.

Subs: Tyler Daly for M.Anderson, Zach Campbell for C.Dixon, Finian Mooney for T.Daly.