Minor League Final - 15th July 2026

Clonard 2-28 Duleek/Bellewstown 2-14

As the tag of Minor League Champions settles on us after a hugely entertaining and exciting evening in Bohermeen, we firstly thank everyone who came to support this fine group of young men.

From the opening first half whistle it was clear that the opposition would struggle to match the strength, skill and intensity of our lads. Kian Campbell won the throw-up and pointed within the opening 30 seconds which was immediately followed by a point by Kayden Plunkett. 

Duleek responded with a pointed free but a wonderful flowing move up the field involving several Clonard players saw Alan Hannon’s effort brilliant saved at point blank range. 

You would be forgiven for thinking that despite our dominance and the excellent football being played it might just not be our day as Duleek rattled the Clonard net with a goal against the run of play after 7 minutes and led 1-4 to 0-4 after 10 minutes.

But Clonard continued to dominate possession and the excellent kick-outs of goalkeeper Gavin Carney was leading to brilliant fielding by Ryan Scott and Campbell in the middle third. Possession then started to pay off with two pointers by Kayden Plunkett and Kian Campbell, as well as points from Bradley Begley, Charlie O’Donnell, and Jack Lynch. O’Donnell at centre forward was pulling the strings for his teammates whose confidence showed with a beautiful effort from the outside of the boot which curled in perfectly. 

In defence, Fiachra Smith, Paddy Fitzpatrick, and Kevin Whyte were now giving nothing away to their opponents as Clonard further extended their lead with a well taken score from the impressive Evan Foran on the half forward line, and then another from Plunkett’s left boot. 

Half time: Clonard 1-14 Duleek/Bellewstown 1-6.

Luke Orton entered the fray for Lynch as the second half continued in the same fashion as the first finished, Clonard were on top.

Begley added to his tally with a well taken free as Foran also added another. Then Charlie Campbell added his first as all 6 forwards were now on the score sheet. 

But momentum seemed to shift as Clonard received a black card midway through the half and Duleek/Bellewstown registered five unanswered points. Excellent goalkeeping from Carney also denied them a second major as defensively Clonard were tested, with Shane Walsh-Oxley and Ciaran Browne showing their leadership and class to stem the Duleek tide.

Further two pointers from Plunkett and Campbell, followed by the two aforementioned players linking up which resulted in a fine goaled finish by captain Kayden. 

The final whistle sounded shortly after a late consolation goal by Duleek and it was Clonard’s deserved title. What a display. What a team. A superb performance by every single man out there. All that was left was for Kayden Plunkett to receive the cup from Meath GAA’s Enda Lydon,  and it was brought back to Paddy’s Bar for well deserved pizzas all round. 

Team: Gavin Carney, Kevin Whyte, Paddy Fitzpatrick, Fiachra Smith, Alan Hannon, Shane Walsh-Oxley, Ciaran Browne, Ryan Scott, Kian Campbell (1-7 ; 3 2p), Kayden Plunkett (1-9 ; 3 2p), Charlie O’Donnell (0-3), Evan Foran (0-3), Bradley Begley (0-4), Charlie Campbell (0-1), Jack Lynch (0-1).

Subs: Luke Orton for J.Lynch , Eoin Campbell for C.Campbell