Photo: Under 14 coach Paddy McHugh rallies his troops before the final

Match Report - Under 14 Spring League Roinn F Final

Clonard 1-6 Syddan 1-11

There’s a common phrase in GAA circles which refers to finals that says “You have to lose one to win one”. Well, if so, this was a harsh lesson for these young boys as despite a courageous and battling performance they lost out to a strong and physical Syddan side in Grangegodden last night.

Clonard fielded the usual minimum of 13 players with no subs available but went into this game with confidence after a memorable and dramatic semi-final win over Dunsany. It was Syddan however, that made the better start as they registered the first two points within seven minutes. Clonard were not daunted by their opponents and immediately responded with two quick points of their own to level matters, from the boots of Aaron Scott and Niall McHugh.

Both sides were having plenty of possession and creating numerous chances as it was clear that a very entertaining match was in store for the large attendance in Kells. One of the fantastic features of under-age games is the display of open skilful football with no sign of blanket defences or sweeper systems. It truly can be a joy to watch, particularly when two teams of this calibre meet in a final. Joe Brolly would be a smiling spectator.

The sides traded scores on two more occasions before the half-time break, the pick of which was Dylan Duignan’s point from play when he evaded several hefty challenges, made full use of his ‘one hop one solo’ with a sublime run from half back to coolly slot over the black spot. Syddan responded with a free just before the whistle as the half-time score read Clonard 0-4 Syddan 0-5. The half time talk mentioned how Clonard were slightly fortunate to be so close considering two clear-cut goal chances for the North Meath side when both whistled past the left hand post.

Just like the first half Syddan made the better start and pointed their first three attempts after the resumption. It was clear Syddan were taking a foothold on the game but Clonard were defending valiantly with Darragh Kirrane and Andrew Hannon performing brilliantly and providing inspiration for their fellow defenders against the waves of Syddan attacks. Rourk Shaw and Krystian Szarnas were tackling and chasing like their lives depended on it. At the other end of the field Daniel Johns pointed with his trusty left boot before Syddan pointed twice to extend their lead to five points.

More high balls into the square from the Syddan midfielders resulted in a disallowed goal when their tall full forward fouled Clonard’s goalkeeper Kian Campbell as he rose to claim the high ball. The young netminder was catching and mopping up plenty of dangerous ball around the square. Syddans pressure was rewarded with ten minutes left on the clock as a hard low effort found the bottom corner of the Clonard net.

Niall McHugh hit back with free to leave seven between the sides and Clonard suddenly took over the possession stakes. Corner forward Kayden Plunkett was showing for every ball and dancing around his marker with nice deliveries from his fellow teammates. John Doyle and Ciaran Murray were now on top at midfield and Shane Kelly was winning plenty of ball in front of his marker in the half forward line. Several goal chances followed for the blue and amber boys, the pick of which hit the crossbar from a wonderful shot from Kayden Plunkett. Aaron Scott was then hauled down by the big Syddan keeper two yards from the left hand goalpost but surprisingly only a free was awarded.

Syddan then punished Clonard at the other end with two more points before once again, in a ‘déjà vu’ moment, the Syddan keeper pulled Aaron Scott to the ground in the small square and Ciaran Murray stepped up to despatch a confidently taken penalty. Alas, it wasn’t to be as the referee blew the final whistle as the scoreline finished Clonard 1-6 Syddan 1-11. The contrast in emotions between the teams was stark and palpable as Syddan celebrated jubilantly while Clonard’s brave young boys could not hold back the tears. The sympathy among the Clonard coaches, parents and supporters was clear as the hardest thing to take was not the defeat but seeing these wonderful young boys in such an upset state. But moments like this can define a team as the feelings can be used as motivation for future performances and finals. That is the nature of sport and indeed life, you can’t have black without white.

Looking forward, the lads will take a break and regroup for the summer league in July when opportunity beckons again. Indeed, with six of tonight’s team on the under 12’s they can immediately look forward a semi-final on Saturday against Ballinabrackey with an opportunity to reach another final. The club expresses it’s sincere thanks to the boys for bringing everyone on a wonderful journey this year and to the dedicated coaching team of Paddy McHugh, Niall Walsh, and David Hannon. To you all, you did the club proud, and hopefully that phrase is true, you have to lose one to win one.

Team: Kian Campbell, Rourk Shaw, Dylan Duignan(0-1), Darragh Kirrane, Andrew Hannon, Krystian Szarnas, John Doyle, Ciaran Murray (1-0p), Shane Kelly, Daniel Johns(0-1), Aaron Scott(0-1), Kayden Plunkett (0-1f), Niall McHugh (0-2 0-1f).