Minor FL Div 1: Historic Win for Na Fianna

Na Fianna: 2-20 Donaghmore/Ashbourne: 1-06

Na Fianna claimed a first ever MFL Div 1 League title with a convincing win over Donaghmore/Ashbourne in Pairc Tailteann on Monday night, and completes a fantastic double after they captured the MHL Div 1 title two weeks ago.

The manner of the victory was a surprise to everyone with Donaghmore/Ashbourne never really finding their form and Na Fianna in rampant mood. In the opening stages, the game seemed set to be another close affair, similar to the group game which Na Fianna won by one point, and last year's U17 FL final where the Ashbourne side came out on top. Na Fianna were struggling to make inroads into the opposition defence and it was 0-1 apiece after ten minutes. However, once their nerves settled, Na Fianna took over with Ethan Devine, Sean Martin and Cian Slattery on top around the middle third.

Na Fianna began to reel off points with Jack McNally, Vincent Ward and Shane Walsh all on target. Midway through the half, with a Fianna five points clear, the game almost changed on its head. Donaghmore/Ashbourne midfielder Leo Reilly broke up the field and after a great run unleashed a fierce shot on goal which Connor Heffernan spectacularly saved.

Na Fianna kicked on again after this with Kean Flynn netting from close range. Ronan Byrne burst forward and hit a great effort over while Owen McDonnell got forward from corner back pointing twice. Will Flynn pulled on a loose ball to net near half time as Na Fianna held a huge 2-11 to 0-2 half time lead.

The second half saw an expected comeback from Donaghmore/Ashbourne, but Na Fianna held firm. Kean Flynn opened the scoring with a great point after cutting in from the side-line while Vincent Ward also chipped in with a good pointed effort. Captain Ciaran Holton again led the defence while Walsh and McNally pointed yet again. Donaghmore/Ashbourne goaled midway through the second half after a ball crossed into the square but Na Fianna were unnerved.

Na Fianna had a night to remember where every player performed well. Donaghmore/Ashbourne are a very talented side who perhaps let the occasion get to them, but they will come back stronger.

In an outstanding Na Fianna team performance notable mentions must go to Shane Walsh, Ethan Devine and Sean Martin, Kean and Will Flynn, Owen McDonnell and Connor Heffernan who was solid all night in goals.

Na Fianna: Connor Heffernan, Sean Coffey, Ciaran Holton, Owen McDonnell (0-2), Ronan Byrne (0-1), Daniel Devine (0-1), Oran Smullen, Ethan Devine (0-2), Sean Martin, Will Flynn (1-01), Cian Slattery, Vincent Ward (0-2), Jack McNally (0-4, 2f), Shane Walsh (0-6, 2f), Kean Flynn (1-01).

Subs: Sean Rafferty for Ward, Micheal Keogh for Slattery, David Maher for K Flynn, Kevin Coffey for McNally, Stephen Slevin for Smullen, Luke Kelly for W Flynn. Oisin Coffey, Colm Flynn.

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