London were once again disappointed to lose out in the final of the Intercontinental Youth Championship this past week in Long Island, New York. Agonizingly, the Exiles lost out on re-capturing the title they held for three years by the slimmest of margins, and after extra-time.

The final saw London face the reigning champions, North America, who are a combined team of the best youth players from San Francisco, Boston, and Chicago. London had played NACB the previous day, where they recorded a 3 point victory over the Americans, with captain Liam Gavaghan scoring 1-4 of London's 1-8 final tally. The current champions then had to secure a victory over the home-side, New York, to have any chance of making the final. They played an understrength New York team in a one-sided rout later that day. London then had to play New York the morning of the final, with the home team having to fight for their lives as this was a do or die battle for them. Having competed in the Connacht minor championship this year, much was expected of this team, who were very disappointing the previous day against the North American side. It was a different story when they took to the pitch Friday morning. Having called upon a much stronger team, then that who togged out in their first match, the Exiles were pushed to the wire. Some tactical switches were made by the London management team, which saw Aidan Callanan moved from his usual corner forward position to wing back, and created a spot in the full forward line for Donal Geraghty. Geraghty had the match of his life scoring an impressive 2 goals in the first half, which saw London go into the second half with a slim 3-2 to 1-3 lead. THe home side came out in the second half and threw everything at them as this would be their final match of the competition unless they could record a win, and have a better score difference then the Londoners. With only a few minutes left, London lead by two, but the New York forward would chase down the field, and beat 'keeper Jack Ryan, to pull ahead by one. Ewan Robinson would score a great point in stoppage time to bring the teams level, and secure London's 5th straight appearance in the Intercontinental Final.

Later that day London would face North America in a repeat of last year's final, which saw London lose the title they'd held for three straight years, by a single point. Returning players Liam Gavaghan, Daniel Somers and Tom Waters were all anxious to insure this did not happen again. London had a great start scoring three unanswered points from the boots of those three players. North America would then hit a great patch, where they were putting the London backs under great pressure. Francie Smyth was doing well for the Exiles, but the Americans were able to score a point and then a free. It was point for point for the entire half, which also saw London lose Aidan Callanan to injury. The Americans would end the half with a goal, despite Ryan making a remarkable initial save. Half time score, London 0-6, NACB 1-5

London again started the half brightly with three unanswered points. They were winning the battle in the middle of the pitch with Waters and Somers both having excellent performances. THe score was 0-12 to 1-6 with only two minutes left to play, with the Americans having only scored a single point in the second half. The disaster struck, with only seconds left on the clock, the Americans were putting extreme pressure ont he London back line, when the referee judged there'd been a foul in the square and awarded a penalty. The Americans made no mistake with that opportunity and beat the London keeper. The referee blew his whistle, and extra time needed to be played. The score after full time, London 0-12, North America 2-6
Only ten minutes of extra time was to be played, but with this being the Londoners second match of the day (the North Americans had done double duty the previous day, and were well rested for the final), they were going to have to dig deep to re-gain the title. Once again it was through a free that the Americans were able to lead, for the first time of the match, and heartbreakingly, it was the only score of extra time. Devastation in the London camp, as they had played an amazing game, but a few errors had resulted in them returning home as runners-up.
Final team: Jack Ryan, Hugo Lewis, Francie Smyth, Sean Butler, Aidan Callanan, Oisin Patterson, Michael McGuinness, Tom Waters, Daniel Somers, Daniel Horgan, Liam Gavaghan, Darren Comer, Ewan Robinson, James Bonner, Donal Geraghty. Subs: Patrick McNicholas for Aidan Callanan, Rhys Lennon for Donal Geraghty, Donal Geraghty for Ewan Robinson.
London Panel:Jack Ryan, Hugo Lewis, Francie Smyth, Sean Butler, Aidan Callanan, Oisin Patterson, Michael McGuinness, Tom Waters, Daniel Somers, Daniel Horgan, Liam Gavaghan, Darren Comer, Ewan Robinson, James Bonner, Donal Geraghty, Patrick McNicholas, Rhys Lennon, Sean O'Sullivan, Ryan Kearney, Joshua Mark, Charlie McMahon, Kieran O'Connor, Darren Maguire, Laurence Moore
Management: John O'Sullivan, Ronan McCarthy, Liam Gavaghan


Yvonne Morley
GAA Community Development Administrator
07872600072
[email protected] Tweet

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