Carnaross 1-10 Moynalty 1-06

It was the final pairing that everyone predicted in this year’s Coolrite Junior B decider but predicting the winner split the whole of North Meath. Carnaross were looking to end a 31 year wait to win a championship whereas Moynalty were looking to take the final step up the hallowed steps of the stand in Páirc Tailteann. The short turn-around from the semi-finals allowed for a manic week of excitement and anticipation with the maroon and amber hats, flags and headbands scattered all across headquarters.

The game began with a bang with Moynalty’s star performer, Pauric O’Connor, burying the ball into the back of the net after 17 seconds. Carnaross’ character was tested instantly but they showed great composure to reply seconds later with a goal of their own. Paddy McDermott sent in an inch perfect delivery into target man Comaskey who connected perfectly with his fist to level proceedings. The early goals seem to shake both sides with neither team willing to take risks for the first half. Paddy McDermott landed a monster free with the outside of the boot making full use of the wind at his back to restore parity after Moynalty’s point. Darragh O’Reilly opened his tally but Moynalty replied with two scores in a minute in this war of attrition. McDermott converted another free to draw the sides level for the fourth time. The final 7 or 8 minutes of the half were frustrating to watch as Moynalty held onto possession while Carnaross tried to keep their shape. Moynalty were the happier of the two sides at the break as they had the wind to come in the second half.

However, Carnaross emerged a different animal after the break. They went for Moynalty from the 30th minute until the 64th minute. At every opportunity they ran at their opponents and held possession. The Ross kept wind-assisted Moynalty scoreless for the entire third quarter with renewed hunger, desire and skill. Paddy Farnan excelled during this half earning himself the Clubber man of the match deservedly. His surging runs from deep doubled with his outstanding piece of fielding when he was isolated one on one in his own half were stand out moments. Adam Kerins slalomed around the pitch constantly evading the men in red and white as the momentum turned in the Hoops’ favour. The man mountain Comaskey added another point finishing off a move with the fist as he tormented the Moynalty square. Paddy McDermott added another free before his second free hit the crossbar, with Paddy Morris reacting quickest to gather possession and fire over instantly. Morris added a second minutes later utilizing his blistering pace to great effect showing no fear in his first year of adult football. Mossy Plunkett and Luke Gillic together with the evergreen Dermot McGee brought much needed physicality and won numerous possessions in the middle third. Moynalty weren’t lying down though and they hit two quick fire points from play to reignite their chances.

The next score was crucial and up stepped our captain and leader, Jamesie O’Connor. He drove at the Moynalty rear guard, spun and curled over a vital score at a vital time. Darragh O’Reilly broke through on goal and wisely chose to fist over the bar to establish a four point lead with 7 minutes remaining.  Moynalty reduced the gap to three points knowing a goal would send it to extra time. Cormac and Shane Yore had worked tirelessly bringing the ball out all game and they were eventually replaced by Charlie Murphy and John Reilly. Carnaross  were calm under pressure seeing out the game but Moynalty had one chance. The ball broke to Kian Lynch who sent a rocket goal bound. Various marron and amber players threw themselves in the way with Comaskey getting the crucial block. John L McGee was introduced to bring some experience on to finish out the game. The final score of the game was the clinching score. John Reilly burst forward and was hauled to the ground for Darragh O’Reilly to send the resulting free over. Carnaross ran out deserving four point victors as they really took the game to Moynalty in that third quarter.

When referee Andrew Lenehan blew the final whistle, it sparked scenes of wild delight and jubilation as 33 years of waiting were finally over.

The last first team championship Carnaross won was in 1993 when they beat Kilmainhamwood in the Intermediate decider. Christy Gibney lined out in the forwards that day linking the eras together as he is a current selector. The tradition and heritage in our club was evident yesterday with 5 of our current players’ fathers lining out in the decider 33 years ago: Dean Kerins and his son Adam, PJ Gillic and his son Luke, Dominic Yore and his sons Cormac and Oisín, Ollie Murphy and his son Charlie. In 1993, our match winner was the late Séamus Reilly. His daughter, Petra, won a senior championship with Royal Gaels against Dunboyne yesterday also.

Despite the wild celebrations, the team quietly left the pitch to deliver the cup to two lifeline supporters who couldn’t make it down the steps, Benny Murphy snr and Gerry O’Reilly. A touching tribute to two remarkable community men.

This win yesterday marks the beginning of a new exciting era in the club. Fielding two teams and winning two championships is unheard of for a small rural club like Carnaross. Amazingly our minor class of 2023 produced 8 adult players this year. By winning the Junior B and Premier 7 in 2024, none of the 8 young men have lost an adult championship game. We hope they never do.

Thanks to the management team of Emmet Daly, Donal Farrelly, Christy Gibney and Shane McNiffe for all of their hard work this year. Finally, our ladies are in action in their final against Longwood this Saturday at 1.30pm and we wish them the very best of luck.

Carnaross: Liam Day, Jack Roche, Adam Kerins, Paddy Farnan, Shane Yore, Jamesie O’Connor(0-1), Cormac Yore, Oisín Yore, Luke Gillic, Paddy Morris(0-2), Dermot McGee, Darragh O’Reilly(0-3), Cian O’Reilly, Cillian Comaskey(1-1), Paddy McDermott(0-3). Subs: Tomás Plunkett for Oisín Yore(injured), Charlie Murphy for Paddy Morris, John Reilly for Shane Yore and John L McGee for Cormac Yore.

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