Whitewood Gaels 3 – 13 (22) St Mary’s 0 – 5 (5)

Whitewood Gaels – the amalgamation of Nobber and Kilmainhamwood made the trip across North Meath to Rathkenny on Sunday morning last to face St Mary’s in their Under 13 Football League Premier 4 Cup Final. Rathkenny played host to an entertaining game between both sides where a large crowd attended to cheer on both teams. The Rathkenny pitch was in great condition for the time of the year and weather conditions were very favourable for players, management, and spectators alike.

The opening 20 minutes proved a cagey affair with both sides having chances and opportunities to score but maybe nerves took over for some players understandably with the large crowd and with the opportunity to lift silverware at stake. Whitewood Gaels had chances but failed to convert and it was only a matter of time before they managed to raise some white and green flags to the delight of their supporters. To be fair to Whitewood Gaels they held St Mary’s quiet during this time period and their defence stood firm with Larry Cassidy being a prominent figure in the full-back line. After 20 minutes the scoreline read St Mary’s 0 – 2, Whitewood Gaels 0 – 1.

However, Whitewood Gaels kept persisting and moving forward and caused serious problems for the St Mary’s defence. Full forward Liam Cassidy proved hard to stop and kicked some impressive scores for the Gaels. Centre forwards James Byrne was a thorn in the St Mary’s defence with his skills and trickery. The lively Byrne converted two classy goals for Whitewood towards the end of the first period.

Half-Time Score Whitewood Gaels 2 – 6 (12) St Mary’s 0 – 3 (3)

The Whitewood management team of Philip McEntee, Barry Higgins, Derek Young, and Francis Byrne were wary of St Mary’s having to throw everything at the North Meath lads in the second half. The Whitewood defence remained solid with Kyle Kellett, Monaghan, Young, and Gillespie showing similar battling qualities to Larry Cassidy. The midfield duo of Oscar Heffernan and Finn Higgins worked tirelessly throughout the game. Both registering scores at different times during the second half. Higgins kicked a monster two point that many adult footballers would be proud of and propelled his teammates forward at every opportunity. Zach Sheridan finished a fine team move by raising a white flag to the delight of the Whitewood supporters.

To be fair to St Mary’s, they never gave up and kept going until the end but it was to be Whitewood Gaels day. James Byrne finished off a fine individual performance and a fine team performance by registering another free and a goal to bag his hat-trick. Joint captains Finn Higgins and Liam Cassidy were presented with the trophy by Meath legend Donal Keogan at the end of the game.

Whitewood Gaels: Alessio Dragos Ferar, Kyle Kellett, Larry Cassidy, Pauric Monaghan, Charlie Young, Craig Gillespie, Finn Higgins (joint captain), Oscar Heffernan, Zach Sheridan, James Byrne, Ben Monaghan, Tiarmach McEntee, Liam Cassidy (joint captain).

Subs used: Connor Keogan, Will Nolan, Setanta Higgins, Jack Monaghan, Joe Fitzpatrick.

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