Moynalty 1-15 St Mary’s 4-12 (AET) 

Moynalty’s talented young U19 team went down fighting on Friday night in torrential conditions at home in Moynalty. Despite the weather, both sides served up a highly entertaining and skilful game of football, filled with determination and moments of real brilliance. In truth, the better and more experienced team did eventually prevail, but every Moynalty player can be proud of their efforts. They refused to be overrun, battled fiercely until the final whistle, and showed immense character throughout. Two late goals from St Mary’s ultimately settled the contest and sent them into the final, where they will face our neighbours Carnaross/Kilmainham. 

St Mary’s were quickly out of the blocks with three early points, laying the foundations for what was to come. David Daly opened Moynalty’s account, before Shane Bennett struck for a well-taken goal to narrow the gap. Bennett continued to torment the St Mary’s defence, adding two points from frees and another from play. However, aided by a strong wind, St Mary’s kept the scoreboard ticking and took a narrow lead into the break. 

Half-time: Moynalty 1-03 St Mary’s 0-07 

St Mary’s started the second half with a well-taken goal just three minutes after the restart, but Éanna Bennett hit back immediately with a fine point cutting in from the left side. Further scores from Seán McMahon and Eoin Gilsenan closed the gap, showing that Moynalty had no intention of going down without a fight. 

However, disaster struck when St Mary’s hit their second goal. The Moynalty defence seemed to part like the Red Sea, allowing the rampaging St Mary’s centre-back to drive through and fire the ball into the roof of Cillian Gaynor’s net. 

Once again, Moynalty began to claw their way back into the contest. Points from Gilsenan and an impressive 3 in a row from the influential McMahon brought the home side level. Both teams pushed desperately for a winner in the dying moments, but neither could find it before referee Adrian Corcoran blew for full-time. 

Full-time: Moynalty 1-11 St Mary’s 2-08 

Extra-time began with St Mary’s hitting two early points, only for David Daly to respond with a superb effort from distance. McMahon levelled matters once more, but a costly defensive mistake handed St Mary’s a lifeline, and they ruthlessly punished it, burying the ball in the net and opening clear daylight between the teams. With momentum now on their side, the visitors took control. 

The second period of extra-time saw Moynalty open brightly with points from Gilsenan and Daly, but fatigue was now a major factor for both sides. As conditions somehow worsened again, Moynalty continued to show immense heart and fight. Yet with time almost up, St Mary’s struck for their fourth goal of the night, sealing the contest before the final whistle sounded. 

St Mary’s march on to the final, while Moynalty’s young guns can take pride in the fact that they never gave up. Better days undoubtedly lie ahead for this promising group. 

Moynalty Scorers: Shane Bennett 1-02 Sean McMahon 0-05 Eoin Gilsenan 0-02 David Daly 0-02 Eanna Bennett 0-01 

Moynalty Team: Cillian Gaynor(JC), Mikey Smith, Odhran McMahon, Cian Lynch, Dylan Farrelly (JC), David Daly, Jack Kavanagh, Joe McMahon, Sean McMahon, Cathal Donohoe, Shane Bennett, Leo Kavanagh, Aaron Lynch, Eanna Bennett, Eoin Gilsenan. 

Subs used: Ewan Gilsenan, Caoimhin Cussen, Darragh Conlon & Sean Cassidy 

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