close
22 September 2008
The Clubs Under 16 hurlers captured the County Championship with an emphatic 3-9 to 1-7 victory over Corofin in Roslevan yesterday, Sunday September 21st, taking a title last won by the club in 1976. 
There were joyous scenes as Captain, Alan Miller, lifted the trophy on behalf of a fantastic Clooney side, who, from one to fifteen, turned in a stirring performance, and were well worthy winners at the final whistle
Corofins cause was dealt a severe blow around this time as their centre back, Mark Malone picked up a knock to his knee and, having gone to full forward for a few minutes, eventually had to leave the field. Centre forward, Darren Malone switched back to defence, a move which significantly reduced the Corofin forward threat.
However, the game took a significant turn in the 22nd minute as Peter Duggan, who was causing the Corofin fullback line a lot of trouble, gained possession and fired a bullet of a shot past Corofin keeper, Kevin Kearney to put Clooney back in front. The Clooney supporters were still celebrating the goal when Duggan was fed another ball and he pointed, sending the Clooney supporters to a higher level of delight!
Corofin needed the half-time break to re-organise their side following Mark Malones departure and a good start to the 2nd half was essential. However, Clooney had a different plan and in the 4th minute of the half, Ryan O’Neill latched onto a loose ball on the wing and headed for goal, unleashing a pile-driver of a shot from the 20M line which flew past forwards and defenders and bulged the Corofin net, the Clooney supporters once again being given cause for celebration.
Tempers flared a few moments later, and, following a long stoppage in proceedings, to everyone’s surprise, Niall Hehir received a Red card. It is difficult to know how the Match Officials could have singled-out one player from such an incident, but Clooney were now down to 14, and had a fight on their hands.
They responded magnificently, with John Reynolds showing his pace and firing over a great score in the 12th minute, followed by another Duggan free, before Corofin got back in the game, when Aiden Malone reacted fastest when Clooney keeper, Keith Hogan had saved brilliantly from a Darren Malone drive, the breaking ball being flicked to the net from close range. The game was back in the fire now.
Corofin piled on the pressure as they went in search of the badly needed scores. However, this Clooney side weren’t going to surrender any lead, and, when the need was greatest, up stepped Peter Duggan to fire home his second goal of the day, which all but sealed the victory. He added a free in the 25th minute to complete the Clooney scoring, Shortly after, Corofin were awarded a 20M free but Clooney net-minder, Keith Hogan saved brilliantly and the ball was cleared to safety. Corofins final score came from a close-in free from Darren Malone, but by then the Title was heading to Clooney/Quin.
The final whistle signalled a stampede of Clooney mentors, supporters and parents onto the pitch to celebrate an excellent victory, one that was gained by an outstanding team effort. The final score of 3-9 to 1-7 was a true reflection on the game.
There were outstanding performances throughout the field for the Clooney side. Keith Hogan was excellent in goal, while in front of him, the fullback line were always on top of their opponents, with Brian “Magnet” McInerney, though small in stature, has a heart as big as a Lions, giving an inspirational performance. Brian Clune and Niall McMahon were rock solid throughout the year, and again in the Final. The half-backs were also to the fore, particularly late in the game when Dave Barry, Ruaidhri McNamara and Mark Taylor were called into action as the Corofin boys piled on the pressure. Our midfielders, Jason Ryan and Captain Fantastic, Alan Miller, were dwarfed by the towering Corofin pairing, but this didn’t deter our deadly duo, who had a hunger for work and provided excellent ball to the forwards throughout.
The club posses a truly gifted set of forwards in this group, with a balance of skill, speed, power and that killer instinct. All six demonstrated this to great effect on Sunday. The wok of the half forward line of Ryan O’Neill, Shane Smith and John Reynolds exerted a massive amount of pressure on the Corofin defence, allowing the full forward line of Niall Hehir, Peter Duggan and Joe Clune to reap the rewards. They were tremendous all through the Championship, and significantly, on the biggest game of the year, they delivered once again.
Following the game, Chairman of Bórd na nÓg an Chláir, Seán O’Halloran presented a delighted Alan Miller with the Cup, to the wild cheering of the large Clooney/Quin support. Speeches and photo’s complete, the team travelled in cavalcade through Clooney and on to Quin, where everyone had tea and food in the Hall provided by Minor Club members and parents.
Later on in the evening, members of the Tulla Pipe Band led the Panel and Mentors in a Parade down the village with our ever-enthusiastic supporters in tow.
This win was a reward for two years hard work. This group had a poor Under 14 campaign, but they buckled down under Mentor Dave Barry last year, and again this year under new Management of Keith Mungovan and Pat Reynolds, who did tremendous work with the lads, culminating in Sundays victory. Congratulations and well done to all involved!
The Clooney/Quin team was as follows;
Keith Hogan, Brian Clune, Brian McInerney, Niall McMahon, David Barry, Ruaidhrí McNamara, Mark Taylor, Jason Ryan and Alan Miller(Captain), Ryan O’Neill, Shane Smith, John Reynolds, Joe Clune, Peter Duggan and Niall Hehir. Subs: 16.Conor Cleary. 17.Shane Duggan. 18.James Corry. 19.Darragh O'Grady. 20.David Reynolds. 21.Ronan Kelly
Photo's Here.... http://www.clooneyquingaa.ie/index.php/component/option,comˍzoom/Itemid,27/catid,39/
