All Saints meet in U21 A Championship Final
This Saturday in Pairc Sean the curtain will come down on adult football for 2010 with the last of the Championships – U21 A down for decision. St Manachan’s and St Mary’s come head to head in this decider at 3pm in Pairc Sean and a large crowd is expected at the venue for this eagerly awaited decider.
St Mary’s last tasted success in the U21 Championship in 1993 while St Manachan’s have never won the competition but Mohill did win it on their own in 2000.
Both teams had two games en-route to the final. St Mary’s beat Greagh Gaels in their quarter-final game on a scoreline of 1-15 to 1-5 and they beat Glencar Manorhamilton in the semi-final by 3 points (1-4 to 10). St Manachan’s (Eslin and Mohill amalgamation) beat St Francis’ in their quarter final game on a scoreline of 2-14 to 2-4 and impressively accounted for the holders Oughteragh Gaels (who were going for 3-in-a-row) in the semi final on a scoreline of 3-5 to 2-11.
The 3 clubs involved have enjoyed both success and progression at adult level in 2010. Eslin of course were crowned Junior A Champions back in September and last weekend they contested the Connacht Club Junior Championship final only to be defeated by a more experienced Parke side from Mayo. Mohill contested this year’s Senior Championship semi-final and put in a good account of themselves only to fall short to the eventual winners. St Mary’s contested the Senior Championship Final and were only defeated by 2 points and they contested the Division 4 and 5 League finals loosing both by a solitary point.
A number of players on both teams will be more than familiar with each other having met on the field of play in Coiste na nÓg competition in 2010. They both contested the Division 1 Minor League Final which ended in a draw after extra time. In the replay Mary’s won and they also added the Minor Championship in September beating St Francis’.
St Mary’s will be boosted by their double success in winning the Minor League and Championship and will be easily motivated having lost the U21 final last year to Oughteragh Gaels. Their opponents will be encouraged by defeating 3-in-row hopefuls Oughteragh Gaels in the semi’s and motivation will be provided by the prospect of a possible first title at this grade for them.
Both teams have mean defences and it is worth noting St Mary’s conceded only 11 scores to St Manachan’s 14 and the town team let in 2 goals with Manachan’s conceding 5. They both have creative forward units who have exceptional Scóring power. St Mary’s have registered 1-25 enroute to the final with Manachan’s a little more impressive as goal getters Scóring 4-25.
This game has the potential to be a thriller but it’s like a deaf dog – hard to call!
10-Nov-10 by Colette Fox – PRO
