Minor Football League Division 8 Final
20 April 2023, 6:30 pm
Laune Rangers
5-17 - 2-11
Ballymacelligott
Cordal
Minor Boys White

Match Report

Minor White League Champions

Laune Rangers 5-17, Ballymacelligott 2-11

In a match that was more competitive and exciting than the final score would suggest, Laune Rangers White team defeated the Ballymacelligott Gold team in the Keane’s Supervalu County Minor League Division 8 Final in Cordal on Thursday evening.

James Jones opened the scoring with a well taken point for Laune Rangers, but Ballymacelligott – playing into a stiff breeze in the first half – took an early lead with three points in succession by Jamie Burke.  Laune Rangers were soon level as they began to manage the game with the wind at their backs, with John Horgan kicking two points to level matters.

Ballymac regained the lead with a pointed free through Ciarán O’Connell but it was short lived as Laune Rangers scored the first goal of the game – Cathal Moroney with a neat finish to the net.  Another John Horgan point was followed by Laune Rangers second goal, as midfielder Conor Buckley finished a great team move by smashing the ball to the net.  With fifteen minutes on the clock, Laune Rangers led by 2-4 to 0-4.

Jamie Burke and Ciarán O’Connell scored points for Ballymac but a long range pointed free by John Horgan was followed by a third Laune Rangers goal.  Andrew Owens reacted quickest to tap in a rebound after James Jones initial shot was saved by Ballymac goalkeeper John Leen.  Ryan Carey added a super point for Rangers with his less favoured left foot, before Ballymac scored a goal of their own – Jamie Burke ended an excellent solo run with a great finish.

Laune Rangers closed out the half stronger, Conor Buckley pointed before John Horgan kicked his fifth of the half to see his side take an eight point lead into the break.

Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 3-8, Ballymacelligott 1-6.

Ballymac needed a strong restart and they certainly got it – Luke Griffin scoring a goal within 40 seconds of the throw in.  They added points through Ciarán O’Connell and Micheál Savage in the following couple of minutes to reduce their deficit to three points.  Laune Rangers responded well though, and Andrew Owens split the posts with a great point to settle his team again.  Ryan Carey followed up with another well taken point before Micheál Savage pointed from the tightest of angles for Ballymac.  Oran O’Sullivan increased the Laune Rangers lead before Adam O’Neill – introduced early in the second half – scored three points in succession, giving his side a commanding 3-14 to 2-9 lead with fifteen minutes remaining.

Laune Rangers’ fourth goal scored by Ryan Carey made the lead unassailable and Laune Rangers closed out the stronger side.  Two Ciarán O’Connell points would be added for Ballymac, while Adam O’Neill (two, one free) and Andrew Owens points were followed by the fifth goal of the game in its final phase of play – O’Neill with a deft chip over the goalkeeper for an excellent finish.

Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 5-17, Ballymacelligott 2-11.

After the game, Laune Rangers captain Rian Hogan was presented with the Division 8 trophy by Tommy Cronin of Kerry GAA, while Adam O’Neill outstanding second half display (scoring 1-5) saw him presented with the Man of the Match award by Micheál Keane of Keane’s Supervalu Killorglin.

*Special mention to the hosts of Thursday evening’s Final, Cordal GAA, who had their pitch in immaculate condition for the game.  Well done to all involved.

Laune Rangers:- Adam Radny, Brian Foley, David O’Brien, Denis McGeever, Patrick O’Donnell, Rian Hogan (capt), Oran O’Sullivan (0-1), Conor Buckley (1-1), Dylan Flynn, James Jones (0-1), Ryan Carey (1-2), Alex Garry, Andrew Owens (1-2), Cathal Moroney (1-0), John Horgan (0-5, 1f).  Subs: Ned O’Grady, Adam O’Neill (1-5, 1f), Callum Russell.