Mícheál Breathnach continue underage success with U-19 B title win over Annaghdown

It was a week of mixed fortunes for Tomás Ó Neachtain, who manages both the club’s U-19 and minor teams, as the latter lost to Ballintubber by four points in last Friday evening’s Connacht championship final.

In the aftermath of the win, Ó Neachtain was quick to point out the benefits of training the two groups together, also highlighting the progress this U-19 team has made over the years.

“The spotlight was on the U-17 team there for the last few weeks. These U-19 lads were there every step of the way with them, giving them as much support as possible. We had a few training sessions then in between [matches], keeping these lads as fresh as possible.

“They were playing C football for one year I think and now they've come up and they've won a B championship at U-19, so it just shows that if you stay improving, stick to working hard, your day in the sun will come and I'm so happy for these bunch of lads.”

Minor A winners Kian Ó Súileabháin, Oisín Mahon, Cian De Búrca, Oisín Ó Neachtain and Fionnán Ó Neachtain all started, while Jamie Ó Diollúin made an impact off the bench for the Indreabhán-based club. Forwards Anthony Mac Donnacha and Ferdia Ó Braonáin also played Intermediate for the club this year.

Michael Newell and Dermot Naughton’s side became North Board winners after an extra-time battle with Headford from which they emerged 1-21 to 2-13 victors. Mícheál Breathnach overcame Killannin 5-9 to 1-11 to become West Board champions.

Both sides forced numerous turnovers, with the middle third congested, particularly under kickouts. Annaghdown dominated possession early on, with Jack Duggan pointing, but both defences were on top as breakthroughs were hard to come by. Oisín Ó Neachtain edged Mícheál Breathnach into a 0-3 to 0-1 lead after 12 minutes, all three scores coming from frees.

Eoin Lardner forced an early save from Kian Ó Suileabháin, before registering a point, cutting the deficit to two. Glaisne Mac Réamonn, who captained the club’s Minor B1-winning hurling team last year, turned over possession before Anthony Mac Donnacha recorded Mícheál Breathnach’s first score from play after 18 minutes.

Another turnover yielded Mícheál Breathnach’s opening goal after 20 minutes. Off his left boot, Ferdia Ó Braonáin kicked an excellent finish into the bottom corner, which was followed by a score from Fionnán Ó Neachtain, extending the lead to six.

Annaghdown produced a goal of their own after 26 minutes, as they finished the half strongly, ensuring the game remained a tight contest. Cian Burke juggled for possession before Cathal Heavey, who scored six points from play in their last outing, provided the breakthrough.

Heavey’s sharpness was further highlighted by a pointed effort, before Jack O’Neill scored to leave Annaghdown trailing by the minimum. Mícheál Breathnach led 1-5 to 1-4 at half-time.

Mac Donnacha got the second half scoring underway, while county minor Jamie Ó Diollúin made an impression upon his introduction, assisting scores for Oisín Ó Neachtain and Mac Dara Ó Gradaigh.

Eoin Newell struck scores for Annaghdown either side of an Ó Braonáin effort. But the game was crying out for another breakthrough and, after 49 minutes, Ethan Forde provided it with an unbelievable goal.

The game could very well have gone either way. Both sides left chances behind them, as just two points remained between the two teams with five minutes to go.

Ó Neachtain and Mac Donnacha kicked points to protect the Connemara side’s lead, before Ó Gradaigh landed the game’s first two pointer leaving Mícheál Breathnach six points ahead entering injury time.

Heavey forced a late save, while Forde was also involved in a goalmouth scramble. Mícheál Breathnach finished with a flourish, however as substitute Aaron Ó Donnacha, also assisted by Ó Diollúin, recorded his team’s third goal deep into injury-time.

Manager Ó Neachtain was pleased with his side’s ability to overcome a strong Annaghdown outfit, featuring several players with senior experience.

“I knew we were up against a really strong team. I knew it would be a really hard-earned win and that’s why I’m so happy for the lads. We’ve beaten a very good team.”

​Mícheál Breathnach: K Ó Súileabháin; T Ó Neachtain, C Ó Cadhain (captain), O Mahon; C Ó Fátharta, L Ó Tuairisg, C De Búrca; E Craughwell, G Mac Réamonn; A Mac Donnacha (0-3), F Ó Braonáin (1-1), M D Ó Gradaigh (0-3, 1 2pt); O Ó Neachtain (1-4, 0-3 frees), F Ó Neachtain (0-1), C Ó Gríofa. Subs: J Ó Diollúin for Ó Gríofa (HT); D Mac Eoghagáin for F Ó Neachtain (45); A Ó Donnacha (1-0) for Mac Eoghagáin (48); C Ó Cúláin for Ó Fátharta (54); D Mac Eoghagáin for Mac Donnacha (58).

Annaghdown: J Farragher; K Concannon, C Lynn (captain), S Murray; K Greaney, J O’Neill (0-1), O Sheridan; E Forde (1-0), E Newell (0-2, 0-1 free); E Lardner (0-1), C Heavey (1-1), J Trench Kearney; J Duggan (0-1), T Naughton, C Burke. Subs: O Berthoz for Burke (42mins); D Farragher for Sheridan (58).

Referee: Colm Conway.