Aodh Ruadh take seventh U-12 title

County under 12 final
13 July 2007
Aodh Ruadh 2-11
Termon 2-05
Peter Campbell reports from Convoy
Photos by Brian McDaid

Aodh Ruadh lifted the U-12 Division 1 title on Friday evening in Convoy, overcoming a gritty Termon side in the final minutes.

It was their first title in ten years and seventh in all but they were made fight all the way with the game in the balance until the final minutes.

On a very good pitch in Convoy, both teams made light of the heavy rain and difficult underfoot conditions. There was just a point between the sides with four minutes of normal time left, but a goal from Johnny Gethins was followed by two David McGurrin points to send the title south of the gap.

The final margin flattered Aodh Ruadh as there was little between the sides throughout. Termon led by 0-3 to 0-1 after eight minutes with points from Christopher Dillon, Damian Cairns and Daire McDaid to one from Colm Kelly for Aodh Ruadh. Termon also had a great goal chance which saw Eamon McGrath dive to his left to save a goal bound effort.

Two Matthew Gethins points inside a minute had Aodh Ruadh level and David McGurrin put them ahead for the first time on 14 minutes.

But the game swung back in Termon’s favour with two goals in three minutes. A quick kick-out - a feature of Termon’s play throughout - saw the ball transferred quickly to midfielder Aidan Sweeney to fire home. Aodh Ruadh had a goal chance immediately afterwards when a Johnny Gethins effort for a point was dropped by Conor Tinney and David McGurrin saw his effort saved from point blank range.

The ball went up field and big full-forward Shane Callaghan hit a rocket to the Aodh Ruadh net to put his side five clear - 2-3 to 0-5.

However, Aodh Ruadh responded well with David McGurrin firing over two points (one free) and three minutes from the break captain Pauric Patton put them back on level terms driving home a goal to the corner of the net.

Half-time: Aodh Ruadh 1-6, Termon 2-3.

The second half saw Aodh Ruadh edge ahead with points from James Kelly and Matthew Gethins but Daire McDaid pulled a point back from a free.

David McGurrin opened the gap again to two points from a free but substitute Chris McNally left just a point between the sides with four minutes left.

It was then that the Aodh Ruadh strike force of Johnny Gethins and David McGurrin found the range. The decisive goal came after great defensive work by Matthew Maguire and a defence-splitting pass from Patton for Gethins to slide home.

Then the impressive McGurrin added the insurance points and ease the tension of the Aodh Ruadh supporters in the bumper crowd.

There were many impressive displays with Kevin Murray outstanding at full-back for the losers. They were also well served by Caolan Mellett, Aidan Sweeney, Daire McDaid and Shane Callaghan.

For Aodh Ruadh Eamon McGrath at full-back; Matthew Maguire in the corner and Darren Gethins at centre-half were outstanding.

Up front the two Gethins and especially David McGurrin were excellent but the game was won at midfield where James Kelly provided excellent back-up for captain, Pauric Patton, who really bossed the game in the second half.

The Aodh Ruadh team before the under 12 county final.

Pauric Patton evades close attention from a Termon tackler.

Aodh Ruadh players console their Termon counterparts after the final whistle.

Aodh Ruadh players celebrate.

Pauric Patton is presented with the under 12 county trophy.

Aodh Ruadh bridge a ten year gap.

Let's get back to Ballyshannon!

Vital Statistics
Teams
Aodh Ruadh Conor Gilmartin; Matthew Maguire, Eamon McGrath, Paddy Gillespie; Jamie McDonald, Darren Gethins, Colin Keown; Pauric Patton (1-0), James Kelly (0-1); Colm Kelly (0-1), Ryan Gillen, Johnny Gethins (1-0); Patrick Dixon, Matthew Gethins (0-3), David McGurrin (0-6,2f). Subsitutes used Michael McNeely for Gillen. Subsitutes not used Dominic Boyle, Jack Dolan, Conor McShea, Tommy Gillespie, Daniel McIntyre, Chris Kilpatrick, Adam Irwin, Oisin Roper, Lee Gallagher, Kevin Warnock, Daniel Mannion, Michael Mannion, Ciaran Rami, Gareth Ferguson, John Ward.
Termon Conor Tinney; Joseph McCusker, Kevin Murray, Killian McConigley; Damien Cairns (0-1), Caolan Mellett, Alan Dugare; Aidan Sweeney (1-0), Daire McDaid (0-2,1f); Fintan O’Flynn, Christopher Dillon (0-1), Ricky Gallagher; Caolan McDaid, Shane Callaghan (1-0), Joseph Gallagher. Subsitutes used Chris McNally (0-1) for J Gallagher; Conor Murray for McConigley. Subsitutes not used Michael Kelly, Caolan Doherty, Joe McGettigan, Daragh McGinley, Seamus Doherty, Ryan Sweeney, Conor Doherty.
Gerald McHugh (Convoy)
Robbie O'Donnell (Naomh Mhuire)

Report Filed: 24 July 2007
Report and pictures reproduced by kind permission of the Donegal Democrat.