Daniel Warnock claims revived Frank O'Neill title
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The under 16/14 Frank O'Neill cup competition concluded with finals day last Saturday afternoon. The weather was a typical February day, but the action on the pitch served to light up the afternoon. The first semi-final saw Daniel Warnock's side take on Oisín Kerr outfit. Possibly the finest game over the course of the tournament saw Oisín Kerr's team deliver a fine first half performance to go in leading at the interval. Daniel Warnock rallied his troops and half time though and delivered a power-packed second half display to run out five point winners and become the first team into the 2014 Frank O'Neill final.
The second semi-final saw Gareth Sheerin's side up against Jason Granaghan's team. Another pulsating encounter saw Gareth Sheerin's men come out on top to complete the final line-up. Shane Toolan took charge of the Frank O'Neill final, and it is perhaps worth noting that chose to forego the Ireland England game to take charge of the match, a testament of Shane's commitment to the young players of the club. In the final it was Daniel Warnock's well-balanced and consistent outfit which emerged victorious over a gallant Gareth Sheerin side.
After the action was concluded on the pitch it was up to the Aras where a magnificent spread of food was laid on. Raymie Granaghan praised the quality of play across the tournament and introduced club President, Owen Roe O'Neill, to make the presentations.
Before the presentations Owen Roe spoke about the O'Neill family's pleasure at seeing the Frank O'Neill trophy being revived after a long period in abeyance. It was inaugurated in 1976 to commemorate Owen Roe's father Frank and Owen Roe noted it was fitting that Alan Sweeny was among those bringing the old trophy back into circulation as his grandfather, Barney, and Frank were close colleagues and had played a significant role in the club in former days. The O'Neill family sponsored beautiful individual trophies for the team captains and medals for the winning team. They also sponsored a player of the tournament trophy, which was awarded to Daniel Warnock's goalkeeper Matteo Rivenna.
This drew the curtain down on a great few weeks of football. Thanks to the players and referees who took part over the course of the competition and the parents who put on lovely spread of food after the final. Special thanks also to the O'Neill family for supplying an impressive array of silverware for finals day. Thanks to the combined efforts of Tara Keenaghan and Cathal Maguire we have a great range of pictures from the day.
Last modified: Monday, 1 June 2020 at 1:10pm