Moynalvey produced an amazing second half comeback to recover from an 11 point deficit and defeat Clann na Gael after extra time in this exciting under 21 C championship final played in Dunganny on Saturday, November 15th.
Captain David Donoghue lifts the Under 21 championship trophy after a thrilling victory over Clann na Gael
Moynalvey 3 – 13 Clann na Gael 3 – 10 (after extra time)
Things did not look good for Moynalvey in this game as the half time whistle blew. Despite early first half points from Phillip Garvey and James Weldon, Clann na Gael had dominated the majority of the half and 3 goals to accompany 3 points had them 3 – 3 to 0 – 2 ahead at the interval. Moynalvey had lost midfielder James Weldon to a straight red card midway through the half and he was joined on the line by the Clann na Gael corner forward after an off the ball incident. Things looked bleak for the men in maroon but instead of allowing their heads to drop, Moynalvey took on the challenge and delivered an unbelievable second half performance after some astute half time words of wisdom and positional switches from manager Stephen Donoghue and selectors PJ Walsh and Adrian O’Halloran.
Clann na Gael scored the first point of the second half to push 11 points clear on a scoreline of 3 – 4 to 0 – 2. However, the Moynalvey revival then commenced and a Ray Ryan point was followed up by a goal from Peter Durnin to cut the deficit to 7 points. Further points from Mark O’Sullivan (2), Ryan and Durnin along with a Phillip Garvey goal had Moynalvey right back in the mix and they trailed by 4 points entering the last 10 minutes. Mark O’Sullivan was then unlucky to see his penalty saved and it looked like Moynalvey’s chance was gone. However, Phillip Garvey goaled shortly after to leave the minimum between the sides and it was O’Sullivan that then popped up with the equaliser to leave the scoreline at 3 – 8 apiece as the full time whistle blew.
Moynalvey, encouraged by a large support, now looked to have the upper hand and they looked the fitter team throughout extra time. 5 extra time points from substitute Luke Duffy, Phillip Garvey, O Sullivan (2) and Ryan in response to 2 Clann na Gael points meant Moynalvey pushed clear and closed out to win what was a very memorable game.
Team captain David Donoghue accepted the cup on behalf of his team mates.
Team & scorers – B Reilly, W Mahady, S Carroll, J Duffy, D Donoghue, D Smith, J Weldon (0 – 1), Paul Garvey, R Ryan (0 – 3), P Durnin (1 – 1), M O’Sullivan (0 – 5), Phillip Garvey (2 – 2), F Cunningham. Subs – L Duffy (0 – 1) for F Cunningham, TJ Lynch for S Carroll, S Courtney, I Douglas, C Farrelly, S Weston, S McGann.
