Kerr Signs U13 football finals: 'B' Kilrea 3-13 Glenullin 3-04; 'A' Lavey 2-08 Dungiven 2-06
Owenbeg threw open its gates on Monday evening for the finals of the Kerr Signs U13 football finals. With autumnal conditions near-perfect for football, a crowd of almost 700 people enjoyed two showpiece games of real quality.
Two goals from Rory Maguire helped Kilrea to victory over a gallant Glenullin side in an opening game which ebbed and flowed, remaining level right until the final quarter.
Danny Burns gave Glenullin the perfect start with a well taken goal after five minutes, before a post denied them a second shortly after. Harry O'Kane then netted Glenullin's second before 1-02 from Kilrea's Daithi McLaughlin gave his side a three point lead at half time.
Cathal Kearney levelled matters minutes into the second half with a goal for Glenullin as the game entered its defining phase. However, it was Maguire's second strike – rifled to the roof of the net – which finally put daylight between the sides with ten minutes remaining.
With the Pearse's holding firm at the back, including a spectacular and dramatic triple save on the line, the young Mitchel's attempts to claw their way back into the game eventually gave Kilrea enough space to pick off vital points from Colby Cunning, PJ McAleese, captain Shea Madden and goal-scorer, Daithi McLaughlin, to claim the 'B' section title.
In the 'A' section, Dungiven and Lavey served up a thriller in which the result remained in doubt right up until referee Damien Harkin's final whistle.
Dungiven began assuredly, registering four points without reply in the opening quarter. A goal by Lavey's Enda Downey from close range proved vital as his team began to find their feet, and build a half time lead: 1-04 to 0-05.
The opening five minutes of the second half were played at a blistering pace as both teams threw everything into attack. A Dungiven goal direct from the throw-in was followed by a point shortly after, turning Lavey's two point half time advantage on its head.
Amazingly, Lavey hit straight back with an identical response; a fine Ryan Mulholland run and strike to the net restoring the gap for the Erin's Own lads.
Dungiven once again drew level with a well taken goal, levelling matters at 2-06 each with 9mins remaining. However, it was Lavey who hit the next two vital scores to edge them ahead at full time.
Lavey captain James Crawford received the trophy from Fintan Kerr of competition sponsors Kerr Signs. Speaking after the presentation, County Chairperson John Keenan commended all four clubs on terrific sporting displays, saying:
"I would like to congratulate all clubs who took part in our u13 competition. To have such a quality competition with so little between so many of the competing teams shows the vitality of Derry football at underage level – a testament to the hard work of clubs and coaches across the board. Long may it continue."
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