On Saturday 23rd October, the Geraldines u15 boys travelled to Dunleer to take on St Mochtas/St Brides in the B Championship final. The match was being played as the opener to the Louth Junior Final. There was a great mood among the 22 strong squad who were excited to get out on the pitch which was in great condition. The boys went through their paces in the warm up and got familiar with the conditions, with a very strong wind blowing straight down the pitch into the dressing room end. Winning the toss would definitively provide an advantage, and that went to the Gers who elected to play with the wind. It was a nervy opening 10-15 minutes with the Mochtas/Brides sitting deep and frustrating the Gers with their intensity and work rate, denying them space and time on the ball. The message at the first water break was be patient and take the scoring opportunities when they presented themselves, and to be wary of the counter attacks from a dangerous and lively opponent. The remainder of the first half was much more composed with the Gers gaining the upper hand and registering some excellent scores through good team play. Half time would see the Gers 2-07 to 0-02 ahead. The goals came courtesy of Cian Spaight and Pádraic Fennessy, with points from Shane Mullany, Shayne Soraghan, Cian Farrell and Cian Spaight. With little sign of the wind abating, 3 substitutions were made during half time and a change of formation in anticipation of a second half onslaught. The Gers boys knew that they would have to work really hard and they showed their intent immediately from the throw in, winning the ball and working it forward for the opening point of the second half. Although the Mochtas/Brides battled gamely and continued to threaten, their opportunities were being thwarted by some resolute defensive work, enabling the Gers to stay on the front foot and keep the scoreboard ticking over to remain clearly ahead. A penalty dispatched by Cian Spaight just before the second water break effectively settled matters and the Gers would see out the game as worthy winners by 4-12 to 0-06. Second half scorers were goals from Cian Spaight and Ralph Tinsley with points from Shayne and Jamie Soraghan, and Cian Spaight. The performance was just rewards for the efforts the boys have put in over the past few months and every squad member has contributed to securing the championship win. Cian O’Donoghue was assured in goal and his kicking with and against the wind was excellent, always finding a green shirt. His bravery was called for under a high ball in the first half which he dealt with expertly. The full back line of Darragh, Oliver and Callum dealt with everything thrown at them and provided great protection to the Gers goal. The half back line of Cian F, Shayne and Ruadhán worked extremely hard closing down their opponents and supporting the Gers attack, chipping in with some well taken scores. The midfield pairing of Michael and Cian S provided plenty of skill, energy and brawn with many of our scores starting with them. The half forward line of Pádraic, John and David linked up play very well and provided great support to our attacks. The full forward line of Shane, Jamie and Cathal were a constant thorn in the side of their opponents with their movement and direct running. Our second half substitutions of Conall, Shea, Ralph, Donnacha and Oisín all impacted the outcome, their intensity made sure the Gers momentum never waned. With substitutions limited to 5, Alex and Jarlath can count themselves very unlucky not to get a run out but their contribution to the victory cannot be understated. Congrats to Cian Spaight who received the Player of the Match award. Well done to everyone involved and special thanks to the great vociferous support from family, friends and the Gers community. Squad on the day; Cian O’Donoghue, Darragh Fanning, Oliver Begley, Callum Boothman, Cian Farrell, Shayne Soraghan, Ruadhán Joyce, Michael Kerley, Cian Spaight, Pádraic Fennessy, John Clarke, David Clune, Cathal Fee, Jamie Soraghan, Shane Mullany, Conall Taggart, Alex Durnin, Jarlath Purcell, Donnacha Halpenny, Alex Cooney, Oisín Curran, Shea Neary, Ralph Tinsley.

Report By Colin Corrigan

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