Athgarvan finish strong to take Junior 'A' title
Athgarvan's Cian Doyle bursts past the challenge of Robertstown's Aidan Gillen. Photo: Sean Brilly
Athgarvan are the Tom Cross Junior 'A' Football champions after overcoming Robertstown in an entertaining final at Manguard Park, Hawkfield, on Thursday evening.
The winners made the perfect start when Eoghan Dunne rattled the net inside the opening minute and they stayed marginally in front for most of the opening half. A two-point effort from Diarmuid Healy on 20 minutes brought Robertstown level, but Athgarvan responded impressively and finished the half on the front foot.
A second goal, this time from Cameron Hughes on the half-hour mark, ensured Athgarvan took valuable momentum into the interval and opened up a four-point advantage. Their strong work around the middle third and ability to convert chances left them in a commanding position at the break.
Robertstown, however, were far from finished. Driven forward by the influential Danny Scully from centre-back and with the evergreen Joe Kavanagh causing problems inside, they remained within touching distance throughout the second half. Athgarvan appeared to have one hand on the trophy when Euan Brown struck for their third goal in the 36th minute, but Robertstown responded quickly. Three minutes later, Kavanagh found the net to cut the gap and breathe fresh life into the contest.
Scully continued to drive Robertstown forward and late scores kept the pressure on, but Athgarvan always managed to find the answers when they were needed most. Crucial points from substitute Derek Nolan and the impressive Brown steadied nerves and helped the champions see the game out.
In the end, Athgarvan were deserving winners against last year's champions. Their blend of experience, athleticism and attacking threat proved decisive, and the victory provides further encouragement as they look ahead to competing at a higher level in next year's championship.
Daragh Dempsey; Calum Sourke, Mark Connolly, Eoin Connolly; Kevin Curran, Daniel Vali, Conor Cummins; Cameron Hughes (1-0), Niall Murphy (0-2); Cian Doyle (0-1), Cian Scanlon (0-1), Euan Brown (1-3, 2f); Derek Craddock, Jordan Nolan Mullally (0-3), Eoghan Dunne (1-1).
Subs: Daniel Cummins for Vali (47), Derek Nolan (0-1) for Scanlon (50), Eoin Myers for Craddock (55).
Luke Percival; Peter Hogarty, Anthony Moran, Conor Walsh; Craig O'Sullivan, Danny Scully (0-4), Ross Kavanagh; James McGrath, Niall Kane; Diarmuid Healy (0-3, 2pt), Aidan Gillen, Kevin Dowling (0-3); Tirnon Byrne (0-2), Joe Kavanagh (1-3, 2pf), Jason Butler.
Subs: DJ Percival (0-1f) for Butler (HT), Cole Lyons for Gillen (HT), Ryan Bagnall for Moran (46), John O'Sullivan for Healy (53).
Damien Whelan.
