Trying to find the right words to describe Sundays first Minor A Championship title win for St Molaise Gaels is a difficult task.  Unexpected,  deserved,  thrilling, historic,  epic, pulsating and  unbelievable are just a few that sum up the 4-11 to 5-07 win over red hot favourites Shamrock Gaels in Enniscrone. A 60th minute punched goal from Aaron Currid, his third of the game, was the score that brought a first ever Minor A Championship title to the Club. 

A thrilling hour of football with scores swapped and little between the side at the interval St Molaise Gaels leading by  1-07 to 2-03 thanks to a goal from Joe Keaney and Joe Spellman kicking three fabulous long range frees. The Molaise defence may have been conceding to their opponents in terms of physical stature but as a unit they defended heroically in the first half forcing the Riverstown side to often turn back and denying them scoring opportunities.  

It was Molaise Gaels who dominated the early second half exchanges and raced away into a six point lead within ten minutes. However Shamrock Gaels showed why they are such a highly rated group producing a devastating passage of play to score three goals and open up a two point lead with ten minutes remaining. It looked as if Molaise Gaels brave effort was going to go unrewarded but substitute Colm Mc Brien kicked a brilliant point with his first touch of the ball. Shamrock Gaels went down the field and responded with a point and almost closed out the game a minute later but an effort for a point drifted wise.  As supporters of both sides anxiously awaited Referee Ronan Hynes final whistle Substitute Luke Casserly combined with Joe Keaney who somehow eluded the attention of three defenders to make his way to the endline. With little options available he punched the ball across the square where Aaron Currid got the vital touch to score his third goal and secure a famous win.  

Hard luck to Shamrock Gaels who have some outstanding young Players and  having won the League already this year just came up short in achieving a historic double.

However there is no doubt that SMG deserved their victory and every single Player contributed hugely. The entire defence were heroic against a much vaunted Shamrock Gaels attack. Midfielders Joe Spellman and Oisin Sheridan were magnificent over the hour with Joe kicking excellent points at vital stages in the first half and Oisin coveting every blade of grass on the pristine Enniscrone pitch.  The attack delivered hugely in this game with all six starters and substitutes making big contributions. Aaron  Currid rightly takes the plaudits for his hat trick but Paul Mullarkey in a sweeping role between the half back line and midfield was very prominent. However the display of 16 year old Joseph Keaney at centre back was worth the admission fee alone. Among 19 tremendous displays from the SMG squad he lead by example. Outstanding in the air,  strong tackling and running and displaying remarkable composure in taking his goal and setting up the crucial last goal it was a man of the match display. 

Congratulations to the whole squad on their success which is a historic achievement for our Club.  They are a talented and dedicated bunch of whom we are very proud this evening. The Management Team of Ownie Coyle, Blair Foley, Peter Wilson and Gay Kelly deserve huge credit for the work they put in with this Group. This was a hard won title and the squad and coaching team worked so well together.  Once again there was  huge support for the side on Sunday and this was greatly appreciated by the Team and Management.  Thanks to all who arranged the Reception for the Team in the Clubhouse and to Club Chairman Sean Herron and Bord na nOg Chairman Charlie Hegarty who both spoke so complementary of the Team. 

Our U13 Boys take on Owenmore Gaels in the final of the B Feile competition in Scarden this Wednesday evening October 18th at 6.30pm.