Our Intermediate team were beaten by the narrowest of margins on Sunday 1-12 to 0-14. The opening exchanges saw both teams trade points ours coming from the boot of Rory O'Dowd. On 11 minutes St Molaise Gaels pounced on an opportunity and raised the games only green flag. The response though from our lads was faultless as it proved to be St Molaise Gaels last score of the half while we hit 10 unanswered points to go in 1-3 to 0-12 up at the break. It was exhibition football from our lads who showed the potential the team has.
The opening ten minutes of the second half were similar to the first where both sides traded points. Our defence to their credit had kept our opponent's main danger men quiet but aided by the strong breeze St Molaise did close the gap to three points approaching the last water break. Unfortunately, the last quarter didn't materialise the scores that we needed to keep our noses ahead. Approaching the full time whistle we were just one ahead. A pointed free and 61st minute point gave St Molaise Gaels their first lead in the game since the 11th minute. Despite the number of injuries, frees, subs and cards issued we were not given an opportunity to respond as the full-time whistle cruelly blew on the resulting kick out. We wish both St Farnan's and St Molaise Gaels the best in the final. Team: J.McDonagh, P.McManus, S.Anderson, N.O'Donnell, C.Doddy (0-1), M.Gormley, C.Murray, A.Frain, M.Clavin (0-1), R.McManus, C.Brett (0-1), O.McDonnell, B.Cafferky (0-2), O.Gorman (0-7), R.O'Dowd (0-2). Subs used: K.Frain, D.Cafferky, S.Murray, M.Gorman.
Sunday's game sees the end of a very successful year for the team under the management of Willie Gormley in his first year. A Division 3 title, Abbott Cup success and qualifying from the group mark progress that this team has plenty to offer going forward into 2022 when hopefully we will have regular full competitions back. The club thanks the management and panel of players for their commitment throughout the year.
Our U17 team with Ballymote received a bye against St John's on Tuesday last. This set up a Semi Final spot with Tubbercurry/Cloonacool which was also played on Sunday. 3-7 to 2-4 up at half time the visitors kept with our team throughout the second half but our lads pushed on to win 3-14 to 3-9.
We wish the team the very best of luck in their final against Castleconnor which takes place this weekend. At the time of writing the date and time has not been set but keep an eye out on our social media for more details.