Congratulations to our U-19 footballers who made their own piece of history in Templetuohy last night when they became the first Mid Champions in the new U-19 A grade. They defeated Thurles Sarsfields on a 4-6 to 2-8 scoreline to lift the O'Keeffe Cup which was previously presented to the winners of the old Minor Grade (U-18). Having lost out to the same opposition in last years Minor semi-final this was always going to be a tough battle. This was confirmed when the Blues goaled within the opening ninety seconds but Joe Bourke replied in kind within minutes to level it up. A pointed free from James Corcoran and our first from play from Darragh Doyle were matched by the Sars before they landed another to go one up at the waterbreak (1-3 to 1-2). Bourke was in the mood for goals however and his second nudged us ahead. Stephen Cahill and Liam McCormack traded points before the Sars landed their second major just before the break to go in 2-4 to 2-3 to the good. A point from Bourke got us moving early in the second half before sub Michael Cahill made an immediate impact by billowing the net following an excellent team move. And within minutes Brackens had their fourth goal of the evening. Bourke claimed the hat-trick although there may have been a slight deflection on the way. In the absence of VAR we'll give Joe the benefit of the doubt. Brackens were now six up but the loss of Jack Nevin to a black card with fifteen minutes to go put us under pressure. An excellent defensive effort coupled with some wayward shooting from Thurles meant the lead never dipped below four. Two excellent closing points from Stephen Cahill and Conor Cadell sealed the deal. The lads now go forward to face North Champions Ballina in the County semi-final. Well done to all players and management on a fine victory.

Team amd Scorers: Tom Bourke Jamie Bergin Paddy Moloney Sean Collier Luke Ormond Jack Nevin Ned Walsh Diarmuid Delaney Conor Cadell (0-1) Rhys Loughnane Darragh Doyle (0-1) Tommy Martin Joe Bourke (3-1) Stephen Cahill (0-2) James Corcoran (0-1f). Subs Used: Michael Cahill (1-0) Mikey Delaney Niall Moloney