Following their excellent victory over Durlas Og in the U-15 A football Mid Final, Brackens attention now turns to the County semi-final against Ballina which takes place in Kilcommon (not Kilcolman) on Thursday evening at 7.30pm. The North champions will provide a stern test of Brackens credentials, just as they did in the Peil, when Brackens beat them by just a point. Brackens will be pleased with their performance in the Mid final following their earlier defeat to Durlas Og in the Peil. The boys regrouped and put in a sterling display at the Ragg on Sunday evening. Playing with a strong breeze in the opening half it was the Thurles boys who got off to a flyer with a goal in the opening minute. Brackens responded well with a Sean Burke goal three minutes later and from there on they always looked likely winners. Padraic O’Shea added three points from placed balls while Ryan Loughnane scored an excellent point from play following a brilliant interception. Brackens had spurned a number of chances and were very glad of Padraic O'Shea's lovely goal before half-time to leave Brackens 2-4 to 1-1 ahead at the break. Another free from O'Shea along with Burke's second major saw us ten up with ten gone in the second half. Durlas Og replied with a point, their first score in twenty-five minutes, before a great catch and kick from Burke yielded the point of the match. The same player went on to complete his hat-trick to earn the man-of -the match award and seal an excellent victory on a 4-7 to 1-5 scoreline. But it wasn't just about the scorers. This was a marvellous effort from a team well organised by management. Captain Niall Delaney, Ryan Loughnane, Sean Stone, Larry O’Brien and Dan Coffey were relentless in their pursuit of the ball. James Leahy was sound in the goal while Jack Duggan, Kyle Quinlan, Thomas Deegan, Jack Burke and JR Corpez were excellent in defence. Odhran Dalling and Stephen Fogarty worked very hard on the wings while Andrew Quinlan, Peter Breen and Oisin Brophy all made telling contributions when introduced. Special mention too for Kinnian O’Brien who missed out having been injured in the warm-up. Best of luck to all in Kilcommon.
Team and Scorers: James Leahy, Jack Duggan, Kyle Quinlan, Thomas Deegan, JR Corpez, Niall Delaney, Larry O'Brien, Ryan Loughnane (0-1), Sean Stone, Odhran Dalling, Padraic O'Shea (1-4,3f), Stephen Fogarty, Jack Burke, Sean Burke (3-2), Dan Coffey. Subs Used: Peter Breen, Andrew Quinlan, Oisin Brophy.
Captain Niall Delaney accepting the cup from Mid Board Chairman PJ Bowden. On the left is Mid Board secretary Michelle McKelvey.
Sean Burke receiving the man-of-the-match award from Mid Board secretary Michelle McKelvey.
