JK Brackens claim first-ever U13 football title with win over Moyle Rovers

County U13A Football Championship Final

JK Brackens 2-9

Moyle Rovers 2-1

By Ronan Loughnane

JK Brackens U13 footballers carved out their piece of history in Leahy Park last Saturday afternoon as they claimed their first-ever County title at this grade, including the old U12 grade. Most pundits predicted a 50/50 battle and that’s exactly how things panned out in the opening half.

While the football wasn’t pretty the exchanges were tough with little time for any fancy stuff. Danny McGuinness opened Brackens' account from a free in the second minute with Ciaran Maher replying from play for Moyle Rovers in the seventh minute.

It seemed somewhat strange after the game that despite bringing so much to the contest this was to be their only point of the game.

They hit the front in the 20th minute when Jack Kelly goaled and they certainly looked the more likely with captain Ryan Heiter and Finn O’Keeffe playing well. But Brackens rallied just before the break and three Danny McGuinness points (2f) turned out to be the game-changers.

That left the sides level at the break (1-1 to 0-4) but all the momentum had switched to Brackens who were now turning to play with a strengthening breeze.

McGuinness continued his fine form on the restart with a point from play before his first cousin Rory Ryan landed 1-1 in the space of four minutes and Brackens were motoring.

They were playing much better by now and the hard-working Dylan Fennell added a lovely point from play to put Brackens six clear entering the final quarter.

They missed a number of chances to put the game out of reach and Moyle Rovers made them pay with seven minutes to go when Dara Egan latched on to a long ball to finish to the Brackens net. Suddenly there was just a kick of the ball in it (1-7 to 2-1) and it was anyone’s game.

But Brackens kept their cool and responded with a great point a minute later from the very influential Robert Myles.
It was game over with five minutes to go when McGuinness converted a penalty won by Isaac Owens.

The switch of Ross Dorrity to midfield at half-time paid huge dividends for Brackens and he completed the scoring with a fine point.

Brackens were thoroughly deserving of their victory based on their second-half display. This is a fine Moyle Rovers team who brought plenty to the game but they simply couldn’t match a more balanced Brackens outfit whose defence was outstanding, particularly in the opening quarter when the pressure was on.

Danny McGuinness, Robert Myles, Rory Ryan, and Dylan Fennell all shone at the other end while the aforementioned Dorrity had a huge second half. While Moyle Rovers will be disappointed to lose they can have no complaints on the day.

They put in a massive shift and Ryan Heiter, Finn O’Keeffe, Dara Egan, Jack Kelly, Ciaran Maher, and Mikey English all played their hearts out. Compliments to referee Donal Ryan who was always up with the play and had a fine refereeing performance.

JK Brackens: Daniel Mason; Luke Duggan, Makenzie Quinlan, Shane Cahill; Pierce Deegan, Dara Naughton, Robert Myles (0-1); Danny McGuinness (1-5, 0-3f, 1-0 pen), Ross Dorrity (0-1); Dylan Fennell (0-1), Rory Ryan (1-1), Eoin O’Connell; Isaac Owens, Charlie Doyle, Charlie Hennessy, Karl O’Mara.

Moyle Rovers: Ronan Walsh, Kuba Kelleher, Mikey English, Isaac Hennessy, Ryan Heiter (Capt.), Danny Houlihan, Finn O’Keeffe, Cillian Burgess, Dara Egan (1-0), Jack Kelly (1-0), Ciaran Maher (0-1), Paul O’Connor, Danny Blake, Ronan Mullins, Wiktor Jaracz, Ethan Winters.

Referee: Donal Ryan (Cappawhite)