Boherlahan Dualla secure Mid U21B double after defeating Loughmore Castleiney

Munster Construction Mid U21B Football Championship Final

Boherlahan Dualla 0-10

Loughmore Castleiney 0-3

By Mark Dunne

Boherlahan Dualla completed the U21B Mid double and their third U21B Football title at this grade, with a commanding and comfortable win over Loughmore Castleiney.

Cold, wet, and blustery conditions were the order of the day and no doubt played it’s part in the encounter. 

It took all of one minute for the initial attack, a Loughmore burst on the goal but Morris failed to hit the target. Playing with the aid of the elements Boherlahan Dualla began to dictate play. 

It took until the sixth minute for the first score to be registered, the trademark left boot of Ryne Bargary splitting the post. Loughmore Castleiney looked to level proceedings but the swirling nature of the breeze at the scoreboard end proved problematic. 

Ryne Bargary was often the sole attacker inside and his pace and quick thinking was causing problems. He set up Kirby for their side's second before Moloughney knocked over the first-placed ball of the day. 0-03 to no score, with Loughmore Castleiney’s wide count growing. 

Bargary knocked over the next two in quick succession to put five between the sides on the 25th minute. Both sides arguably played good football with fine footballers on both but the conditions were proving problematic to a flowing contest. 

Loughmore desperately searched for their opening score but a combination of mis shots and tight Boherlahan Dualla defending prevented this. Eoin Moloughney tapped over the final point of the half to send his side 0-06 to 0-00 score in front. 

Boherlahan Dualla continued their dominance early into the second half. Paddy Gahan, Tadhg O’Donnell, and Charlie Ryan were making their presence felt in defence and were quickly able to turn defence into attack. 

Eugene O’Dwyer kicked the first score of the half, a fine attacking run through the heart of the defence. Bargary with that trusted left boot kicked his second of the day inside the opening 5mins of the half. Loughmore Castleiney to their credit dug in. 

Ed Meagher, Rucker McCormack, and Eoin O’Connell all worked hard to get their side back into the game. 

Wides were still posing problems but they kicked their first score of the game in the 38th minute, a free from the boot of Joey Quinn. 

Eoin Moloughney though responded immediately with a fine kick into the stiff breeze, Quinn kicked both his and his sides second moments later. 

The game's lack of goal-scoring opportunities was noted but both sides did create the odd opportunity, none of which materialised. 

The pick of the chances was a fine Paddy Gahan effort well saved by Larkin in the Loughmore Castleiney net. The game fizzled out in the end, Ed Meagher and Ryne Bargary trading scores to leave the full-time score 0-10 to 0-3.

Boherlahan Dualla showed great command over the game despite the conditions and will now enter the County series with plenty of confidence. 

Today’s win sees them collect three titles in a row at this grade and more importantly complete the U21B double in the division for 2024. 

For Loughmore, the disappointment of the manner of the loss will be the toughest to take. With some fine footballers littered across the team, at least five of them must now prep the body for a provincial senior final next weekend against Dr. Crokes of Kerry.

Boherlahan Dualla: Richard Delaney; Tadhg O’Donnell, Eugene O’Dwyer (0-1), Ned Ryan; Ben Kirby (0-1), Charlie Ryan, Ross Darcy; Jake Canny, Ger O’Dwyer; Eoin Moloughney (0-3, 0-1f), Paddy Gahan, Dylan Fogarty; Shane Tarrant (0-1), David Clarke, Ryne Bargary (0-4). 

Subs used: Sean Bourke for David Clarke; Diarmuid Coffey for Shane Tarrant; Cormac Gleeson for Ben Kirby.

Loughmore Castleiney: Tomas Larkin; Michael Connolly, Jay Shorley, Paul Cormack; Daniel McCahey, Ciarán McCormack, Mikey Ryan; Eoin O’Connell, Ed Meagher (0-1); Podge Treacy, Paul McCahey, Colm Gleeson; Joey Quinn (0-2f), Philip O’Connell, Richard Morris. 

Subs used: Oran Breen for Podge Treacy; Billy Meade for Colm Gleeson.

Referee: Tom Loughnane (Gortnahoe Glengoole)