In splendid sunshine Frank Sheehy Park was awash with colour as the finals of the John B Keane league took place on Friday evening last 25th May. Members of the Listowel convent school band – Ava McElligott, Triona B Kennedy and Katelyn Shine played the Boro, the Ashes, An Ghleann and the Rural Rangers teams around the park. First off was the B final where The Ashes captained by Caoimhe Lynch and Dylan Twomey took on the Rural Rangers skippered by Emilie Browne and Patrick McCormack. As Colman O’Flaherty threw in the ball The Ashes took off in an attack led by John Breen and a great score from Daniel Shine opened the scoring and the Ashes never looked back.
The Rural Rangers defended well and playing some good football failed to capitalise on their possession. Caoimhe Lynch was in command of the back line as she fed her lively forward line of Daniel Shine and Eoghan Hudson who found scores at their ease. The Ashes ran out winners and a jovial Billy presented Dylan Twomey and Caoimhe Lynch with the B final Sheild. Congratulations to team mentors and all players on a very sporting game.
The Boro and An Ghleann met in the A final and this game lived up to expectations as Seamus Mulvihill threw in the ball it was tit for tat throughout the first half a nice one two between Ajay Barrett and Blake Finnucane saw the latter point from close range. Adam Heffernan playing in the backs found Robbie Scanlan linking well with Jayden Chute and Michael Harris who took a lovely score. The first half saw a great spread of scores from both sides with Holly Walsh, Blake Finnucane, Edel Dillane and Ajay Barrett getting on the scoreboard for An Ghleann as they led by one at the break.
As the second half took off Jayden Chute led from the centre and got fast ball into Rachel Lynch and Michael Harris who took two quick scores. Aoife Sweeney had the better of her opponent as she linked well with Robbie Scanlan who took his second score of the evening. Jayden Chute asserted his dominance at midfield aided by Ben McElligott and Michael Harris. Clodagh Houlihan and Jayden Chute put over two great scores. An Ghleann never gave up but some excellent defending by Adam Heffernan, Aoife Sweeney ensured the Boro remained in front and were crowned A Final Champions. Robbie Scanlan and Anne Browne were presented with the shield from Billy Keane. Congratulations to both teams and their mentors.
The junior John B Keane league also took place and the ever jovial Simon O’Flynn entertained the crowds with his own rendition of Lovely Listowel aided by the u8 girls & boys.
It truly was a wonderful occasion and a credit to the Coiste na nOg, a big thank you to the organisers and in particular to our referees who officiated over the entire league.
And finally to the Keane family who have kindly sponsored the league for the last fifteen years. Mile buiochas.