U16 Championship Final: Killeavy 0-14 Crossmaglen 1-10
A very large crowd of some 400 to 500 including many neutral supporters were in Dromintee last night for the much anticipated South Armagh u16 championship final between Killeavy and Crossmaglen. They were to witness a fantastic game of football exhibiting all that is good in the game with great fielding, support play, tackling and score-taking.
Inspirational captain Caolan Trainor with the U16 trophy.
Killeavy had the upper edge in midfield through captain Caolan Trainor who contributed nine of Killeavy's points with neither distance nor angle posing a problem for his cultured left foot. His midfield colleague Ciaran O'Hanlon gave an exhibition of high fielding and scoring and try as they might, Crossmaglen were unable to release the stranglehold that this pair had upon the outcome of the game. This was however a true fifteen man performance with defenders free to attack and forwards covering back when necessary. Killeavy's defence were very impressive with Donal O'Neill acting in a sweeper role and Sean McEvoy and Sean Kierans making penetrating runs to wreak havoc in Crossmaglen's defence. Goalkeeper Cathal Fearon also made an important contribution with good kick outs and a vital finger-tip save to deny Crossmaglen with only five minutes left. The sides were level with four minutes to go, and up popped Sean Kieran with the all important winner. This was an excellent win from a young team that is mostly made up of last year's all-conquering u14 side. Despite Crossmaglen's experience, Killeavy's raw talent and conviction won through to bring the first piece of silverware back to Killeavy this year. Killeavy's team was Cathal Fearon, Calum Mone, Sean McEvoy, Jason Larkin, Donal O'Neill, Stephen McVeigh, Sean Kieran, Caolan Trainor, Ciaran O'Hanlon, Niall King, Michael Boyle, Kealan O'Hare, Niall Hollywood, Niall Hannaway, Jamie Cosgrove, Ciaran McGuinness, Niall Cromie, Shane Hughes. There is an early opportunity to watch an action replay of this game as the same two teams compete in the South Armagh League final on Thursday evening. Great praise also to the management team of Johnny McKevitt, Pat Hollywood and Gerry Mallon., and thanks to team sponsor B&D Properties.