Naomh Eoin leave Toomevara in the shade in Minor Football success

GAA: North Tipperary Minor 'B' Football Final

Naomh Eoin 4-13

Toomevara 1-6

Report: Liam Hogan at St Cronan’s Park, Roscrea

A thriving finish at the end of both halves proved to be the difference as Naomh Eoin earned their first North Tipperary Minor ‘B’ Football title when they eclipsed Toomevara last Wednesday.

Spectators were treated to two exhibitions, one with all eyes focussing on the football, while the second involved the historic solar eclipse which took place soon after the game commenced.

Naomh Eoin (Borrisokane, Knockshegowna & Shannon Rovers) enjoyed the majority of the early possession and had three points on the board by the seventh minute including two by Ryan Donnelly.

Then it was Toomevara’s turn to put some good moves together and by the 13th minute they had the deficit down to one after Rody Quirke found the target.

However, two minutes later, a move involving the quick hands of Rory Fox and Donal Cleary saw Mark Slevin race through for the game’s first goal. Seconds later, the game had its first water break as the eclipse was beginning to become noticeable.

Naomh Eoin gained more from the break and their lead increased to six when Donal Cleary and Alan Bourke kicked a point each. Toomevara responded and a foul on Darragh Hartnett won them a penalty but Donnacha Frend missed the target.

Jack Slevin hit back to increase the Naomh Eoin lead and in added time he raced through before he was pulled down for a penalty. Darragh O’Brien made no mistake to give them a 2-6 to 0-3 half time lead.

Almost full daylight had been restored when the second half got underway and Naomh Eoin were not for hanging around as David Flannery had goal number three in the 34th minute.

Toome responded. A good move involving Aidan O’Gorman and Cormac Frend saw Donnacha Frend also involved when he kicked home a much needed goal. Liam Hackett quickly added a point but Alan Bourke hit back two minutes later as Naomh Eoin led 3-7 to 1-4.

The next seven minutes mainly belonged to Toomevara. They had promising moves but shooting in front of goal was their downfall. Donnacha Frend’s pointed free was the best they could do.

Following the final water-break, Naomh Eoin sprang into life. Rory Fox scored a 45 in the 50th minute and a minute later Jack Slevin was hauled down and Darragh O’Brien’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Conal Hartnett only for O’Brien to convert the rebound.

It was game over as Naomh Eoin attacked almost at will with Donal Cleary and Rory Fox sharing five additional points between them, including a two-pointer by Fox.

Player of the Match: Rory Fox (Naomh Eoin)

Naomh Eoin: Alan Reid; John Coonan, Jack Hourigan, Odhran Blake; Luke Morgan, Hugo Massey, Alan Bourke (0-2), Rory Fox (Capt 0-5, 1x2play, 0-1 ‘45), Joe Murphy; Ryan Donnelly (0-2), Donal Cleary (0-2), Darragh O’Brien (2-1, 1-0 pen); Jack Slevin (0-1), Mark Slevin (1-0), David Flannery (1-0).

Subs: Savva Rashkevich for Coonan (10); Mikey Gorman for Morgan (40); Eoghan Gohery for Donnelly (40); Johnny Quinn for Flannery (54); Daithi Gantley for Cleary (54).

Toomevara: Conal Hartnett; Ciaran Troy, Danny Powell, Adam Whyte; Derek Hickey Liam Hackett (0-1), Paddy Daly; Darragh Kelly (0-1), Robbie Powell; Jayden Delaney, Cormac Frend, Cody Quirke (0-2); Donnacha Frend (1-2), Darragh Hartnett, Kurtis Fleming.

Subs: Aidan O’Gorman for Fleming (HT); Evan Grace for Delaney (40).

Referee: Ger Fitzpatrick (Roscrea).