Clonduff won their first U21 Championship in ten years in a pulsating game in Burren on Sunday morning. Clonduff found it difficult early on to come to terms with the swirling wind and after 15 min were down 0-6 to 0-1. However, they stuck to their plan and had pulled back to 0-6 to 0-4 when a ‘Bridge player was red-carded. When sub Conor Murray was put through he had no hesitation in burying the ball in the back of the net to take the lead for the first time and then Liam McGreevy slotted over another free to leave the half- time score 1-5 to 0-6.
Mayobridge came out all guns blazing in the second half and quickly levelled up and but for a magnificent save from Mark Bradley would have taken the lead. From the levelling kick-out Clonduff moved upfield and again Conor Murray was in the right place at the right time to slot home his second goal. Mayobridge came back again and again and it was only in the closing stage, after Shaun Murnin slotted home Clonduff’s third goal that the big crowd of Clonduff supporter could breathe easy! Final score Clonduff 3-10 Mayobridge 0-11.
Many thanks to the players and management for an early Christmas Present – was great to be there!
In the Ulster Campaign organised by Creggan Kickham’s (Randalstown) Clonduff got off to a great start against reigning champions Watty Graham’s (Glenn, Maghera) who had flown their star player home from Australia where he is on an AFL Rookie contract. Clonduff had the ball in the net in the first 20 seconds! It was level at 1-4 apiece at half time and with 10 minutes to go Clonduff were a point ahead but one the champions equalised they went on to score a further 1-2 demonstrating exactly why they are champions! Final Score Watty’s 2-11 Clonduff 2-6.
Thanks to players, management and supporters for creating a great buzz around Clonduff again!
U21 Football Championship Panel and Managers 2015 – Back row: Noel Grant, Patrick Gribben, Niall O’Hare, Shaun Murnin, Thomas Murnin, Niall O’Hagan, Rían Branagan, John Brown, Conal Brown, Patrick O’Hagan, Conor Lowry, David Quinn, Stephen McConville, Liam McGreevy, Rory McQuaid, Mark Bradley, Mark Devlin, Ross Carr, Shane Ward; Front row: Charlie Carr, Danny Burns, Conor Murray, Darren Harper, Lorcan Branagan, Conor Brown (Capt), Brendan Britton, Declan Gribben, Eamon Grant, Kevin Smith, Pearse Murnin, Jayme Curran, Alistair McGilligan
