Seven Clonduff primary school boys were selected to play in this now annual indoor Gaelic football tournament in An Riocht. Going one step better than last year they ran out worthy winners of the over all competition played on Sunday 11th December.
The games were played on a 5-a-side basis with unlimited substitutes and each game lasting five minutes. Eight teams participated; An Riocht A and B, Longstone, St John’s, Dundrum, Attical, Bryansford and Clonduff.
Clonduff met Bryansford in the final and kept their unbeaten run intact by winning a very exciting, enjoyable game and tournament. All seven players were involved and contributed equally to the overall win.
Aaron Norris held fort in goals with excellent ball handling under pressure and accurate, intelligent distribution of clearances. Niall Ward was his usual tenacious self when in defence putting opponents under extreme pressure always. Patrick Cowan matched this aggression in defence while offering an attacking flair now almost expected of him. In the middle were the power houses of this team spearheaded by the impressive Morgan and Clancy duo. Winning every battle Jake stormed through and scored at will, complemented by the ever tricky, skilful, energetic Padraig they were involved in all that was good. However, our forwards of Charlie Brown and Kieron Brannigan equalled this intensity with some clinical finishing and team spirit. In particular, in the final when Clonduff went 2 goals down and with time at a premium Charlie showed great resolve with some seriously classy and vital finishing to bring the Clonduff boys back in to it.
A tight finish ensued but a deserving victory was joyfully attained by one and all in the end. Kieran Brannigan was the obvious choice for collecting the silverware on behalf the team adopting a captain’s role of encouragement to his fellow team mates throughout. Congratulations to Clonduff School boys!
Also a big Thanks to An Riocht for the invitation and well organised indoor Gaelic Football event.
Clonduff players were: Aaron Norris, Niall Ward, Jake Morgan, Padraig Clancy, Charlie Brown, Kieron Brannigan, Patrick Cowan.
