Teemore 1-13 Kinawley 0-15

It took another 60 minutes of frantic action, but eventually, this year’s U16 Division One champions were crowned as Teemore defeated Kinawley at O’Connell Park on Saturday.

Ciaran Shannon’s first-half goal was the difference between the sides as one point separated the sides in the end in another tight and tense affair.

The teams couldn’t be separated when they met in the first clash in Derrygonnelly as Eoin McTernan’s late point snatched a draw for Kinawley.

An early black card for McTernan would make it a tough opening in Derrylin, however, the Brian Borus were in front when he re-entered the field of play, 0-03 to 0-02.

After the Shamrocks levelled the game, a point from Conan McManus and a free via Tomás Cathcart put Kinawley two points ahead midway through the first-half but the sides went into the changing rooms all square, at 1-05 to 0-08, as Shannon set off on a deep run from the left wing and played a one-two before burying the ball into the bottom left corner of the net to bring Teemore back into it after 20 minutes.

Teemore led by five points at one stage in the second half, but it took a late point to win the game after Kinawley pegged them back, with a final scoreline of 1-13 to 0-15.

Both sides ended with eight different scorers as Cathcart ended with 0-06, Eoin McTernan with 0-03 as well as single points from Ben Melanaphy, Cahir Maguire, Conal Crudden, Cain McHugh, Conan McManus and Aidan Leonard for Kinawley.

For Teemore, Adam McCaffrey, Cahir Drumm, Ronan Fitzpatrick and Aodhán Maguire hit two points, Thomas Fitzpatrick and Alex McCaffrey hit one apiece while Shannon grabbed the only goal and Oisín Donoghue hit 0-03. 

Joint-Teemore manager Ronan McCaffrey said after the game: “It means a lot to these lads. Especially after last year’s U15 championship final loss to Kinawley. They were hungry not to let the opportunity slip.

"These lads have developed a lot over this past year or two and that’s down to sheer hard work from themselves and a structure for success within the club.

"Micheal McCafferty, Garreth McGrath, Aaron McManus and Sean Owens have put a lot of work in with these lads this year and it’s paying dividends.

"St. Aidans’ success in school football this year has helped to bring quality into underage clubs within the local area.

"Providing the lads with a platform for growth at this stage benefits clubs, but the county as a whole as well. Quick turnaround to the championship now on Thursday against Belenaleck, which is going to be challenging but one we’re looking forward to.”