Pearses 4-9 Cois Fharriage 2-5: A storming second half by Pearses secured a third U13 title in four years for the Club in this game played in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe. Pearses trailed 2-4 to 1-4 at half time, but outscored the Gaeltacht team 3-5 to 0-1 in the second half for a memorable win.
Cois Fharriage went two points up early on before two Cian Murphy frees levelled the game. Pearses hit the front again before Cois Fharraige goaled at the other end. In this end to end contest two raspers by Cian Murphy was well blocked by the opposition keeper, before a Conor Moran delivery from the right wing went all the way to the net, Pearses back in front by 1. The teams shared the next two points before Cois Fharraige found the net again at the town end. Pearses keeper Harry Mitchell making an excellent save only to see the rebound fly past him. The Gaeltacht men added a point to lead by three at half time.
In the opening five minutes of the second half Pearses had hit 1-3 without reply to reverse the half time deficit. Cian Murphy with the goal, Luke Mitchell, Ronan Hynes and Conor Moran the points. Cois Fharraige hit back with what was to be their last score of the game. Pearses dominated the rest of the game, Luke and Cian adding 1-1 apiece. The defence were impressive also tightening their marking on the big Cois Fharraige centre-forward, who had caused problems in the first half.
It was an super turnaround in the second half and despite many of the team being underage again next year, they were not phased by their bigger opponents. Cian Murphy accepted the cup from Pádraic Lohan (Coiste Iomana na nÓg) and Luke Mitchell was named Man of the Match, accepting his award from Tom Monaghan (Ocean Hygiene Supplies). Well done to all and a big Thanks to the Mentors for their hard work with the panel during the year. Thanks also to all who lit fires and turned out for the home-coming!
Pearses (panel): Harry Mitchell, Robert Fahey, Brian Kelly, Oisin Donoghue, Peter O’Neill, Robert Hynes, Luke Mitchell (1-2), Ethan Lally, David Hillary, Conor Moran (1-1), Cian Murphy (2-4), Paddy Kenny (0-1), Darragh Roche, Ronan Hynes (0-1), Mark Donnellan, Dara Scarry, Conor Kelly, Anthony Feeney, Eanna Cunniffe, Jack Reilly, Stephen Grady.