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Under 16s claim championship crown

Under 16 hurling
29 September 2012
Aodh Ruadh 0-14
Buncrana 2-6
MacCumhaill Park

On Saturday last the under 16s continued their rivalry with Buncrana in the replay of the Championship final. It was the third meeting of the teams this season and again it was a thrilling contest. The game was played in perfect conditions in MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey. The game began, like the original fixture, with Aodh Ruadh scoring the first two points of the game. Buncrana, like in the previous game, got an early goal, but unlike the first game Aodh Ruadh retained their composure, scoring a number of points. Every ball was contested with as much determination as was seen the next day in the replay of the All-Ireland Final in Croke Park.

There has been a healthy rivalry between these clubs over the last four years. The previous four under 14 championships have been shared between them. It was nip and tuck up until half time as the Aodh Ruadh men led by the minimum on a score line of 0-6 to 1-2. The second half began at the same frantic pace with Aodh Ruadh getting the first point of the half, Buncrana struck for another goal to go into a one point lead. The Ballyshannon lads put on a great display of hurling full of passion and discipline and encouraged by their loyal vocal supporters picked off a number of great long range points. Both teams gave it their all to claim this title but after having lost the league title earlier to the same opposition Aodh Ruadh were determined to be victorious on this occasion and that they were.

They finished the game with the final two points and after three minutes of injury time Aodh Ruadh were worthy winners on a 0-14 to 2-6 scoreline ensuring that the under 16 championship title remained in Ballyshannon.

It was a delighted winning captain Colm Kelly who received the under 16 shield from Donegal Hurling Board Chairman Donal McLaughlin. Colm thanked the Aodh Ruadh management for all the work they put into the squad, he also thanked Buncrana for a great game, MacCumhaill's for the pitch and the referee. From there it was back to Aras Aoidh Ruaidh for refreshments for the squad and their parents and supporters.

Great credit is due to this small hard-working panel who have trained diligently since March, their dedication and discipline is to be admired, and they stuck to their task and weren't going to be denied two-in-a-row championships at this level, when a number of players made themselves unavailable earlier in the season. Management are very proud of this squad and thank them and their families for their efforts all year.

Last modified: Thursday, 29 November 2018 at 2:41pm