County champions Bosco were knocked out of this year’s Minor Championship in an enthralling and high quality encounter against An Riocht in Kilkeel.

The result was all the more impressive for the home side, given that many of the players on view are still eligible for the club’s formidable under-16 team, a fact alluded to by manager Brendan Morgan afterwards. “We have a very young team here, indeed we were inclined to concentrate on the under-16s this year instead. “But the players have put in such tremendous effort all year and they deserved this. I’m delighted for all of them and all the management staff. “After this, we’re certainly looking forward to the semis!”

Morgan’s young charges played with an energy and cohesion that the Newry side just couldn’t match on the night, and An Riocht will now fancy their chances of going all the way. With players of the calibre of Gareth Small, Martin Clarke, Aidan Flanagan and Pierce Cunningham firing on all cylinders, they were certainly a joy to watch, and the effort of all 15 players confirmed that a great team spirit exists within the squad. Their use of the direct ball into Cunningham worked a treat on the night, while the introduction of two substitutes at half time could not have been more successful, both hitting excellent scores.

It was the lung-busting efforts of their defence that really sealed the victory in the second period, with players in green, white and gold throwing themselves in front of shots and passes to prevent clear shooting opportunities for the champions. Bosco, while aware that the better team won on the night, should also be commended on their input into an excellent match. Mark Rooney was quite superb at centre half back, dictating and directing all that was fluent about his team’s play. Ably assisted by Neil Tumilty, Francis Downey and Conor Larkin, they threatened to pull off the great escape for a period in the second half, but an eagerness to go for goal perhaps a little early meant chances went begging. Still, they can hold their heads high, having defended their title with pride.

That may be of little consolation to the players now, but many are ready to take the step up to senior level in the next couple of years and help the club develop. It was Bosco who came out of the traps quicker on the night, Tumilty pointing after a good lay-off by full forward Larkin. They continued to press as An Riocht struggled to gain possession, but the home nerves were settled three minutes later when Aidan Flanagan sent over a glorious score from all of 45 metres. It was game on already. The movement of both teams was fantastic, as players weaved and darted all over the park trying to find space. The final ball was the only ingredient missing, its absence perhaps caused by the ferocious pace of the game.

Ruairi Doran in the An Riocht goal pulled off a great save from Collie McGuigan from point blank range to keep his side level, and it wasn’t until the 15th minute that Bosco edged ahead again, this time courtesy of a Tumilty free from just outside the 21. The reply was swift, Richard Annett taking a pass in his stride before sending over a fine point on the run. As the two attacks gradually got the measure of their markers, the scoring chances presented themselves, and Larkin got Bosco’s third score with a fisted point after cutting inside. Now on top, Bosco nearly got a goal when Gareth Small’s superb interception was only cleared to Mark Rooney, and the county Minor player lobbed a testing high ball into the home square. Francis Downey rose highest, but his flick went a fraction wide. Tumilty stretched the Bosco lead with a fantastic point off the outside of his right boot after selling a great dummy.

An Riocht needed inspiration, and it came in the shape of Pierce Cunningham. Full of running, Cunningham closed the gap to one with a strong run and fisted point, before turning the game on its head with a wonder goal. Picking up a smart Flanagan pass, Cunningham turned and ran straight at the hesitant Bosco defence. After easily dismissing two challenges, the full forward lashed the ball home past Marty Young to give An Riocht a two point advantage. They would not relinquish this lead again. Full of confidence, An Riocht were now passing with great style, and a sublime move, started with a Michael Sloan clearance and involving Clarke, Flanagan and Paddy Cordell, deserved better than the finish, which just slipped wide from Clarke. Not to be outdone, the same player added a point from a 30-metre free soon after, and An Riocht were a goal ahead. Urged on by Rooney, Bosco rallied and Larkin managed to close the gap with a point on the turn just before the break.

Half Time: An Riocht 1-04 Bosco 0-05

The half time introduction of James Cunningham and Noel McArdle for the hosts would prove a masterstroke by Brendan Morgan, the fresh legs stretching the Bosco backs to the limit. An Riocht started the half strongly, and Clarke was quickly on the scoresheet again after a one-two with substitute Cunningham. Marty Young in the Bosco goal was called upon to be brave, coming out to save at the feet of the advancing McArdle.

The referee booked both McArdle and Tumilty for an altercation that would take on a greater importance later, with the Bosco player’s guilt in some doubt. Undeterred, McArdle popped over an excellent point on the turn as Bosco lost their shape. A minute later came the hammer blow. A high ball into the Bosco square was dropped by the unlucky Young and the ball found its way into the net as players converged on the loose ball. Seven points down, Bosco looked in disarray.

They nearly conceded another goal when Clarke’s fabulous 40-metre pass found half back Paul Sherry in the full forward position, a last ditch tackle forcing him into accepting a point. Tumilty got Bosco’s first score of the half after 12 minutes from a free, before Kyle Brennan dragged his side back into it with a wonderful goal.

The diminutive corner forward sold a great dummy when he received a pass on the 21, cut inside and rifled a shot past Doran to close the deficit to four. Tumilty spurned a good chance immediately afterwards, yet An Riocht weathered the storm and registered the score of the game soon after. Flanagan’s superb catch and pass released Cordell, who found James Cunningham. He quickly switched to Annett who, having seen Cordell’s continued run, slipped the ball inside, and the half forward made no mistake. Larkin, now operating at centre half forward pulled one back, but James Cunningham seized on a weak kick out a minute later to cancel it out with an opportunist score.

Marty Carr and Clarke quickly, exchanged points but it was left to James Cunningham, again, to slot over the killer score. Picking up another tired kick out, the substitute left two Bosco defenders in his wake with two dummies before pointing with the outside of his boot. Rooney and Brennan pulled points back for the desperate champions, but Tumilty’s red card a minute later for a second yellow confirmed their exit. It was certainly harsh on the impressive midfielder, given the nature of his initial booking.

Clarke, now finding holes in the Bosco rearguard, sent over two fine scores in the closing minutes and it was game, set and match, a victory that was greeted with jubilation at the final whistle.