This was a cracking final between two of the best primary school teams in County Down viz., St. Patrick’s Hilltown and Carrick P.S. Burren. Played at Pettit Park, Rostrevor, the setting was ideal except for the constant rain which did little to dampen the spirits of the two well drilled school teams and their supporters.
After a whirlwind start, it was Carrick who led midway through the first half with a goal and three points from the midfielder Shea Murdock while the ‘Gooch’,Ronan McGrath, revealed all his class by rattling in 3 goals in the first 15 minutes, all before the Hilltown lads registered a score. James McGreevy in nets for Hilltown did everything possible to stem the flow of attacks and was greatly helped by his full backs Michael and Noel Grant. With Stephen McConville and Darragh McPolin improving at midfield they finally got their reward. Conor Murray pointed free on the 12th minute, something he repeated with a similar score five minutes later.
The St Patrick’s manager Maeve Keenan reshuffled the team and brought out the keeper James McGreevy and this settled their play but Carrick were rampant and their backs, Steven Fagan and Andrew McAteer gave sound cover for the Carrick keeper Cillian Burns who performing solidly .However he was well beaten by a Ryan McGreevy goal in the closing minutes of the half . For Carrick, Ryan Treanor and Pearse Kelly did a power of work in the middle of the field and were always looking to deliver the quick ball while captain Treanor himself scored a well worked point midway through the half . Torlach Byrne added an excellent point for Carrick and after a series of wides Hilltown’s Conor Murray pointed at the other end to leave the halftime score:
Carrick 5-5 Hilltown 1-2.

The Hilltown team had the better start to second half with Darragh McPolin pointing to begin the revival and Stephen McConville giving a vintage display of high fielding to take charge around the middle of the field, his pointed free helping to close the gap. Conor Murray got a point from a free and with further Hilltown pressure for a goal saw Conor Murray fouled in the square with a penalty being awarded. The Carrick keeper Cillain Burns first saved low to his left and then bravely blocked the shot from the in coming forwards to clear the danger. A goal at this stage would have done much to enhance the chances of this hard pressed Hilltown team.
Ryan Treanor scored a point for the winners to relieve the pressure and Ronan Mc Grath pointed from play before he followed to the net after a great run. Points from Shea Murdock and Declan Murdock extended Carrick’s lead before the final push from Hilltown boys. A sustained effort from the battling forward line was justly rewarded with goals from their star forward Conor Murray and a brilliant effort from Stephen McConville concluded the scoring.
Final Score: Carrick 7-9 Hilltown 4-6

At the presentations Collie Bell, Cathaoirleach of Cumann na mBunscol, highlighted the outstanding displays from both sets of players, saying they fully deserved the highest praise and rounds of applause from all their supporters. He thanked the referee Kyla Trainor and complimented her on a polished performance . County star Benny Coulter presented both teams with their medals while Collie Bell presented the Esler Cup to the Ryan Treanor, captain of the winning team.

Carrick team Cillian Burns, Steven Fegan, Andrew McAteer, Conor Curran, Pearse Kelly, Ryan Treanor,
Torlach Byrne, Stefan McArdle, Shea Murdock, Declan Murdock, Ronan McGrath, Shane McCartan,
Shea Fitzpatriak, Caolan Fitzpatrick, Darragh Murdock, Conor McDougal, Aidan Fitzpatrick, Ronan Fegan,
Donal McNeill

Hilltown team James McGreevy, Michael Grant, Noel Grant, Darragh McPolin, Padraig Harper,
Stephen McConville, Darragh McPolin, Charlie Carr, Mark Bradley, Conor Murray, Ryan McGreevy,
Michael Mulholland, Shane McGarry, Niall O’Hagan, Liam Geoghegan, Peter McAleavey, Conor Keenan,
Colm Fearon.

Referee Kyla Trainor,
A special thanks to the host club,St Bronagh’s GAC Rostrevor for the use of the pitch and clubrooms.
26.10.2007