Cumman Pheadair Naofa claimed the U-16 Championship shield for 2016

Sunday 28th August 2016

Cumman Pheadair Naofa claimed the U-16 Championship shield for 2016, when their U16 hurlers defeated O'Rahilly’s on a scoreline of 4-07 to 3-09.

Cumman Pheadair Naofa captain Peter McCreesh took the U16 Championship shield from County Board representative Liam Quinn, having pulled off a fine save and clearance in the dying minutes.

The game was frenetic, and played at a high pace, in warm sunshine at Balella on a pitch that had been beautifully prepared for the day.

O’Rahillys having beaten St Patrick’s 4-4 to 2-8 in the previous round came into the fixture with more momentum, but it was St Peter’s who made the brighter start with two early points. However the game balanced out after the first quarter, with both sides winning primary possession and some fantastic speed and striking on display. Pauric O’Rourke from O’Rahillys stood out at midfield, while Eoin Carr was a match for him in the Warrenpoint engine room.

Both teams rattled in two goals each in a thrilling ten minute period, and when Hugh Pat McCusker blew for the interval, the minimum separated the sides, O’Rahillys 2-4, Cumman Pheadair Naofa 2-3.

Although a beautiful day of sunshine greeted the teams Sunday morning, a strong breeze had a big influence on the game, and O’Rahillys’ puckouts which had been reaching the far 65, and were having a big impact on the game, only made it past the 45 in the second period.

Cumman Pheadair Naofa enjoyed the lion’ s share of possession, but O’Rahillys continued to be more clinical in front of goal, stretching out into a three point lead, led by the strong running of Eoin Maginn.

When the game looked to be slipping away St Peter’s won the ball at midfield and won a free, which was delivered into the square, resulting in a foul and a penalty. Ronan Cunningham struck the ball hard, and while the ball was well parried, it wasn’t enough to keep the ball out. Cumman Pheadair Naofa led by two for the first time since the first quarter, and a thrilling finale was set-up. After both sides hid wides each including a stunning shot off the crossbar from a Warrenpoint forward, O’Rahillys won a free 45 metres out and a single point once again was the margin.

One more attack on the Warrenpoint goal produced no score and the final whistle came on the next poc.  

Seven goals and two committed teams provided a very entertaining game and a performance that was worth of a county final. Congratulations go to both teams, both managements, and indeed to the Balella club whose pitch remains one of the very best in the county for hurling. With an All-Ireland title at this age garnered at the weekend at the All-Ireland blitzes in Abbotstown, there are green shoots sprouting for hurling in Down.

Final Score Cumman Pheadair Naofa 4-07 , O’Rahillys 3-09.

Referee: Hugh Pat McCusker