Celts win thrilling U14 Division 1 decider
U14 Division 1 League final
Cootehill Celtic 5-15
Killygarry 3-9
Cootehill Celtic held off a stern challenge from Killygarry to land the U14 Division 1 League Cup Football title after a fiercely-contested affair at Kingspan Breffni.
The Celts led from gun to tape but the destination of the silverware wasn't made clear 'till the final whistle such was the closeness of the exchanges throughout a high-tempo decider.
Killygarry were forced to play catch-up from as early as the second minute after Luke Sherlock plundered an opening goal for the would-be winners.
A brace of points thereafter by Michael Gilsenan steadied the ship for Killygarry but Cootehill still edged (1-2 to 0-2) matters on the scoreboard at the end of an exciting opening quarter.
Cootehill's superior eye for goal on the day was to prove pivotal though and Kevin McElroy notched the Hoops' second goal in the 16th minute - after a terrific Caelain McCarney block - to leave Killygarry facing into a 0-2 to 2-3 deficit.
Killygarry proved themselves to be very worthy finalists though and they kept nipping away at Cootehill's heels and a goal apiece by Michael McGovern (17) and the aforementioned Gilsenan (18) left just the minimum (2-3 to 2-2) separating the sides.
Cootehill came bouncing back off the ropes though and following some fine defensive work by the tigerish Sam Owens, a goal (19) from Conor Sherlock restored the Celts' four point advantage.
In a real dash for the line ahead of the half-time break, both sides exchanged rapid fire points with Eoghan McGovern (Killygarry) closing the first half scoring with a gem to cut Cootehill's lead to a very manageable four points (3-5 to 2-4) at the short whistle.
The second half was no less exciting and Finn Noonan's excellently-taken goal (33) again left just two points between the sides.
There was still just two points in it following fine points from Dragos Vinta and Finn Noonan (39) when Braiden McCarney netted for Cootehill in the 40th minute to steer the townies into a 4-8 to 3-6 lead.
Killygarry refused to give up on their dreams though and a neat Frankie Lovett point (47) kept Cootehill looking over their shoulder.
Killygarry pressed hard to get on terms but a crucial score arrived in the 52nd minute when Arnas Metlovas goaled for Cootehill which catapulted the winners-elect into a significant 5-11 to 3-7 lead.
Killygarry fought the good fight 'till the end and a couple of Gilsenan points kept Cootehill honest but the long-time leaders had more in the tank and they shot three unanswered points down the back straight to see out the game with a bit to spare.
Cootehill Celtic: Laurence Kelly; Sam Owens, Ben McDonagh, Tyler Flynn; Caelain McCarney, Euan O’Harte, Finn Farrelly; Arnas Metlovas (1-0), Braiden McCarney (1-5); Aaron Kelly (0-1), Brannan McCaul (0-2), Conor Sherlock (1-0); Luke Sherlock (1-1), Mattie Cassidy (0-2), Kevin McElroy (1-2).
Subs used; Corey McCann; Tadhg Clarke (0-1); Fionnán Lennon; Oisín Hennessy (0-1); Tiernan Hessin.
Killygarry: Sean McCabe; Joe Reilly, Tom Brides, Cathal Smith; Caelan Greaney, Xavier Reilly, Eoghan McGovern (0-1); Cormac Brady, Dragos Vinta (0-1); Keelan Reilly, Finn Noonan (1-2), Mikey McGovern (1-0); Senan Hyland, Frankie Lovett (0-2), Michael Gilsenan (1-4).
Subs used; Maake Tuipulota; Bobby Murray; Bobby Gray.