St Joseph's Under 16's create history with Breslin Cup win

The game was played at Cargin's excellent pitch and with a continual downpour throughout the gamer. Players from both sides deserve great credit for the standard of play they gave the large crowd present. Level on six occasions this one could have gone either way, it took extratime to separate the sides who had already met on three occasions this year with St.Enda's coming out on top each time.

James Gallagher set the standard when he pointed from a sideline ball. From the kickout St.Enda's gained possession and levelled the game. Conaire Shannon landed two excellent points from play but back came the Glengormley side to level for the second time.

Glenavy's midfielders Edward Nelson and James Gallagher were gaining control at midfield and getting quick ball into their forwards. Dean Kinney was fouled and a penalty should have been awarded, but the referee awarded a thirteen meter free which Conaire Shannon pointed.

The Chapel Hill half-forwards Conaire Shannon, Ryan Hickland and Dean Kinney were putting their opponents under severe pressure. James Gallagher put two between the sides. Jack McKavanagh, Daniel Kearney and Ciaran Loney were cleaning up any ball that came their way. Senan Magennis cleared a St.Enda's attack the ball reached Dean Kinney who put Eanan McGarry through for a well taken goal. Conaire Shannon put six between the sides from a free. If Glenavy thought the game was won they were brought back to earth when St.Enda's fired over three unanswered points to leave the haltime score 1-6 to 0-6

The second half started with Tom Kearney replacing Ryan Hickland at centre three-quarters. St.Enda's now putting the Glenavy defence under severe pressure and only for some timely interventions from goalkeeper Joseph Magee they would have got through for goals. Cameron Finn, Senan Magennis and Oisin Hamill in the fullback line withstood the onslaught and kept their opponents to just one point. James Gallagher finished a great passing movement with a spectacular goal to put five between the sides. Once again the City side closed the gap with two points. Conaire Shannon steadied the ship with a pointed free. Eanan McGarry added a point to once again put the margin back to five. Back came the North Belfast side with a pointed free and two from play. James Gallagher and Conaire Shannon showed the locals were really up for this one with excellent points from play. St.Joseph's players were now showing just how much they had put into the game and tiredness was creeping in which allowed St.Enda's through for a goal and point to level with the last kick to leave the score St.Joseph's 2-10 v 1-13 and send the game to extra time.

St.Joseph's players seemed out on their feet as extra time started. St.Enda's took the ascendancy and scored a point from play before getting a penalty which was converted. When they added a point all seemed lost to the lads in orange. At this stage the management really showed just how important they are to the team and with their encouragement the players responded and drove forward. Jonathan Phillips, Gareth Smylie and Eanan McGarry were putting pressure on their opponents and were making openings for the halforwards to run into. Conaire Shannon pointed a beauty from an acute angle. Glenavy's midfielders had once again gained supremacy and were feeding the halforwards with well placed passes. Dean Kinney pointed and when he got through for a well taken goal to once again level the game at 3-12 to 2-15. No way were these lads going to suffer defeat again and really showed their character and put their bodies on the line as St.Enda's threw everything at them. Amid tremendous excitement among the supporters Eanan McGarry landed the killer blows with two of the most important points from a Glenavy player for many years.

There was great excitement when South West Chairman Leo Heatley presented the cup to the jubilant St.Joseph's team.

The panel of 23 made this victory possible and was just reward for the effort the players have put in all year at training and games.

A special word of congratulations for the management team Francis Doone, Oliver McStravick, Sean Corr and Paul Loney. Your hard work and dedication was rewarded with this win.

The players and managers wish to thank the large number of supporters who turned out on such a bad day. Your vocal support helped to drive the players on when they needed it most.

Team and Panel Joseph Magee, Cameron Finn, Senan Magennis, Oisin Hamill, Jack McKavanagh, Daniel Kearney, Ciaran Loney Edward Nelson, James Gallagher, Conaire Shannon, Ryan Hickland (Tom Kearney Halftime), Dean Kearney, Jonathan Phillips, Gareth Smylie and Eanan McGarry. Owen Burns, Thomas Burns, Francis Corr, Stephen Doone, Stephen Nelson, Barney Gallagher and Fergal Green.