Mike Henchy, manager of the Mountrath junior footballers, must be living his best life this week. Not only does the Kerry man have to look forward to his native county taking on Dublin in the All-Ireland football final this Sunday but he also witnessed his Mountrath charges play a brand of football that was almost Kerryesque at times.
On a scorching July evening in Borris in Ossory, the Junior C Football Championship game took place, showcasing an intense battle between Saint Fintan’s Mountrath and Borris in Ossory. The match kept spectators on the edge of their seats as both teams displayed their skills, determination, and endurance in the face of challenging conditions.
Saint Fintan’s Mountrath, comprising only 14 men, fought with their hearts and souls to represent their club with pride. It was indeed a daunting challenge for Mountrath, both literally and metaphorically. They faced a younger and fitter opponent and played against the wind and uphill in the first half. Nevertheless, they proved that determination and experience could overcome physical odds.
The game kicked off at a blistering pace, with both teams exchanging points, displaying the high level of competitiveness between them. However, it was the veteran Michael O’Brien who broke the deadlock, executing a brilliant move through the Borris in Ossory defense to slip the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. This crucial goal proved to be the difference at halftime, with Mountrath heading into the break with a narrow lead of 1 goal and 5 points to Borris in Ossory’s 5 points.
The second half saw the Mountrath inside forward line, with a combined age of 91 years, showcasing their efficiency in using the ball. Borris in Ossory, on the other hand, experienced a purple patch, dominating possession and scoring some good points. However, they were unable to capitalise on their dominance due to the superhuman performance of the Mountrath defence, which stood strong and resolute.
The turning point of the game came through an inspired substitution. Eoghan Tiernan, who entered the field, made an immediate impact by intercepting a loose pass from the Borris in Ossory defence. He quickly passed the ball to the on-running Paddy Williams, who then found Cormac O’Keeffe. O’Keeffe displayed incredible finesse by lofting the ball over the Borris in Ossory keeper with a left-footed effort, finding the top left-hand corner of the net.
As the game approached its conclusion, tensions ran high, but Saint Fintan’s Mountrath held their ground and emerged as the winners, defeating Borris in Ossory with a score line of 2 goals and 10 points to Borris in Ossory’s 10 points. The Mountrath team’s relentless spirit and remarkable defense ultimately secured their well-deserved victory.
Looking forward, Mountrath now advances to the next round of the championship with an eagerly anticipated clash against Colt on August 10th at 7:30 pm in Colt G.A.A. grounds. Fans and supporters are eagerly awaiting this showdown, which promises to be another thrilling encounter in the Junior C Football Championship.
The game between Saint Fintan’s Mountrath and Borris in Ossory will surely be remembered as a testament to the power of perseverance and teamwork, with the Mountrath players leaving the pitch as local heroes. Their journey continues, and the entire community stands behind them.
