Kilmeena boys pay price for scoreless first-half as Tourmakeady claim title

Cumann na mBunscol Division 3 Boys Final 

Tourmakeady NS 5-7 

St Brendan’s Kilmeena 3-5 

Maggie Chambers in MacHale Park 

Tourmakeady produced a powerful first-half display to secure the Division 3 Boys title, withstanding a spirited second-half comeback from St Brendan’s NS, Kilmeena.

Kilmeena struggled to convert their chances early on, and Tourmakeady took full advantage. Within the opening four minutes, they had three points on the board from Pádraic Ó hÉanacháin, CJ Breathnach, and Dara Ó Cualáin. Their crisp passing and fluid movement in the forward line were a feature throughout. In the fifth minute, James Ó Doláin showcased his skill, breaking through the defence to raise the green flag.

While Kilmeena created opportunities, their accuracy let them down. Both goalkeepers pulled off crucial saves in the opening period, but Tourmakeady were more clinical. Their second goal came in the 10th minute when Pádraic Ó hÉanacháin finished off a flowing move with a composed strike. Their defence was alert and aggressive, cutting out loose passes and transitioning quickly into attack. A late point from James Ó Doláin rounded off a dominant first-half, with Tourmakeady leading 2-4 to 0-0 at the break.

Kilmeena came out fighting in the second-half. Just 30 seconds in, James Hastings found the net to give them hope. But Tourmakeady responded immediately, with a point from Conor Breathnach followed by a stunning five-minute spell from CJ Breathnach. The lively forward hit three superb goals in quick succession.

To their credit, Kilmeena refused to lie down. Jay Joyce and Joe Durkan led the charge, kicking three points between them before Joyce raised the green flag after an excellent team move. Joyce, who worked tirelessly in midfield, kicked a point either side of a Joe Durkan goal. However, the deficit was too much to overcome. A final point from Conor Breathnach ensured Tourmakeady sealed a well-earned victory. 

Scorers – Tourmakeady: CJ Breathnach 3-1, Pádraic Ó hÉanacháin and James Ó Doláin 1-1, Dara Ó Cualáin and Conor Breathnach 0-2 each.

St Brendan’s: Jay Joyce 1-4 (1f), Joe Durkan 1-1 (1f), James Hastings 1-0.

Tourmakeady: Séimí Stundún, Mícheál Ó Lainn, Dolan Ó Dufaigh, Pádraic Ó hÉanacháin, Dara Ó Cualáin, James Ó Doláin, Paddy Mac Eochaidh, Eoin Ó Cuinn, Conor Breathnach, Robert Ó Diarmada, Brandan Ó Conaire, Samuel Ó hÓisin, CJ Breathnach, Alex Ó Doláin, Peter Ó Siordáin, Órdhan Mac Donnachadha, Eoin Ó hÉanacháin, Cillian ´Ó Néill, Conor Ó Cualáin, Rory Ó Néill.

St Brendan’s: James Heanue, Oisin Ryan, Conor Olsen, Joe Durkan, Rory Ryan, Jay Joyce, James Hastings, Caolan McLoughlin, Brendan Smyth, Cillian Gilger, Thomas Griffin, Oran McManamon, Dillon Duffy, Keelan Heritage.

REF: John Walker