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Youth 2003
Youth 2002
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Under 16's fixtures and results
Championship Fixtures and Results
Sunday March 7th : Bredagh 1- 4 Lamh Dhearg 3 - 6
Sunday March 21st : Bredagh 1- 3 St Brides 2 - 6
Sunday March 28th : St Enda's 5 - 7 Bredagh 1 - 3
Bredagh 1-4 St Endas 5-8
Bredagh 5-5 Carrickcruppin 4-10
St Johns 2-6 Bredagh 3-5 - Monday April 5th
Bredagh 2-8 Loughinisland 1-12 - Thursday April 15
Thursday April 22 - Ardglass 3-10 Bredagh 1-9
Bredagh 2-5 Carryduff 2-12, April 29
Drumaness 3-9 Bredagh 2-5, Thursday May 13
Bredagh 0-4 Downpatrick 2-14 , Thursday May 20
Downpatrick 1-10 Bredagh 1-6, Thursday May 27
Bredagh 3-12 Dundrum 2-15, Thursday June 3
Loughinisland 3-8 Bredagh 1-10, Thursday June 17
Bredagh 4-7 Ardglass 3-15, Thursday June 24
Drumaness 0-7 Bredagh 1-6, Thursday July 29
Og Sport Report, August 8
Bredagh 1-10 Dromara 0-5, Thursday August 12
Dundrum 2-9 Bredagh 3-8, Thursday August 19
PLAYER PROFILES
Carryduff 2-10 Bredagh 1-7, Tuesday August 31
B Final Preview
Bredagh 2-6 St Pauls 1-9, Saturday September 4
Replay - Bredagh 1-10 St Pauls 3-8, Wednesday September 8
Donegal Trip, October 2/3
League Fixtures and Results
Donegal Trip, October 2/3
Replay - Bredagh 1-10 St Pauls 3-8, Wednesday September 8
Bredagh 2-6 St Pauls 1-9, Saturday September 4
B Final Preview
Carryduff 2-10 Bredagh 1-7, Tuesday August 31
PLAYER PROFILES
Dundrum 2-9 Bredagh 3-8, Thursday August 19
Bredagh 1-10 Dromara 0-5, Thursday August 12
Og Sport Report, August 8
Drumaness 0-7 Bredagh 1-6, Thursday July 29
Bredagh 4-7 Ardglass 3-15, Thursday June 24
Loughinisland 3-8 Bredagh 1-10, Thursday June 17
Bredagh 3-12 Dundrum 2-15, Thursday June 3
Downpatrick 1-10 Bredagh 1-6, Thursday May 27
Bredagh 0-4 Downpatrick 2-14 , Thursday May 20
Drumaness 3-9 Bredagh 2-5, Thursday May 13
Bredagh 2-5 Carryduff 2-12, April 29
Thursday April 22 - Ardglass 3-10 Bredagh 1-9
Bredagh 2-8 Loughinisland 1-12 - Thursday April 15
St Johns 2-6 Bredagh 3-5 - Monday April 5th
Bredagh 5-5 Carrickcruppin 4-10
Bredagh 1-4 St Endas 5-8
Sunday March 28th : St Enda's 5 - 7 Bredagh 1 - 3
Sunday March 21st : Bredagh 1- 3 St Brides 2 - 6
Sunday March 7th : Bredagh 1- 4 Lamh Dhearg 3 - 6
Championship Reports
Sunday March 7th : Bredagh 1- 4 Lamh Dhearg 3 - 6
Sunday March 21st : Bredagh 1- 3 St Brides 2 - 6
Sunday March 28th : St Enda's 5 - 7 Bredagh 1 - 3
Bredagh 1-4 St Endas 5-8
The team has put in a tremendous effort in pre-season with games against Lamh Dhearg, St Brides and Antrim Championship finalists St Endas. In the first game against Lamh Dhearg a Matthew Quinn goal saw the home side improve in the second-half and there were good performance from Martin McManus and Jonathan Johnstone. The scorers were: Matthew Quinn 1-1, Kevin McElroy, Paul Boyd and Stephen Gray 0-1 each. Bredagh then put it up to St Brides and gave a good account in the second-half against a strong St Endas team. Niall Devlin, Ruairi O'Kane and Paul Boyd scored points while Martin McManus got the goal.
Bredagh 5-5 Carrickcruppin 4-10
Bredagh U-16 footballers played a very entertaining game despite wild weather conditions against Co Armagh side Carrickcruppin. A fast-improving Bredagh team struck three goals in quick succession in the first-half from Brian Wright, Jonathan Johnston and a Martin McManus penalty. A further point from Paul Boyd brought the Ormeau Road lads into a half-time lead of 3-1 to 0-7. Carrickcruppin then had a dominant spell before Bredagh hit back in the last 15 minutes. Paddy Donnelly top-scored on 2-3 and there were excellent performances from debutants Paddy Sheridan, Richard Murphy and Ruairi O'Kane.
TEAM & SCORERS: Jonathan Arthurs, Paddy Sheridan, Richard
Murphy, Conal Short, Niall Boyle, Stephen Gray, Owen Costello, Dermot Coffey, Martin McManus, Niall Devlin, Paul Boyd, Ruairi O'Kane, Jonathan Johnston, Oisin Quinn, Brian Wright, Paddy Donnelly, Aiden O Neill, Matthew Holywood. Subs not used but will play on Monday night at St Johns: John McKenna, Joe Steele, Michael Diffin, James McAllister, Mark Galway and Donal Murphy.
St Johns 2-6 Bredagh 3-5 - Monday April 5th
All the hard work in pre-season paid off with a first win in 2004 for Kieran Boyle's lads in Castlewellan. Bredagh trailed 4-1 at half-time after playing into the wind, but Jonathan Johnston and Niall Devlin scored quick goals and John McKenna added a well-deserved point. St Johns replied with a goal but then super-sub Donal Murphy won a penalty which was converted by Martin McManus. Further points came from Dermot Coffey, Michael Diffin and Conal Short to secure the win. Jonathan Arthurs and Niall Boyle deserve credit for excellent performances.
TEAM & SCORERS: Jonathan Arthurs, Paddy Sheridan, Richard Murphy, Conal Short, Niall Boyle, Stephen Gray, Dermot Coffey, Martin McManus, Niall Devlin, Paul Boyd, Ruairi O'Kane, Jonathan Johnston, Paddy Donnelly, Aiden O'Neill, Matthew Holywood, John McKenna, Joe Steele, Michael Diffin, James McAllister, Mark Galway and Donal Murphy.
Bredagh 2-8 Loughinisland 1-12 - Thursday April 15
A dramatic start to the U-16s League campaign ended in disappointment as the brave Bredagh lads came agonisingly close to completing one of the best comebacks the club has ever seen. Trailing by six points at the break, 1-9 to 0-3, and then by 1-12 to 0-5 in the second-half, the team finally clicked into gear in the last quarter. The highlight of the night was a brilliant goal by Johnny Johnston. The ball was picked up on our 50 and after at least ten hand-passes it ended up in the top corner of the Loughinisland net. Bredagh's other goal was another excellent finish from John McKenna. Further scores came from Niall Devlin, who scored 0-4 in all, Matthew Holywood, Johnny Johnston and John McKenna. Bredagh had chances to win it and even appeared to be awarded a penalty until the referee seemed to change his mind after protests from the Loughinisland team! We finished the match just one point short but there were many heartening signs - this was a superb team effort that brought this new Bredagh team so close to victory. The twenty-four lads now know what they are capable of. The only way is up!
TEAM & SCORERS: Jonathan Arthurs, Paddy Sheridan, Richard Murphy, Conal Short, Niall Boyle, Stephen Gray, Dermot Coffey, Martin McManus, Niall Devlin, Paul Boyd, Ruairi O'Kane, Jonathan Johnston, Oisin Quinn, Brian Wright, Aidan O'Neill, Matthew Holywood, John McKenna, Joe Steele, Michael Diffin, Mark Galway, Philip Prenter, Chris Kelly, Paul Doole and Donal Murphy.
Thursday April 22 - Ardglass 3-10 Bredagh 1-9
The Bredagh lads made the journey with high hopes after their encouraging start last week but Ardglass started the brighter and led at half-time by 1-5 to 0-4. The Bredagh points came from Owen Costello, Matthew Holywood, Stephen Gray and John McKenna. In the second-half, Bredagh began well but pushed the self-destruct button on two occasions by giving Ardglass two soft goals. The lads fought back as best they could with scores from Niall Devlin (1-1), Aidan O'Neill, Kevin McElroy, Ruairi O'Kane and another from John McKenna. 29 players turned up and training is at 2.30pm on Saturday.
TEAM: Jonathan Arthurs, Paddy Sheridan, Richard Murphy, Conal Short, Niall Boyle, Stephen Gray, Dermot Coffey, Martin Mc Manus, Niall Devlin, Paul Boyd, Ruairi O Kane, Jonathan Johnston, Oisin Quinn, Brian Wright, Aiden O Neill, Matthew Holywood, John McKenna, Joe Steele, Michael Diffin, Mark Galway, Kevin McElroy, Mark McElroy, Chris Kelly, Paul Doole, Donal Murphy, Neil Poland, Conor McQuillan, Niall Colton and Owen Costello.
Bredagh 2-5 Carryduff 2-12, April 29
The heartache continued at Cherryvale as the team played well against the current champions but in the end lost by seven points. The game was full of incident - Carryduff were awarded two penalties, Bredagh were awarded one, and Carryduff had a player shown a straight red card. Bredagh started the brighter and at half time led 1-4 to 0-6 but they faced a strong wind after the break. Nevertheless each player has something to be proud of. Jonathan Arthurs in goal made some tremendous saves. The back line of Patrick Sheridan, Richard Murphy and Aiden O'Neill made some vital tackles and blocks. The half back line of Stephen Gray, Niall Boyle and captain courageous Niall Devlin frustrated the opponents all evening and the midfield pairing of Dermot Coffey and Martin McManus gave everything by attacking, fielding and defending. Up front the half forwards Kevin McElroy, Owen Costello and Ruairi O'Kane got stuck in and created time and space while the front line of Mark McElroy, Paul Boyd and Joe Steele created and fed the advancing forward line. Even when the substitutes, John McKenna, Matthew Holywood, Chris Kelly and Oisin Quinn, came on, they refused to lie down. One comment came from one of the lads that sums the evening up ‘Proud to be a Bredagh man’.
SCORERS: Mark McElroy 1-0, Dermot Coffey 0-2, Martin McManus 1-1, Stephen Gray 0-1, Ruairi O'Kane 0-1.
Drumaness 3-9 Bredagh 2-5, Thursday May 13
The Bredagh lads went to Drumaness confident of a win after recent good performances against Carryduff and Loughinisland but each one will be honest and say they did not perform on the night. The influence of mentor Kieran Boyle was sorely missed as the lads lost their way on a number of occasions. They did produce a few good spells during the game and should have been awarded a penalty when Joe Steele was hauled down in the square. The last ten minutes before half time was played solely in the Drumaness half and a good ten minutes in the second half produced little in the way of scores.
SCORERS: Paul Boyd 1-1, Matthew Holywood 1-0, Stephen Gray 0-2, Marty McManus 0-2. Man of the Match was Jonathan Arthurs for producing some fine saves.
Bredagh 0-4 Downpatrick 2-14 , Thursday May 20
Bredagh bowed out of this years 'A' championship against an impressive Downpatrick squad. In the last few weeks they scored a massive 15-11 against another good East Down team, which we lost to in recent weeks, so the lads always knew this would be a hard game. In the first half the visitors raced into a 1-10 to 0-2 lead but they didn't have it all their own way after the break. The Bredagh lads knuckled down and although they only scored another two points themselves, they restricted Downpatrick to 1-4. This in itself was a reasonable achievement. We now play Saul or Liatroim in the B Championship, where, if we really play to our full potential and if we find with that missing ingredient of a bit of luck, we could do well.
SCORERS: Paul Doole, Aidan O'Neill, Paul Boyd and Matthew Quinn, all 0-1.
Downpatrick 1-10 Bredagh 1-6, Thursday May 27
After playing Downpatrick last week in the Championship and losing by 16
points the Bredagh lads knew they would have their backs to the wall, especially without the quality of Dermot Coffey, Owen Costello,
Ruairi O'Kane, Paddy Sheridan, Richard Murphy, Matthew Hollywood, Chris
Kelly, Matthew Quinn, Mark Galway, Donal Murphy and John McKenna.
Furthermore, injuries to Oisin Quinn, James McAllister and Conor McQuillan
added to the supposed woe. Nevertheless the lads raised their game and
proved they could compete with any quality team. Remember, RGU Downpatrick
are 2nd in the league and have beaten some quality teams by over 50
points!! Bredagh started the best and Stephen Gray opened the scoring with a well-taken point. Bredagh were buzzing and RGU found it difficult to find their stride. To be honest, in the words of one spectator, it is the best 20
minutes I have seen from a team in a long, long time. Conal Short and Niall
Boyle played their part in constantly frustrating the RGU attack and when
Brian Wright scored a goal the crowd knew they were in for a treat. RGU
retaliated with a few points but a Niall Devlin free and a brilliant score
from Stephen Gray brought the side in on level terms at the break. It was
clear RGU had to reorganise to quell the flair of the boys in maroon and
they re-organised to go into a 2-point lead but again the boys never gave up
and points from Paul Boyd and Niall Devlin kept the game in the balance. A
goal from the opposition put the cat among the pigeons and this proved to
be enough to ward off another fight back in the form of a free from Niall
Devlin. It must be said that every player played his part. The McElroy
brothers, Kevin and Mark, gave excellent performances. The midfield pairing
of Martin McManus and Paul Boyd challenged for everything. Jonathan
Johnstone, Aiden O'Neill and Niall Colton gave 100per cent and Joe Steele and
Michael Diffin ran themselves into the ground to keep this team a credible and respected force in the league.
TEAM: Jonathan Arthurs, Conal Short, Niall Boyle, Stephen Gray, Martin McManus, Niall Devlin, Paul Boyd, Jonathan Johnston, Brian Wright, Aidan O'Neill, Joe Steele, Michael Diffin, Kevin McElroy, Mark McElroy, Paul Doole,
and Niall Colton.
Bredagh 3-12 Dundrum 2-15, Thursday June 3
The crowd watching this game were treated to a feast of football in a game that had everything. Dundrum, beaten only once this season, started the
brighter and scored two points before the Bredagh lads got into their
stride. Two frees from Niall Devlin and points from Paul Boyd, Martin
McManus and Kevin McElroy gave the home side a 0-5 to 0-3 lead. At this
stage the flanks were exposing the Dundrum weaknesses at every opportunity.
Aiden O'Neill, Owen Costello, Kevin McElroy and Matthew Holywood ran their
flankers ragged. However, Dundrum bounced back to take a 0-7 to 0-6 lead.
Aiden O'Neill with the only reply, which was a point from the text book.
Passing from the back-line, using the wings and finished with style. At
this stage, the balance swung again. Points from Niall Devlin, Martin
McManus, Owen Costello and a Matthew Holywood goal gave the Bredagh lads a
1-9 to 0-8 lead. But again the visitors wouldn’t give up and replied with
1-1 of their own for the teams to go in all-square at the interval. The
lads knew they would have to raise their game and Niall Devlin drew first
blood at the start of the second half only for Dundrum to reply with two
points of their own. It was then the tide turned in Bredagh's favour with two
well-taken opportunist goals from Paul Boyd. Again Dundrum failed to give
up and scored four points without reply. Further points from Oisin Quinn
and Matthew Holywood brought Bredagh to full-time with a 4 point lead. But
two dubious frees in two minutes of injury time gave Dundrum two scoring
opportunities and they took both, scoring 1-1 to give them a draw in a game
that Bredagh really should have won. Like last week, this team can give a good account of themselves against any opposition and they are turning the corner at a good time with the ‘B’ Championship game scheduled for next week.
TEAM: Jonathan Arthurs, who made a brilliant save at the bottom of the post in the first half; Paddy Sheridan, who ran his marker into the ground; Mark McElroy, who marked their full-forward out of the game; Niall Colton, who
started so many moves from defence; Conal Short, who gave his all in winning
the breaking ball before having to be substituted shortly after half-time;
Stephen Gray, gave their half-forward a torrid time; Aiden O'Neill (0-1) who ran at the Dundrum defence and left his marker for dust on numerous occasions;
Dermot Coffey & Martin Mc Manus (0-2), who were up against one of the best
midfielders in the county and displayed some brilliant skill to keep the
team in the game and in front at various times; Niall Devlin (0-4), the
captain and free-taker who organised and plotted the Bredagh attack; Owen Costello (0-1), recently selected for the U-15 Down Development squad and showed why as he gave a faultless display at half-forward; Kevin
McElroy (0-1) who opened up the visitors defence several times with ease;
Matthew Holywood (1-1) who gave the half-backs the run-around and displayed
maturity in his play; Paul Boyd (2-1), the poacher and opportunist who only
needs to be given a sniff of goal to score; and Oisin Quinn (0-1), also
selected by the U-15 Down Development squad and gave the corner-forward a
nightmare game. Brian Wright popped up everywhere to cause trouble and
mayhem and let the other forwards have space and time, James McAllister,
returning from injury gave a good solid account of himself, and the depth on
the bench was very noticeable - Michael Diffin, Joe Steele, Jonathan
Johnston, Conor McQuillan, Matthew Quinn and Paul Doole. Unfortunately,
regular half–back Niall Boyle received an injury shortly before the game
and couldn’t play, while John McKenna turned up to support his team to their
first point in this season's League.
Loughinisland 3-8 Bredagh 1-10, Thursday June 17
Once again the U-16s were thwarted in their quest for victory against
Loughinisland. Before the game the management team and the players were
confident of victory as recent performances against Downpatrick and
Dundrum showed the real talent this squad has, if they play as a team and
give 100 per cent. Loughinisland started the brightest and took advantage of some slack midfield passing by scoring 1-1 without reply. It was then Bredagh found their confidence when Stephen Gray struck over a great point followed by a point from Joe Steele but again slack play allowed Loughinisland to break and score a goal. With the score at 2-1 to 0-2 the Bredagh lads finally
clicked. Niall Devlin scored a great goal with all half-forwards being
involved in the play and a further five points in-a-row from Eoin Costello,
Niall Devlin and Martin McManus (3) brought the boys in maroon into a 2-1 to
1-7 lead. Just before half-time the home side scored a point but at 2-2
to 1-7 the Bredagh lads felt confident of going on to win this game. However,
as soon as the whistle blew things started to go wrong. Points were traded
between the teams but at 2-4 to 1-8, Martin McManus scoring our point, we were still in the game when two refereeing decisions, one after another,
went against us and proved very costly. A Loughinisland player put the
ball out over the side line at our 50 at the same time as he was challenged by Niall Boyle but contact was not made until both players were off the field. The result was a free to the home side instead of a side line ball to Bredagh. This was lobbed toward our goal area and in a scramble put into our net, but it looked to be a clear square ball. At 3-4 to 1-8 we were still in the game but Loughinisland scored two points without reply. Bredagh tried to
get back into the game with points from Niall Devlin and another from Martin
McManus but two late points from the home side proved decisive.
Bredagh 4-7 Ardglass 3-15, Thursday June 24
Once again the hearts were broken as the U-16s put up a brave performance
against a much bigger and stronger Ardglass team. One of our midfielders
commented about one of the other team having a beard, but this didn’t deter
from the physical battle he produced against him. Ardglass started the
brighter scoring 2 points without reply. At this stage the 3-man midfield
started to produce some quality ball to the forwards and Paul Boyd and
Stephen Gray scored good points. A point by Ardglass was answered by a goal
from Joe Steele. Another point from Ardglass was replied to with goals from
Jonathan Johnston and Paul Boyd. With the score at 0-4 to 3-2 Ardglass knew
they had to counteract the 3-man midfield of Dermot Coffey, Owen Costello
and Niall Devlin. They put their 3 biggest men into midfield and produced 3
points without reply. At half-time with the score at 0-7 to 3-2 the Bredagh
lads knew they would be in for an even bigger battle in the second half so
some fresh legs were put on. Martin McManus went into midfield, Paul Doole
and Oisin Quinn went up front and Ruairi O'Kane went into the half forward
line. The start of the second half was even enough with each team
exchanging points, ours coming from Owen Costello. But then the Ardglass
team steamrolled our defence scoring 2-5 without reply. At this stage James
McAllister was put on to shore up the defence and Paul Boyd was brought back
to half forward and this had immediate success with a goal from Oisin Quinn
and points from Aiden O'Neill and Niall Devlin. With the score at 2-12 to
4-5 the match was still in the balance. A goal and point from the visitors
was replied to with a point from Stephen Gray. At the end of the game we
pressed and pressed but couldn’t make the breakthrough and an Oisin Quinn
point was the only score we could take from all the pressure. Although we
lost again the improvement on last week's performance was significant.
Drumaness 0-7 Bredagh 1-6, Thursday July 29
The U-16s broke Drumaness hearts as the lads progressed to the semi-final of the B Championship,. These boys have trained hard, three times a week, over the last number of weeks to be ready for this game and everyone connected with this team knew they had the ability, fitness and stamina to carry out this achievement and indeed go on and challenge for the cup. Tonight they proved it with a brilliant workmanlike performance in front of a large partisan crowd. Manager Kieran Boyle went over last minute tactics and the atmosphere in the dressing room could have been cut with a knife but everyone was ready and knew their jobs. Nevertheless, the nerves showed in the first half-hour when Drumaness raced into a 4-point lead. But for the heroics of wonder keeper Jonathan Arthurs the game could have been out of sight as he pulled off save after save. Suddenly on the half-hour the boys in maroon started to play. A brilliant goal from Martin McManus was followed with a good point from Joe Steele. It was now all square and Bredagh knew they had weathered the Drumaness storm. At half time Drumaness went in with a 0-5 to 1-1 lead. With the wind and slope in our favour the lads played some lovely football. Attacks were started at the full back line by Dermot Coffey, James McAllister or Conal Short and went through Owen Costello or Ruairi O'Kane before ending up at the hands of Joe Steele or Paddy Sheridan before the score was taken. Indeed the first score of the second half was taken by Paddy Sheridan to level things up. A point from Drumaness was followed by points from John McKenna and Oisin Quinn. As the time ticked toward full-time a further and final point from the home team was replied to by the winning scores from Joe Steele and another from Oisin Quinn. Stephen Gray played a captains role in stopping everything that tried to get past him. Niall Boyle and Aidan O'Neill played equally as well in the half back line. This was truly a team performance and each individual played their part.
TEAM: Jonathan Arthurs, who kept his first clean sheet of the season. James McAllister, Dermot Coffey, Conal Short, Aidan O'Neill, Joe Steele, Niall Boyle, Chris Kelly, Ruairi O'Kane, Paul Boyd, Owen Costello, Niall Colton, Oisin Quinn, Michael Diffin, Stephen Gray, Martin McManus, John McKenna, Donal Murphy, Paul Doole, Richard Murphy.
Og Sport Report, August 8
Bredagh went into the all-county 7a-side tournament having had to call up 4 under 14's due to some late cry-offs but the young lads - Deccy O'Hara, Cormac Hughes, Peter Graham & Niall Nolan - all performed magnificently as Bredagh again showed they can cut it at the highest level. Forced to play their group matches on the full Downpatrick pitch, Bredagh used the skill and pace of their smaller players to great effect. The first game was against an Annaclone team containing 3 Down u15's, which had beaten Newry Shamrocks by 5-6 to 4-3 in the first game. Bredagh were slow out of the blocks, but soon got going and goals from John McKenna and Cormac Hughes ensured an excellent 2-2 to 2-2 draw. Bredagh knew a draw against Shamrocks would have them qualify from the group, but they were 2 goals down before they began to play. McKenna and Hughes again got goals to level it and on the stroke of half-time the best move of the day saw Deccy O'Hara appear from nowhere to rifle home Bredagh's third - Deccy had run 100 yards from his own box for the score and was quickly substituted by Peter Graham. Shamrocks piled on the pressure but brilliant defending by Peter Graham, Kevin and Mark McElroy, Brian Wright, Ruairi O'Kane and Donal Murphy, and another John McKenna goal saw the boys home on a scoreline of 4-0 to 3-3. Bredagh met Banbridge (who had just beaten Kilcoo by 5 points) in the knock-out stage on the small pitch at Dunleath Park. Again it took the boys a while to get going and they were 8 points to 3 down before they clicked. Deccy O'Hara had a point signalled wide by the ref and responded by latching onto a Kevin McElroy pass to crash in his second goal of the day. John McKenna added a point and the boys were on top. But it wasn't to be and the clock ran out - a one point defeat - but a moral victory and the Bredagh boys were applauded off the pitch.
Bredagh 1-10 Dromara 0-5, Thursday August 12
The sight of official umpires and people having to pay to watch the match was a new experience for the Bredagh U-16s as they arrived at Loughinisland for this match. On paper the Bredagh team would appear to be strong favourites but the recent demise of teams like Armagh and Tyrone in this year's All Ireland series didn’t go unnoticed by Bredagh's coach Kieran Boyle, and the pre-match talk was not for the faint-hearted. Bredagh started brightly and quickly went into the lead with well-taken points from Niall Devlin and Aidan O’Neill. Dromara, physically the stronger-looking team, quickly reduced the arrears but then a superb Bredagh move led to a Marty McManus goal which gave Bredagh some breathing space. The Bredagh team continued to dominate the first half possession and despite excellent work by the inside forward line of Brian Wright, Donal ‘Meadowlark’ Murphy and Paul Doole, they were finding it difficult to convert the chances being created. Further points from Stephen Gray and Paddy Sheridan gave Bredagh a 1-4 to 0-2 interval lead. The second half saw Bredagh maintain their challenge and quick points from Paul Doole and Paddy Sheridan helped them increase their lead. Dromara made some tactical changes but the Bredagh defence of Dermot Coffey and Conal Short helped by another point blank save from ‘Pup’ kept Dromara at bay.
Niall Boyle (pictured above) on the break was always turning Bredagh defence into attack. Further points from Niall Devlin, Aidan O’Neill and a well taken fisted point by Joe Steele saw Bredagh advance to the Final. After the match Kieran Boyle was happy with what he described as a competent performance but obviously worried by some of missed opportunities in the first half. Overall a very good team performance and the hard training sessions with the Bredagh Seniors are now beginning to take effect.
TEAM & SCORERS: Jonathan ‘Pup’ Arthurs, James McAllister, Dermot Coffey, Conal Short, Stephen Gray 0-1, Niall Boyle, Aidan O’Neill 0-2, Martin McManus 1-1, Chris Kelly, Niall Devlin 0-2, Joe Steele 0-1, Paddy Sheridan 0-2, Brian Wright, Donal Murphy, Paul Doole 0-1, Richard Murphy, Jonathan Johnston, Michael Diffin.
Dundrum 2-9 Bredagh 3-8, Thursday August 19
Another terrific win, the third this month, by this fast-improving and gutsy Bredagh team. In the corresponding fixture last year, we were hammered by about twenty points, but this time we fought to the finish and despite not playing that well, Bredagh claimed their first League win of the season. The home side scored the first point before the Bredagh lads got into their stride. A number of chances were missed before points from Niall Devlin and Jonathan Johnston and a goal from Paddy Sheridan put the boys in maroon into a four-point lead. Then Dundrum broke from deep and scored a goal from nothing. This was replied to by a goal from Marty McManus and a point from Niall Devlin. At 1-1 to 2-3 it seemed, again, that Bredagh were in control until another breakaway goal for the home side. Niall Devlin replied with a well-taken free to leave the half-time score 2-1 to 2-4 in Bredagh's favour. At the start of the second-half Dundrum scored three points in-a-row, the only reply being a Jonathan Johnston point. As the home team pressed forward, Bredagh got the break they needed when Paddy Sheridan netted his second goal of the night. This gave Bredagh a four-point lead but again the home side pressurised to score five points to a single Niall Devlin reply, levelling the contest. Jonathan Arthurs needed to make a fine save to keep the home side at bay. With two minutes to go it seemed to be heading for a draw when Marty McManus broke free of his marker and scored a great point, followed by Donal Murphy's first score for the boys in maroon to clinch an excellent victory. A two-point win is still a win but it could, and should, have been much easier. It would be difficult to single anyone out but Niall Boyle, Stephen Gray and Aidan O’Neill gave solid performances in the half-back line.
PLAYER PROFILES
NAME: Owen Costello
AGE: 15
SCHOOL: Aquinas
NICKNAME: ‘Donut’- because I’m from America
POSITION: Half-back
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Mark Little because he goes right through teams
COUNTY TEAM: Fermanagh
BREDAGH PLAYER: Michael Diffin because he is a legend
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: Making the Down U15 team
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: Beating Drumaness for our first win this season
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Mayo
NAME: James McAllister
AGE: 15
SCHOOL: Aquinas Grammar
POSITION: Full Back
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Barry Owens – he rises above all expectations
COUNTY TEAM: Fermanagh
BREDAGH PLAYER: Pup - Jonathan Arthurs – he pulls off amazing saves PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: Recovering from injury to make the team again
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: Getting into the ‘B’ Championship final
NAME: Richard Murphy
AGE: 16
SCHOOL: Rathmore
POSITION: Full back
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Kieran McGeeney
COUNTY TEAM: Mayo
BREDAGH PLAYER: Henry Deazley
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: Getting to start
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: Getting to the final
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Mayo
NAME: Conal Short
AGE: 15
SCHOOL: Aquinas
NICKNAME: Shorty
POSITION: Corner-back
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Kieran McGeeney
COUNTY TEAM: Armagh
BREDAGH PLAYER: Henry Deazley
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: Being part of the team
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: Getting to the Championship final
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Kerry
NAME: Donal Murphy
AGE: 15
SCHOOL: St Patrick’s Knock
NICKNAME: Meadowlark – I have the same style as him
POSITION: Forward
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Jason Sherlock – an explosive forward
COUNTY TEAM: Cork
BREDAGH PLAYER: Paul Boyd Junior
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: scoring the winning point in the semi-final
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: The semi-final win over Dromara
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Kerry
NAME: Paul Boyd
AGE: 16
SCHOOL: St Patrick’s, Knock
NICKNAME: S – it’s a long story!
POSITION: Forward
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Dan Gordon
COUNTY TEAM: Down
BREDAGH PLAYER: No favourite, we’re all too good!
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: scoring 2-1 to draw against Dundrum
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: Beating Drumaness in the quarterfinals
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Kerry
NAME: Michael Diffin
AGE: 16
SCHOOL: Aquinas
NIKNAME: Diff
POSITION: Forward
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Stevie Gray – an U16 legend
COUNTY TEAM: Down
BREDAGH PLAYER: Donal Murphy – he’s entertaining
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: Playing in the Championship
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: Winning the semi-final
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Kerry
NAME: Matthew Quinn
AGE: 16
SCHOOL: Lagan College
POSITION: Half forward/forward
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Paddy Bradley
COUNTY TEAM: Tyrone
BREDAGH PLAYER: Myself!
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: Beating Drumaness and making the final
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: Making the final
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Kerry
NAME: John McKenna
AGE: 15
SCHOOL: Aquinas
POSITION: Forward
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Benny Coulter
COUNTY TEAM: Down
BREDAGH PLAYER: Pup - Jonathan Arthurs
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: scoring 1-2 against Loughinisland
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Kerry
NAME: Marty McManus
AGE: 16
SCHOOL: Aquinas Grammar
POSITION: Midfield
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Dara O’Sé – he is a complete midfielder
COUNTY TEAM: Kildare
BREDAGH PLAYER: Niall Devlin – he is underestimated by opponents until he beats them on the ball
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: solo run and goal against Dromara
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: Getting to the final
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Mayo
NAME: Niall Devlin
AGE: 15
SCHOOL: St Joseph’s
POSITION: Half-forward
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Oisin McConville
COUNTY TEAM: Dublin
BREDAGH PLAYER: Rory McCaughey
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: Being made captain
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: Getting to the Championship final
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Kerry
NAME: Jonathan Arthurs
AGE: 16
SCHOOL: St Joseph’s College
NICKNAME: Pup – because my older brother was called mad dog
POSITION: Goalkeeper
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Mickey McVeigh
COUNTY TEAM: Down
BREDAGH PLAYER: Eddie Burns – our minor ‘keeper because I look up to him
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: My save and first clean sheet against Drumaness
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: the battling team performance against Carryduff at the start of the season
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Mayo
NAME: Aidan O’Neill
AGE: 15
SCHOOL: St Joseph’s College
POSITION: Half-back
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: DJ Carey
COUNTY TEAM: Dublin
BREDAGH PLAYER: Henry Deazley
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: Scoring the first and last point in a match
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: Winning the quarterfinals and semi-finals of the Championship
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Mayo
NAME: Stephen Gray
AGE: 15
SCHOOL: St Patrick’s Knock
POSITION: Half back/midfield
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Liam Doyle
COUNTY TEAM: Down
BREDAGH PLAYER: Pup – Jonathan Arthurs
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: Getting on the Down U16 team
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: Beating Drumaness in the quarters
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Mayo
NAME: Jonathan Johnson
AGE: 15
SCHOOL: Aquinas
NICKNAME: Jonny
POSITION: Forward
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Peter Canavan
COUNTY TEAM: Armagh
BREDAGH PLAYER: Eamon Gray
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: My goal against Loughinisland
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: Getting to the final
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Kerry
NAME: Paul Doole
AGE: 15
SCHOOL: St Joseph’s
NICKNAME: Doolers
POSITION: Full back/Forward
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Benny Coulter – he scores a lot
COUNTY TEAM: Down
BREDAGH PLAYER: Pup – Jonathan Arthurs
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: Getting to the final
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: getting to the final
ALL-IRELND TIP: Kerry
NAME: Joe Steele
AGE: 16
SCHOOL: St Patrick’s Knock
POSITION: Half forward
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Benny Coulter
COUNTY TEAM: Down
BREDAGH PLAYER: Ruairi O’Kane
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: Scoring a fisted point in the semi
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: Reaching the final
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Kerry
NAME: Matthew Hollywood
AGE: 14
SCHOOL: Aquinas
POSITION: Half forward
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Steven McDonnell
COUNTY TEAM: Down
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: My goal against Drumaness
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: Getting to the final
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Mayo
NAME: Brian Wright
AGE: 15
SCHOOL: Rathmore
POSITION: Forward
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Colm Cooper
COUNTY TEAM: Down
BREDAGH PLAYER: Murph – he scored an important point against Dundrum
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: Scoring against Downpatrick
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: Winning the semi-final
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Kerry
NAME: Niall Boyle
AGE: 16
SCHOOL: Aquinas
NICKNAME: Boyler
POSITION: half back
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Kieran McGeeney
COUNTY TEAM: Armagh
BREDAGH PLAYER: Kieran Boyle
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: away to Downpatrick
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: semi-final win over Dromara
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Mayo
NAME: Patrick Sheridan
AGE: 14
SCHOOL: Methody
POSITION: half forward
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Tom Brewster
COUNTY TEAM: Fermanagh
BREDAGH PLAYER: Myself!
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: scoring two goals against Dundrum
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: semi-final win over Dromara
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Mayo
NAME: Chris Kelly
AGE: 16
SCHOOL: St Joseph’s
POSITION: Midfield
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Peter Canavan
COUNTY TEAM: Tyrone
BREDAGH PLAYER: Henry Deazley
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: Getting to start
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: getting to the final
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Mayo
NAME: Dermot Coffey
AGE: 16
SCHOOL: Rathmore
POSITION: Midfield/Full-back
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Maurice Fitzgerald
COUNTY TEAM: Kerry
BREDAGH PLAYER: Michael Coffey
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: Scoring two points against Carryduff and not letting in any goals at full-back in the B Championship
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: getting to the final
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Kerry
NAME: Oisin Quinn
AGE: 15
SCHOOL: Aquinas
POSITION: Corner-forward
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Stevie McDonnell
COUNTY TEAM: Armagh
BREDAGH PLAYER: Stevie Gray
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: making the Down team
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: getting to the final
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Mayo
NAME: Niall Colton
AGE: 15
SCHOOL: Aquinas
POSITION: Half-forward
NICKNAME: Harry Potter
FAVOURITE
COUNTY PLAYER: Sean Cavanagh
COUNTY TEAM: Tyrone
BREDAGH PLAYER: Oisin Quinn
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF 2004 SEASON: Scoring points against St Brides and Carryduff
TEAM HIGHLIGHT OF 2004
SEASON: getting to the final
ALL-IRELAND TIP: Mayo
and the McElroys....
Carryduff 2-10 Bredagh 1-7, Tuesday August 31
Six points in it at the final whistle but the gap has closed significantly through the season between League leaders Carryduff and gutsy Bredagh. The home side were comfortable winners in an earlier League meeting but in this match they were fortunate to score two early goals which in the end were the difference between the sides. The rest of the contest was close, tough and with some skilful moments. Bredagh in fact took the lead with a Niall Colton point and were much better value than the half-time score of 2-4 to 0-3. Both of Carryduff's goals were lucky to drop into the net and the visitors won several close-in frees, two of which were converted by Niall Devlin. At the start of the second-half, Bredagh struck first with another Devlin free and a Paul Boyd goal when he was first to react after Stevie Gray's shot crashed back off the crossbar. Goalkeeper Jonathan Arthurs redeemed himself with a great low save as Carryduff tried to reply, and excellent well-worked points by Niall Colton and Paddy Sheridan reduced the gap to just three at 2-6 to 1-6. Carryduff got the next three points before lively substitute John McKenna pulled one back. At the end of the match Carryduff knew they had been in a game and indeed one that could have went either way until the final minutes. Niall Boyle gave an inspiring performance at half back and Matthew Holywood seemed very comfortable at his new position of full back. Stephen Gray, as usual, gave 100 per cent and gave the Carryduff midfield a lot of trouble. At the end the Carryduff manager wished the Bredagh lads every success in Saturday's Championship final with St Pauls. The Bredagh management would like to wish Carryduff every success in their quest for this year's League title.
TEAM & SCORERS: Jonathan Arthurs, James McAllister, Matthew Hollywood, Conal Short, Owen Costello, Niall Boyle, Aidan O'Neill, Marty McManus and Stevie Gray, Niall Devlin (c) 0-3 (all frees), Joe Steele, Niall Colton 0-2, Jonny Johnston, Paul Boyd 1-0, Brian Wright. Subs: Richard Murphy for McAllister, John McKenna 0-1 for Wright, Paddy Sheridan 0-1 for Boyd, Dermot Coffey for Murphy, Donal Murphy for McKenna. Subs not used: Oisin Quinn, Matthew Quinn, Michael Diffin.
B Final Preview
Little was expected of this group at the start of the year but the entire squad of 25 players has trained harder than any other team in the club. Coach Kieran Boyle set targets for the boys and they have responded brilliantly. “My first aim was to introduce a lot of disciplined gaelic football training”, explains Boyle. “This was to give the boys a foundation for their future in the sport. My second aim was to have an inclusive group, which is very important for boys at their age”. That meant every player signing up for new club gear, everyone getting games, and all players being shown that they have a role to play. The result has been a superb team spirit that has seen the U-16s improve steadily throughout the season.
“We had a poor enough start with a run of League defeats”, says team captain Niall Devlin, “but there has always been good turn-outs at training and we’ve got fast and fit – a bit like Fermanagh! Kieran made us do three laps of Cherryvale at our first training session and it was tough, but it has helped us and this has been my most enjoyable yet with Bredagh”. Niall, who plays in the same position as one of his heroes Oisin McConville, picks out the semi-final with Dromara as his favourite moment so far. “When the final whistle went, we all celebrated because we knew the hard work had paid off and we were in a Final”.
Kieran Boyle, who is backed up by Paul Boyd, Stephen Brown, Eamon Gray, John Gilmore and Cillian Short, added.. "From humble beginnings, they have grown in confidence and developed as a group. They all really want to do well for themselves and for one another. Some of them even apologised to me after games we had lost, but we were still there late into the Summer and it's not over yet”.
Bredagh 2-6 St Pauls 1-9, Saturday September 4
There was disappointment among the Bredagh players, management and large travelling support at the final whistle because this was a game we dominated and really should have won. Despite taking an early lead with two goals, Bredagh let St Pauls back into the contest and at half-time the gap was down to three points. The Hollywood lads quickly levelled early in the second-half and went a point ahead. Bredagh controlled proceedings from there but just couldn't score and amassed a total of some fourteen wides, including one from a penalty in the last ten minutes. Finally, John McKenna won and pointed a free and Owen Costello put Bredagh ahead with a great point but in the last twenty seconds St Pauls broke upfield and kicked an equalising point. Still, it gives the boys another chance to get it right and they now know they have the ability to win the Cup. As well as missing a penalty, Bredagh also had two good points ruled out, one in each half. On the first occasion, one umpire gave the point but the referee overruled. On the second occasion, Paddy Sheridan scored a marvellous point after dancing round three defenders, but the referee penalised him for overcarrying. With the benefit of video evidence, this was a terrible decision. On the plus side, the boys played plenty of fast, skilful and committed football. Their best score came directly after the St Pauls goal in the first-half. From Pup's kick-out to Niall Devlin putting the ball over the bar at the other end, there were six passes in an excellent move. More of the same will do the trick in the replay. Overall, it was a great occasion for the club with a tremendous support getting behind the team. Thanks to everyone who went to the Final.
TEAM: Jonathan Arthurs, James McAllister, Dermot Coffey, Conal Short, Stephen Gray, Niall Boyle, Aidan O'Neill, Matthew Hollywood, Marty McManus, Owen Costello, Joe Steele, Niall Devlin (c), Jonathan Johnston, Paul Boyd, John McKenna. Subs: Patrick Sheridan for Johnston, Niall Colton for Steele, Matthew Quinn for Boyd. Subs not used: Chris Kelly, Michael Diffin, Ruairi O'Kane, Donal Murphy, Richard Murphy, Brian Wright, Paul Doole, Oisin Quinn, Mark McElroy, Kevin McElroy.
THE SCORING
3 minutes - Bredagh 0-0 St Pauls 0-1 - free
5 minutes - Bredagh 1-0 St Pauls 0-1 - own goal
7 minutes - Bredagh 1-0 St Pauls 0-2
11 minutes - Bredagh 2-0 St Pauls 0-2 - Joe Steele
13 minutes - Bredagh 2-1 St Pauls 0-2 - Aidan O'Neill
15 minutes - Bredagh 2-2 St Pauls 0-2 - Jonny Johnston
18 minutes - Bredagh 2-2 St Pauls 0-3
20 minutes - Bredagh 2-3 St Pauls 0-3 - Niall Boyle
21 minutes - Bredagh 2-3 St Pauls 1-3
22 minutes - Bredagh 2-4 St Pauls 1-3 - Niall Devlin
24 minutes - Bredagh 2-4 St Pauls 1-4 - free
Half-time
36 minutes - Bredagh 2-4 St Pauls 1-5
38 minutes - Bredagh 2-4 St Pauls 1-6
40 minutes - Bredagh 2-4 St Pauls 1-7
44 minutes - Bredagh 2-4 St Pauls 1-8
51 minutes - Bredagh 2-5 St Pauls 1-8 - John McKenna free
53 minutes - Bredagh Penalty Miss
57 minutes - Bredagh 2-6 St Pauls 1-8 - Owen Costello
60 minutes - Bredagh 2-6 St Pauls 1-9
Full-time
Replay - Bredagh 1-10 St Pauls 3-8, Wednesday September 8
St Pauls won the replay in the first-half with three killer goals. They had a couple of forwards on song and one of them, the centre-half-forward, crashed one cracking shot off the underside of the crossbar and into the Bredagh net. Marty McManus replied with an excellent and brave penalty, at the same end as he missed one in the first game. However, the gap was some eight points at the break and although Bredagh gave it everything in the second-half, they were guilty of kicking too many wides. One supporter counted eighteen of them! Approach play from the likes of Owen Costello, Aidan O’Neill and Niall Devlin was at times excellent, but the problem came in front of goal. It was a frustrating evening for the Bredagh team, management and their big support, but the boys kept going right to the end and at one point closed the gap to just three points. St Pauls broke away and Jonathan Arthurs made a superb point-blank save to keep Bredagh hopes alive, but time ran out. Overall, ‘Boyler’s Boys’ gave it everything they had over the two games but it just wasn’t enough. Their efforts over the whole season deserved better, but to be fair, the St Pauls club also deserved their first ever juvenile success and you could see what it meant to them at the final whistle.
Donegal Trip, October 2/3
Carndonagh Tournament Results
Malin 2-2 Carndonagh 1-2
Bredagh 1-3 Malin 0-6
Bredagh 5-5 Carndonagh 0-7
Final - Bredagh 3-3 Malin 2-8
REPORT: Bredagh made the long end-of-season trip to North Donegal over the weekend and earned the respect and friendship of many by putting up great performances on the pitch. The Championship final defeat still hurts but the lads had something to prove… and prove it they did. All 24 players got a run in our first game against Donegal U-16 champions Malin Head and with a wind advantage full-back turned full-forward Dermot Coffey opened the scoring with a fantastic goal. Points from Niall Devlin, Marty McManus and Paul Doole had Bredagh ahead at the break by 1-3 to 0-2. Malin scored four points in the second-half to draw the match and leave Bredagh needing to beat Carndonagh. Matthew Holywood, Oisin Quinn, Paul Boyd and Marty McManus had us in front by 4-3 when Niall Devlin led a demolition job with a goal. Marty McManus added 1-1, Joe Steele scored a great goal on the restart and further goals from McManus and Mark Galway (set up by Michael Diffin) booked a place in the decider. Bredagh started slowly, conceding 1-1 before Joe Steele scored a well-taken goal. The second-half was a cracker! A Malin point was replied to with a great McManus goal. Malin scored another three points to lead by two, but again Bredagh kicked in and 1-1 from Paul Boyd and points from Niall Devlin and Owen Costello gave us a 3-3 to 1-5 lead. A brilliant fightback, but three games in-a-row took their toll in the last five minutes as Malin scored 1-3 to edge the contest. Coach Kieran Boyle noted that although silverware had escaped our grasp again, we should feel very proud of the way we played. He also said that a lot of the boys had ‘come of age’ by playing as a single unit with vigour, commitment and strength.
Sunday Challenge - Bredagh 3-5 Buncrana 1-7
After a nights rest and relaxation at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, a
challenge match was arranged against U-16 League runners-up Buncrana. All 24 players played in a morale-boosting victory in what was the last game of the season. The first-half was poor enough with only a Paul Doole point and a Joe Steele goal for Bredagh as we fell behind by 1-4 to 1-1. But, Bredagh moved up a gear with goals from Niall Devlin and Donal Murphy, as well as a Marty McManus point. At half-time we led by 3-2 to 1-5. Three second half points from McManus, Paul Boyd and Niall Devlin saw us home.
SUMMARY: Only the scorers are mentioned here but to give credit where credit is due, it must be said that these games were TEAM games. Jonathan Arthurs gave a faultless display all weekend and must be in contention to go onto county honours. Niall Colton, Mark McElroy and Conal Short worked tirelessly for the Bredagh colours as did Chris Kelly, Matthew Holywood, Niall Boyle, Aiden O'Neill and Stephen Gray. Even though they did not get on the score sheet, Ruairi O'Kane, Richard Murphy, Matthew Quinn and Rowan Smart played their part. It is sad to say that this was the final game these lads would play as U-16s but it is pleasing to say they finished on a winning note. The lads asked for it to be mentioned that they wouldn’t have got as far or enjoyed the sport so much if it hadn’t been for mentor Kieran Boyle. At the start of the year in the cold month of February some players feared the training techniques and some even became sick at the focus and commitment Kieran asked for. A number of the lads pointed out that if it weren’t for the training, they wouldn’t have got to two finals. The end of an era yes, but not the finish of this team!
League Reports
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