Barna Minors won the West Board A Minor League title on a score line of 2-13 to 2-9 in a thrilling encounter on Sunday last in the Prairie in a game that ended up being decided in extra time. The large crowd present for this clash of neighbouring clubs were left wondering how this game ended up in extra time as Barna were coasting with an eight point lead with 15 minutes left on the clock when a resurgent St. Michaels team staged a remarkable comeback that forced the final into extra time.
Barna started the game very well with early points from Tom Curran and Rory McCormack and with Rory Donnellan excelling at midfield all the pressure was on the St. Michaels defence. Further points from Andy Devery and a great goal from McCormack confirmed Barna’s ascendancy. St. Michaels replied with a couple of points from the boot of the influential Shane Maughan to leave Barna going in at the break five points to the good.
The second half started with Barna playing some great football and after a fine sweeping move covering the full length of the field Andy Devery pointed to extend Barna’s lead. Further points from McCormack and Curran gave Barna a comfortable eight point lead. The Barna defence with James Kennedy and Jamie Concannon outstanding suddenly were breached when a long ball into the square was fielded by Maughan who turned and crashed the ball past Galway keeper, James Keane. This score ignited the Michaels team and supporters and now Barna were on the back foot as Michaels surged forward to save the game. Incredibly they did just that delivering a further goal and two points in a five minute spell to ensure that the game went into extra time.
The first half of extra time was dominated by Michaels with a seemingly stunned Barna team not getting off the blocks but fortunately for them Michaels dominance was not reflected on the scoreboard as they only managed two points and a late reply from Barna left just a one point difference and kept them in the game. The second half of extra time saw the reawakening of Barna and they started to play the fluent football that they were clearly capable of and had demonstrated in the first 45 minutes. Super sub Michael Slemon buried the ball to the back of the net after great work by Neil Devery and Caoimhin o Cualin and he added a further point immediately to ensure Barna were back on track to win the game.
It was a rollercoaster game for everyone present and the quality of football from both sides was outstanding on the day.
Best for Barna on the day were goalkeeper and captain, James Kane, Jamie Concannon, James Kennedy and Caoimhin O Cualin in defence, Rory Donnellan and Tom Curran in midfield while up front Andy Devery, Rory McCormac and Michael Slemon caused a lot of problems for the Michaels defence.
The season is coming to an end for Under 6’s to under 9’s. Next Saturday 23rd is the final training session for 2010. There will be prize giving for players and refreshments for adult after training. The numbers attending the Saturday morning and midweek sessions has being excellent. Hopefully all participants enjoyed theirs season. Final blitz for under 8’s,9’s and 10’s. in Páirc an Phiarsaigh Bank Holiday Monday 25 against Salthill and Clarinbridge.