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Willie Mimnagh, Bord Peil na nOg Chairman presents the Roinn D trophy to Cornafean captain Liam Duignan |
In October 2000, Cornafean under-14 footballers captured the Roinn D Championship title by beating Mountnugent in the final. There was a great turnout of local supporters in Breffni Park, and they enjoyed a very entertaining and sporting game, which played in ideal conditions.
After their long campaigns in both league and championship this year, there was a fair degree of pressure on the Cornafean players before the game, but they got off to a good start when corner-forward Padraic Tully opened the scoring in the fourth minute. Cornafean’s goal came after 15 minutes of the first half. Midfielder Noel Keeley made a piercing run through the Mountnugent defence, before passing to Andrew Smith who made no mistake and sent the ball to the net. Mountnugent were back in the game two minutes later when they scored a goal.
Cornafean responded well to this setback with a point from Liam Duignan in the 22nd minute and Padraic Tully was on hand to score his second point when he took a great pass from Mark Johnston, who had a great game in the half-forward line. A further point from David Barry put Cornafean further ahead, and just before half time Liam Duignan converted a free for the winners to leave Cornafean leading 1-5 to 1-3 at the break.
Cornafean got off to a fine start to the second half when Gary Sheridan sent a great pass to Liam Duignan, who then extended Cornafean’s lead with a point. Mark Johnston scored a fine point from long-range in the sixth minute and Cornafean now led by four. This turned out to be the last score of the game, and there was little between the teams for the remainder of the hour. A gallant Mountnugent fought hard to get back into the game, but Cornafean defended well and held onto their lead despite the pressure. The losers were very unlucky not to record a goal in the dying minutes, but Cornafean’s Cormac Geoghegan did well to clear the ball from the goal line, and Cornafean were relieved to hear the final whistle.
When the referee blew the final whistle there were great celebrations among the Cornafean players and supporters and captain Liam Duignan stepped up to accept the Roinn D Cup from the Chairman of Bord Peil na nOg, Willie Mimnagh. Liam made a great victory speech in which he thanked the team’s supporters, sponsors and management for their role in bringing this title to Cornafean. Later, the Cornafean panel were treated to a meal in McSeain’s and the players and supporters savoured a great victory.
It would be unfair to single out any one of the Cornafean players for special praise as all thirteen starting players and two substitutes played big roles in the team’s victory. Goalie Damien O’Connell had a great game, behind a strong defence where Cormac Geoghegan and Gary Sheridan starred in the centre, with good support on the wings from Tomas McGlade, Richard Keith and Patrick King. Liam Duignan and Noel Keeley formed a very strong partnership at midfield, while forwards Mark Johnson, Padraic Tully, Fergus Reilly, David Barry and goalscorer Andrew Smith all caused big problems for the Mountnugent defence. In the second half, subs Francis Cunningham and Kyle Duffy were introduced into the Cornafean forwards, and both made a major impact. Three younger players, Killian O’Reilly, Patrick Cox and Thomas Briody did not get the opportunity to play in the final itself but all three played important roles in the team’s campaign throughout the year.
This is the first time since the mid-1980’s that Cornafean have won a county title at underage level, and this win is a big achievement for the team management Caroline Crowe, Willie Duignan, Benny Duffy and Kevin Geoghegan. The "graduates" from the club’s earlier underage successes in the 1980’s formed the backbone of the senior team who won this years Junior Championship for Cornafean, and no doubt all of this year’s victorious under-14’s will be winning more medals for the club in the not-too-distant future.
The Cornafean Team in the Final
Damian O’Connell
Tomás McGlade Cormac Geoghegan
Richard Keith Gary Sheridan Patrick King
Noel Keely Liam Duignan
Fergus Reilly Mark Johnson David Barry
Andrew Smith Padraic Tully
Subs Francis Cunningham, Kyle Duffy, Killian O'Reilly, Patrick Cox, Thomas Briody
Celebrating a Great Win!!
Front row (I/r)Tomas Briody, Kyle Duffy, Killian O'Reilly, David Barry, Liam Duignan, Tomas McGIade, Patrick Cox, Fergus Reilly, Patrick King
Back (I/r) Kevin Geoghegan, (Selector) Caroline Crowe (Trainer), Pauric Tully, Gary Sheridan,
Richard Keith, Mark Johnson, Damien O'Connell, Noel Keeley, Cormac Geoghegan,
Andrew Smith, Francis Cunningham, Benny Duffy, Willie Duignan, (Selector), PJ McGlade, Club Chairman.
Profiles of the Players
Liam Duignan.
This player showed great potential when he first came on the scene at under age level five years ago. He lived up to expectations right up through the different grades. And this year despite injury troubles early in the season, he was outstanding all through the championship. Leading scorer in all games, no doubt he will figure prominently in any Cornafean team of the future. Our captain and midfielder
Damien O'Connell
A goalkeeper can have a lonely existence sometimes. He can often be remembered for the mistakes rather than the saves. We remember our goalkeeper for two saves in the first round against Shannon Gaels. If he hadn't, Cornafean would not have won the Championship.
Tomas McGlade
Our full backs didn't concede a score to their opponents right through the championship. Our No. 2 already had county honour representing his club in Scor na nOg Question Time. A small but sturdy corner back.
Cormac Geoghegan
Our other full-back also has county honours in Scor na nOg Question Time and Novelty Act. Had a brilliant year at full-back with outstanding performance particularly in the semi-final and final.
Richard Keith
Our right full-back only started playing Gaelic Football last year, but he wasn't long learning the skills. A fast attacking wing back.
Gary Sheridan
Our centre-back has all the attributes that a centre-back would need, big, strong and very skilful. Had an outstanding year all through. Displayed his skills not only in Breffni Park, but also in Croke Park, representing his school and club.
Patrick King
Our left half-back was lining out for the first time this year with the club. One of the stars of the Under-12, he slotted into the left half-back position and performed brilliantly throughout. A great defender, who gives nothing away.
Noel Keeley
Our second midfielder was also playing his first year with the club. Transferred from Ballymachugh. Brought with him the power and strength that is associated with that part of the country, but also possessed a lot of skill, which he displayed right through the season. One of the stars of the championship,
Fergus Reilly
Our right half-forward was the youngest player on the team, and still eligible for Under-12 again this year. A great-grandson of one of the founders of the Cornafean club,
Mark Johnston
Catherina McKiernan put Cornafean on the map with her running abilities, our centre half-forward could fit into the same category. A player, who never gives up, is always involved in the game and always, super fit. An outstanding season all through, especially in the semi-final and final.
David Barry.
Our left half-forward is the third generation to line out with Cornafean, carrying on a proud tradition. He's still eligible for Under-14 again this year, kicked some excellent scores right through the championship, the stylish,
Andrew Smith
Our right full-forward, also is the third generation of the same name to play with Cornafean. He played right through the championship in the full-forward position. His goal in the final set us on our way to victory.
Padraic Tully
Any team needs an early score to settle the nerves. Our left full-forward did just that, and followed up afterwards with another excellent score. One of the stars of the final.
Kyle Duffy
Any team needs a strong panel of subs, we were lucky we had just that. Our No. 14 came on in the semi-final and kicked vital scores when they were needed most. He also came on in the final and made his presence felt. One of the stars of Under-12.
Francis Cunningham
Our No. 15 was also an outstanding performer at Under-12. He too came on in the semi-final, and kicked two excellent scores at the start of the second half, which started the great revival. Also performed admirably when introduced in the final.
Killian O'Reilly
Our No. 16 was the youngest member of the panel. Having starred with Under-12 last year, he is still eligible again this year. Comes from a family with a great tradition of hunting but this player prefers the ball rather than the hound.
Patrick Cox
Our No. 17 was also a star of the Under-12's, where he gave outstanding performances in the full-back line. He came onto the Under-14 panel at the start of the championship, and was always reliable and dependable. No doubt a player of the future.
Thomas Briody
This player is a relative newcomer to the team this year. A great attender at training, who showed true commitment and dedication right through, and was a great inspiration to the other members of the team.
