Moynalty won the LMFM Minor Div 3 Shield by the narrowest of margins after a tight and intense final against Ballivor.
Moynalty started well with an early Eoin Gilsenan point settling them into the game. The teams traded early scores after that before Moynalty took control of the game, with some fine team passing moves ending in scores for Aaron Lynch, Sean Cassidy and Danny Gorman. Moynalty defended well during this time tackling strong with Stephen Cassidy, Ewan Gilsenan and Jack Kavanagh forcing turnovers. Will Smith made an instant impact after coming on following an unfortunate injury to Daire Conlan, as he finished the ball past the Ballivor goalkeeper. Late scores from Shane Bennett, whose surging runs from deep caused Ballivor problems all night, and Leo Kavanagh gave the lads a six point half time lead.
HT Moynalty 1:07 Ballivor 0:04
Ballivor started the second half the strongest and within a few minutes had the Moynalty lead down to 2 as they scored a quick goal and point. Shane Bennett responded with a fine long range effort. Ballivor continued to find scores easier to come by and soon took the lead when they got their second goal. Moynalty rallied and after a fine catch from David Daly, who was outstanding in midfield throughout, the ball ended up with Eoin Gilsenan who broke free from the Ballivor defence to blast into the bottom corner. As the rain continued to fall and the tension increased, scores became harder to find, James McCabe made a point blank save to keep Moynalty in the game. Aaron Lynch pointed to put Moynalty ahead by one before Ballivor soon leveled as the game entered injury time. With extra time looking likely, Moynalty were awarded a late free that Gilsenan coolly slotted over the bar with the last kick of the game to spark scenes of celebration across the pitch.
This victory capped a successful and memorable year for the lads as they competed well throughout, reaching the Minor Tournament Div 3 final, winning the 7 a side Shield, playing Div 2 League football and ending with winning the Div 3 Championship Shield.
*TEAM* James Mc Cabe, Andrew Carolan, Stephen Cassidy, Bríon Gilsenan, Seán Cassidy 0:01, Shane Bennett 0:02, Jack Kavanagh, Leo Kavanagh 0:01, David Daly, Oisín Gilsenan, Eoin Gilsenan 1:02, Ewan Gilsenan, Danny Gorman 0:01, Daire Conlan, Aaron Lynch 0:03
*SUBS*Will Smyth 1:00 for Daire Conlan
Bobby Kavanagh for Oisín Gilsenan
