Ellistown under 11 team brought home the silverware on Saturday June 13th when they defeated their keen rivals Athgarvan in the Division 4 league final at a sunny Round Towers park.
There was nothing between the sides when they met in the corresponding league fixture on a cold and wet day in Athgarvan in April. Ellistown just about made it then, and it seemed obvious at that stage that the teams would meet again at a later stage in the competition.
The scene was set and the final brought out the best in a talented Ellistown side. Ella McLoughlin opened the scoring with a fantastic goal and could have added to this tally were it not for great goalkeeping from Athgarvan's Matthew Barker and the sturdy woodwork of the crossbar. Athgarvan were bigger and stronger throughout the field but it was Ellistown who played the best football. Time and time again, the ball was worked from defence to the forward line with patient precision passing. Mentors Stephen Byrne and Seamus Scully who have been with the team for some years have promoted a brand of football characterised by fast passing, running into space and tight defence and it was obvious here that the players have learned well.
Just before half time, Ella McLoughlin struck again scoring a goal from a good cross field pass from Aaron Cllaghan. Darren Kelly pointed from a free to leave Ellistown ahead by 2-1 to 0-3 at half time.
The second half saw Ellistown pressing home the advantage with Tomas and Louise Scully, Megan Carroll and Cillian Barry causing endless problems to a brave Athgarvan defence. Captain Darren Kelly scored the clinching goal and a pointed free and John Ferdia O’Brien and Eoin O’Loughlin tacked on two very good points to leave the final score Ellistown 3-4 Athgarvan 0-3.
Best for a good Athgarvan team were Cormac O’Mahony, David Craddock, Cian Gobbet, Samantha Cullen and Matthew Barker.
Tom Byrne was outstanding at full back in front of the solid Conor Humphries in goal. Austin Bolger-Hinds was rock solid in the middle of the park while Noel Lawlor excelled at corner back.
