FELIX MULIGAN UNDER 16 FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
28th March 2017
FELIX MULIGAN UNDER 16 FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
Lámh Dhearg U-16s claimed the Felix Mulligan trophy after a keenly contested and exciting 3-09-0-15 win over Tir Na Nog in Sundays final at Woodlands.
The first ten minutes was an exciting affair as both sides played some free flowing football and Tir Na Nog leading 0-04 to 0-1 with scores from Ciaran O’Neill (0-3) and a Sean McCormick point with Jamie Fegan opening the Lámhs account.
Lámh Dhearg responded quickly and registered the opening goal of the game from sharpshooter Tony Nelson, a further score followed from Bailey Carroll to level and a Jamie Fegan point give the Hannahstown side the lead for the first time, 1-03-0-05.
Although it was Tir Na Nog who would lead the game at the break, thanks to the lively Ciaran O’Neill’ sending the ball between the posts just before the whistle to give his side a 1-03-0-07 lead.
Tir Na Nog started the second-half as they ended the first with a further three scores; two from play from Conor McCamphill and Cormac Devlin and another from a converted 21-yard free from the deadly boot of O’Neill gave the Randalstown men a 0-10-1-03 lead.
However, Lámh Dhearg fought back again and put the game in the balance as livewire corner-forward Bailey Carroll drilled home a goal and a point in quick succession to level matters, 2-04-0-10.
Ciaran O’Neill put Tir Na Nog back in front after successfully converting a 45’ yard free, but the pendulum swung back in favour of the Lámh’s as Sean Moreland converted a penalty under pressure to put the Hannahstown men 3-04-0-11 in front.
Jack Sumersgill then stretched the lead with a converted 21’ yard free, only for player of the tournament Ciaran O’Neill to respond from thirty-yards with a free of his own.
Another Summersgill free was followed up by a delightful point off the boot of Ciarnan McKeating, however O’Neill continued to lead the fight for Tir Na Nog who weren’t going away easily.
The sides ended the game as they started by trading scores. Bailey Carroll and Jack Summersgill both increased Lámh Dhearg’s lead to four points only for O’Neill to respond both times from play and a free to leave the score 3-09-0-15 at the final whistle as Lámh Dhearg lifted the Felix Mulligan memorial trophy.
While Ballymena won 3rd spot beating Glenavy in another open and high scoring game.
The tournament was a huge success and thanks to the participating teams, referees and to all concerned in organising the competition.The tournament provided all teams with a valuable series of meaningful and competitive pre season games and all were played in a very sporting spirit. Finally the quality football served up by the teams was a very fitting tribute to our former popular President Felix Mulligan.
