Congratulations to St. Patrick’s on reaching the Carlin Duffy Cup Final for the first time since their inception three years ago. The minors of Drumsurn and Drum defeated Craigbane today by one point, in a thrilling semi final encounter.

St. Patrick’s depended on Cahir Friel’s two goals and the accuracy of Ciaran Ferris’s boot to convert the last kick of the game to seal victory and set up a June final with St. Canice’s Dungiven.

Conditions made for a very jittery performance, but playing against the wind in the first half the young lads of St. Patrick’s went in at half time only a point down. Craigbane were guilty of squandering at least six scoring chances in the first half, which would have given them a comfortable lead after 30 minutes and could have relieved some of the pressure.

With only one minute on the clock and leading by three points, victory looked assured for St. Patrick’s until Craigbane found the net for a 3rd time to draw level. Straight from the kick out the ball was won in mid field by Cahir Mullan and laid off to Ciaran Ferris who made a ‘bee line’ for the Craigbane goals only to be brought down on the 30 yard line.

Only for some frantic defending by Daryl Mullan this game could have ended in a draw or victory for Craigbane.

Good performances from Cahir Friel, Ciaran Ferris, Craig Chewing, Eoin Ferris, Cahir Mullan, Daniel Mullan and Donald Brolly sealed success for St. Patrick’s. A yellow card received by Cahir Mullan three minutes into the game restricted his effectiveness for most of the game (something to watch out for Cahir in the final).

A Parish thriller in June awaits the green and white minors of St. Patrick’s. Keep your calendar free as this will prove to be yet another good game to watch. Dust off your red/orange flags, wheel out your grannies and come support the young lads in the final.

Good luck St. Patrick’s and well done on reaching the final.