In Teaneck, N.J., at the weekend, in a keenly fought thriller, Rockland edged St. Barnabas, 2-11 to 3-6, to capture the U-18 league title. Over the 60 minutes both teams offered up large doses of character in a marvelous exhibition of Gaelic football.
At halftime, Rockland held a 1-9 to 1-1 lead. Rockland’s marksmen were Mark Lennon, 1-1, Sean Murphy 0-3 from set pieces, Tom Foley 0-2, C. Mangan 0-2, and John Dunne 0-1.
St. Barnabas’ goal came on a great individual effort by Sean Moyles.
In the second half, a St. Barnabas movement out of defense by went Jamie Lally, Padraig Tully, Andrew Donoghue and Darren Meaney went to an unmarked Kieran Moyles, who blasted home a great goal. Darren Meaney notched four points, and Kieran Moyles got his second goal for a 3-6 to 1-10 lead.
The Rockland defense ably led by Sean Moughty, James Donoghue, Shane Hogan and midfielders Declan Neville, Tom Foley worked the ball upfield to Nick Mangan for an excellent point and with time almost up, Mark Lennon crashed the ball to the net for the victory.
St. Joseph’s 1-10, St. Barnabas 1-7
Follow us on social media
Keep up to date with the latest news with The Irish Echo
St. Joseph’s qualified for the U-21 championship final with a 1-10 to 1-7 victory over St. Barnabas at Rockland on Saturday. Midfielder, Ruairi O’Neill, Donal and Gerry Gillespie, Declan Gourley, John Creegan, P.J. Ferris and Pat Maguire excelled for St. Joseph’s. Sean Carbin, Darren Meaney, Sean Moyles, Noel and Ciaran Dwyer, Sean Larkin and Mike Sheridan were best for St. Barnabas.
Rangers 3-5, Celtics 1-7
Rangers are through to the U-21 final with a victory over Celtics at Rockland on Sunday. Catching the eye for Rangers were Derek Courtney, Mickey Sheridan, John Fahey, Barry Harper, Ray Lennon and Pat Downes. John McArdle, Sean and James Farley, Kevin O’Mara, Anthony Godwin, Garrett French, Barry Rooney and Steve Montgomery were best for Celtics.
Fixture
Sunday, 1 p.m., U-21 final, Rangers vs. St. Josephs, at Rockland.