Roche Emmets 1-6 Clan na Gael 1-8

The U15 boys looked good for victory against Clan na Gael entering the closing stages tonight, though a strong finish by the visitors saw the spoils depart Páirc de Róiste.

Aided by the breeze in the second half, Brian McGuinness’s team battled back from a 1-5 to 0-1 deficit at half-time to level through substitute Jake Connolly’s goal.

And once Josh McGuinness kicked a spectacular point from way out on the right flank, the home side looked certain to force the issue and emerge victorious. Though a disappointing finish saw Clans kick their only three points of the second half consecutively to prevail.

Centre-half Luca Craig-Haye fisted over Emmets’ sole opening period register but once Seán Conlon was reverted to full-forward, the boys in blue had a sharper offensive threat.

The three-pointer arrived after a barnstorming run and shot by James Corcoran, which cracked the crossbar before falling for U12 player Adam McGuinness, who duly diverted the ball Connolly’s way.

Luca Craig-Haye, Conor Litchfield and the midfield pairing of Corcoran and Josh McGuinness especially tried their hearts out, with Alex McArdle showing his great talent during the first half, while wing-back Andrew McArdle and centre-full Criomhthann McGahon were locked in a duel for the player of the match honour.

The team are out next away to Baile Talún.

Roche: Cathal Corcoran; Niall Connolly, Criomhthann McGahon, Donagh Conlon; Eoghan McArdle, Luca Craig-Haye (0-1), Andrew McArdle; James Corcoran, Josh McGuinness (0-1); Alex McArdle, Seán O’Donnell, Seán Conlon (0-4); Conor Litchfield, Ronan Bradley, Robert Keenan

Subs: Jake Connolly (1-0), Adam McGuinness

Referee: Peter Hoey