Enniskillen Gaels 7-17 Derrygonnelly Harps 2-4

The U10s powered to a deserved win over a gutsy Derrygonnelly side in todays U10 tournament held in glorious conditions at St Michaels playing fields. The foundation of the win was laid in the first half with a purposeful attacking display. After the break, the Derrygonnelly team pushed the Gaels much harder and fought to the end, though the Gaels never looked in any real danger.

The Gaels started the match well and were a number of scores up before the first goal fell to James O'Doherty, who showed good predator instincts to pounce on a loose ball. Some excellent points followed mainly through Ronan Quinn and Timmy Boyd on bursts from midfield through in truth the whole forward line was playing well. A second goal for the Gaels followed when excellent vision by Timmy Boyd found Conal Quinn who made no mistake with the finish. Derrygonnelly rallied with a couple of fine scores. At the back Conor Millar and John Reihill intercepted many Derrygonnelly attacks with Ethan Butler and Oran Corrigan providing attacking ball into the forward line. Indeed the Gaels finished the half strongly with James ODoherty finding the net with his second goal after neat build up involving Phelim Sweeney, and points from Ronan Quinn and Nathan Tierney left the half time score 3-9 to 0-3.

The Derrygonnelly team began the second half brightly and after a score for Enniskillen they broke through the Enniskillen defence and got a deserved goal. After a couple of points in reply from Conal and Ronan Quinn, Derrygonnelly were awarded a penalty but Ronan Beattie pulled off a diving save low to his right to keep the kick out, in fact over the whole match he pulled off a number of great saves, was strong under the high ball and his distribution was excellent. Eoin Beacom who had come on as a substitute pointed next for Enniskillen and despite another goal for Derrygonnelly, the attack for Enniskillen with the fresh legs were able to pull away again and goals from Darragh Keaney and Conal Quinn left the Harps team with too much to do.

After the match, the Gerry Cox cup was presented to Timmy Boyd captain of the team. The mentors thanked Derrygonnelly for continuing to organise the competition and remarked on the great number of Gaels players who had their first taste of competitive football in the tournament. The blitz on the day attracted around 200 young players and Niall Smith reflected the views of many present that the skill levels were very high throughout. The final was refereed by James Corrigan Belnaleck who was efficient and impartial throughout.

Enniskillen Panel: Ronan Beattie, John Reihill, Conor Millar, Ethan Butler, Oran Corrigan, Nathan Tierney, Timmy Boyd, Conal Quinn, Ronan Quinn, James O'Doherty, Phelim Sweeney, Eoin Beacom, Darragh Keaney, Cathal Burns, Tom Hughes Jordan, Ben Holden, Conor McGurn, Brandon Horan,Matthew Dixon, Calum Jones, Aidan McKenna. Missing was Johnny Cassidy who was on an athletics trip.