Clonakilty crowned Premier 2 County Minor Football Champions

CLONAKILTY won the county Premier 2 football championship final against Bantry Blues on Monday night after a 3-13 to 0-8 victory.

David Lowney was the star of the show for the winners as he kicked 2-4.

Afterwards Clon manager Brendan Walsh reflected on the season, and pinpointed one game as the turning point for this talented young Clon team.

‘I think we turned the corner in the Glenville championship game. We were a point down at half time and had to really dig deep. There was an impression out there that this was a nice Clon footballing team but not tough enough,’ Walsh said.

‘Well, that day in terrible weather and a sticky pitch they really had to play a different kind of game, to battle out a win. I knew after that if we could avoid injuries that we would take a lot of stopping.’

Three years ago Clonakilty ex-senior Walsh, just retired from a long and glittering career that included two county senior medals, took over the Clonakilty U16 football team and coached them to the county premier 2 title.

He then took a break to concentrate on his new job as vice-principal of the Convent of Mercy Secondary School but this season, with many of those lads still available for the minor team, he was persuaded to return to take charge of that team.

‘It has taken a huge amount of hard work to bring the team to this (on Monday night),’ a delighted Walsh said. 

‘The biggest reason the team was successful was that we entered the non-exam league and, with most of the good players not available, the fringe players got a lot of match time. We shipped some hammerings but it really brought on those players.’

Don’t miss Thursday’s Southern Star for a full match report and reaction for a great night for Clonakilty GAA.