Clonakilty crowned South West U21 A football champions

BY KIERAN McCARTHY

CLONAKILTY are South West U21 A football champions for the third year in a row after an emphatic 1-16 to 0-7 victory over Castlehaven in a one-sided final in Rosscarbery on Sunday afternoon.

The reigning champions, who have now defeated Castlehaven in the last three South West U21 A finals, led from start to finish, powered by Cork U21 Sean White who dominated the first half.

Clonakilty led 1-7 to 0-4 at the break, with White scoring the goal in the tenth minute while he added a point, and David Lowney (2), Jack Cowhig (3) and Sean McEvoy all scored for the winners, with Darragh Cahalane (2), Conor Cahalane and Michael Hurley replying for a Haven side that, physically, had no answer to the Clon side.

Having lost David McCarthy to injury during the week, the Haven were weakened further when influential midfielder Darragh Cahalane was forced off late in the first half.

Two Cathal Maguire points for Castlehaven – who had the wind in the first half – narrowed the gap to 1-8 to 0-6 just after half time, but it was as close as they got, with Michael Hurley seeing a shot thunder back off the crossbar.

After that, Clonakilty took over as they scored eight points in a row, thanks to Cowhig, Ian Falvey (3), Lowney, Ross Mannix (2) and Jack O’Mahony, to close out this game that they were always in command of.

For a full report and analysis, plus reaction from the winner’s camp, including interviews with captain Martin Scally, Sean White and Neil Deasy, don’t miss this Thursday’s Southern Star sports.