Corofin win North Board Minor A final derby

Fahey stars in comeback victory over Caherlistrane

Corofin 2-13

Caherlistrane 1-12

THEY trailed by seven points entering first half injury-time, but Corofin turned it around to defeat Caherlistrane and capture the North Board Minor (U-17) A Football Championship title in Tuam Stadium last Sunday afternoon.

Corofin edged a high scoring round-robin clash between the sides in late August, while both recorded victories over Monivea-Abbey, Dunmore MacHales, Tuam Stars and Annaghdown to reach the divisional final.

Backed by the wind, Caherlistrane dominated the first half and struck 1-5 without reply shooting into the town end after Philip Boyle had opened the scoring for Corofin.

The excellent Shane Heneghan came up four of their points, including a well-struck two off a free. Sean Miguel Langan was also on target and after having had an earlier chance well saved by Corofin ‘keeper Fionn Higgins, Aaron O’Donoghue pounced for an opportunistic Caherlistrane goal on 14 minutes after referee Thomas Murphy played a good advantage.

Aaron Connolly and James Burke responded with back-to-back Corofin points, but Caherlistrane’s advantage was soon out to seven once more after Josh Keane raised an orange flag.

On the back foot for much of the half, Corofin struck a telling blow with their first goal in added time when Philip Boyle finished powerfully off the ground after a surging run from Rory Fahey. An Adam Healy free followed and Caherlistrane’s lead had been cut from seven points down to three, 1-7 to 1-4, by the interval.

Noel Browne’s side moved 1-10 to 1-6 up after a strong start to the second half brought points for Mark Langan, Heneghan and Aaron McHugh. In reply, Luke Treacy raised the first of three orange flags for Corofin in the second half.

Rory Fahey was the architect of Corofin’s second goal, winning a 39th minute penalty that Adam Healy tucked away. It was a hugely entertaining final between the neighbouring clubs and Caherlistrane hit back once more with points from Aaron O’Donoghue (free) and Josh Keane to lead 1-12 to 2-6 on 45 minutes.

However, they wouldn’t add to their tally from there to the finish as Alan Rowe’s side began to win more and more primary possession and sent over the closing seven points.

Wind-backed twos from the outstanding Rory Fahey in the 49th and 50th minute gave Corofin their first lead since the early stages and the momentum to kick on. They came close to adding a third goal through Aaron Connolly, but singles from Corey Higgins, Adam Healy (free) and Fahey again saw them run out four-point victors.

Afterwards Corofin captain Kealan Moran accepted the cup and Rory Fahey was named man of the match.

Both teams remain in the mix for a County title. Corofin and Micheál Breathnach advance to the semi-final stage after winning the North and West divisions, respectively. Caherlistrane v Claregalway and Oranmore-Maree v Salthill-Knocknacarra meet in quarter-finals.

COROFIN: F. Higgins; E. Healy, P. Tighe, C. Higgins (0-1); K. Moran, R. Day, M. Collins; P. Boyle (1-1), R. Connolly (0-1); S. Conneely, A. Healy (1-2, 1-0 penalty, 0-2 frees), L. Treacy (0-2, 0-2 score); J. Burke (0-1), R. Fahey (0-5, two 0-2 scores), N. Keane. Subs: N. McGowan, for Connolly (temporary), 24-28 mins & Burke, 52 mins; C. Lardner, for E. Healy, 55 mins; T. Riordan, for Boyle, 60 mins.

CAHERLISTRANE: K. Geraghty; R. O'Brien, R. Carr, C. Fannon; M. Langan (0-1), J. Jordan, N. Langan; J. Keane (0-3, one 0-2 score), N. Dooley; E. Downey, S. Heneghan (0-5, one 0-2 free, 0-1 free), C. Claxton Rock; A. O'Donoghue (1-1, 0-1 free), S.M. Langan (0-1), A. McHugh (0-1). Subs: J. Cunningham, for McHugh, 41 mins; A. McDonagh, for Dooley, 60 mins.

REFEREE: Thomas Murphy.

HERALD SPORT MAN OF THE MATCH:

Rory Fahey (Corofin).