Pal had 2-5 on the board before we scored and although we played well and outscored them by 4-8 to 4-5 over the rest of the game, we left ourselves too much to do. We were missing four players from the County Final starting 15, so the game was played as a 14-a-side which is allowed in the League. This, and the fine day, made for an open, high scoring game for the hardy souls who travelled to Tinryland
Although we had a fair share of possession in the first 20 mins, we seemed to take all the wrong options and missed a few easy scores. At the other end, Pal’s No 11, Ricky Nolan, was proving a handful and it was only when Joe Hickey moved onto him that his influence was curtailed.
In the 20th minute, we got our first point from Adam Byrne quickly followed by a well worked goal from Daniel Quigley. Good points from wing back Jason Byrne and Adam again gave us hope at half-time: 2-10 to 1-3.
The lads tore into the opposition at the start of the second half and pinned them in their half for long periods. A change of tactic to let the ball in long to Gary Byrne paid dividends and goals from Adam & Gary, 0-2 from Dale McNamara and a well-taken Jordan Kane penalty reduced the margin to just 4 points on 48 minutes: 4-10 to 4-6. There were chances to close the gap even more but Pal were always dangerous on the break and scored two late goals to ensure victory.
This was a good wholehearted performance by all 14 players and while we lost by 8 points, it was a game we could certainly have won. Some bad decisions went against us – the most notable resulted in a 4 point swing in the first half when Dale McNamara was fouled straight in front of goal but no free was given and Pal went down the field to score a goal. Also, our free taking was below par and our passing let us down at times. It was a good year for this talented group of young players, many of whom are Minor again next year. We look forward to seeing you all back in action in 2014.
Scoring sequence:
10 mins: Pal 1-4 Clonmore 0-0
20 mins: Pal 2-5 Clonmore 0-1 Adam
30 mins: Pal 2-10 Clonmore 1-3, Daniel (1-0), Jason, Adam
45 mins: Pal 3-10 Clonmore 3-6, Adam (1-0), Dale (0-2), Gary (1-1)
50 mins: Pal 4-10 Clonmore 4-6, Jordan (1-0, pen)
55 mins: Pal 5-10 Clonmore 4-6
60 mins: Pal 6-10 Clonmore 4-8, Conor, Gary
Team (14 a-side): Goal: Michael Kealy; Backs: Joe Hickey, Tom Cashen, Larry Doyle, Jason Byrne (0-1), David Doyle;
Midfield: Jordan Kane (1-0, pen), Anthony Byrne, Forwards: Adam Byrne (1-2), Conor McCarney (0-1), Enda McGrath, Daniel Quigley (1-0), Gary Byrne (1-2), Dale McNamara (0-2,1f).
PHOTO: The 2013 Clonmore Minor panel. Back (left to right): Dale McNamara, Tom Cashin, Adam Byrne, Michael Kealy, Anthony Byrne, Conor McCarney, Andrew Byrne, Gary Byrne, Enda McGrath. Front: Joe Hickey, Jason Byrne, Sean Doyle, David Doyle, Paddy Byrne, Jordan Kane (Captain), Jonathon Byrne, Larry Doyle, Daniel Quigley.
