Saturday 03 October 2009 (League Final)
LOUGHMACRORY 0 - 13 1 - 07 DONAGHMORE
Under 16’s defeat Donaghmore in thriller to lift league title
The under 16 team put in an excellent performance this evening in Kildress to run out three point winners over Donaghmore in the final of grade 2 league. Playing with a strong wind at their backs in the opening half they raced into an seven points lead before the St Patrick’s got off the mark. Donaghmore did eventually open their account and although Loughmacrory kept well ahead the four points lead they carried into the second half looked slender enough considering the strength of the gale force wind which was blowing straight down the pitch.
During the second period the lads from the East put on considerable pressure but the Lough defence ably assisted by retreating midfield and half forwards, held out brilliantly with Connor Donnelly a rock at full back. When they did break forward the front men made light work of the strong breeze working their way through for some fine points and in fact increasing their lead by two points midway through the half. With two minutes to play Donaghmore eventually got through for the goal they so badly needed but it was of no avail as fthe Lough lads had the hard work done and the goal only made the final score look a little more balanced.
Amid scenes of great jubilation Loughmacrory captain Niall Donaghy received the league shield and thanked the management team of Mickey Meenagh, Stevie McCullagh, Patrick McCullagh and Damien Mullan for their guidance throughout the year.
This team is still on line for the double as they prepare for the championship final next Saturday.