Droney and Brigdale shine as Crusheen/Tubber edge Parteen/Meelick

Under 18C league final
Crusheen/Tubber 1-11 – Parteen/Meelick 1-8

The first of many finals in Clare GAA for 2024 took place in Meelick on Tuesday evening as the home side hosted Crusheen/Tubber in the U18 C league final. The winners operated Osgar Dunford and Sean Hanrahan effectively as a two-man full forward line initially but moved Dunford out as the game matured. Roan Ketelaar was missing the game for the North Clare side which led to Oisin McNamara rerouting to the full back line. Parteen/Meelick will be a strong threat in the minor hurling championship when it reverts to Under 17 later in the season.

The game started with Parteen/Meelick hitting the net after three minutes as Luke Tobin raced clear and set up by full forward Mike Cahill and he gave Oscar Brigdale no chance. Sean Hanrahan hit back with a free before Osgar Dunford had the only Crusheen/Tubber goal after 10 minutes. Dylan O’ Connell and Hanrahan traded scores and the level of tackling and physical play offered much to what was a low scoring encounter. Dunford and Tobin traded points to leave Crusheen/Tubber a point clear before Gavin Marshall levelled proceedings. Dylan O’ Connell hit back to give Parteen/Meelick the lead before half time before a diving save by Brigdale denied Andrew Cleary a sure goal before half time as the home side led (1-4) to (1-3) at half time. Parteen/Meelick were working hard in their defence to deny Joe Clancy and Osgar Dunford goal scoring opportunities even though Dunford levelled the game once more two minutes into the new half. The hard-working Andrew Cleary and Hanrahan (2) kept the scoreboard active before Luke Tobin drew the sides together for the 5th time after 43 minutes.

A pivotal moment in the game emerged as Parteen/Meelick were awarded a penalty only to see Andrew Cleary’s shot stopped by Oscar Brigdale. Soon after Luke Tobin sent his colleagues ahead once more only for Hanrahan to do as was the case all day level the game again. Extra time was now a looming thought on the minds of spectators on what was a cold evening. Osgar Dunford and Denis O’ Driscoll again swopped scores as Crusheen/Tubber did appear to be the stronger finishing side. A brilliant score from James O’ Sullivan gave his side they never surrendered as Rory Tynan and Osgae Dunford closed out the win to deny Parteen/Meelick. Oscar Brigdale was impressive in goal as was Eanna Droney at wing back for the winners. Others to perform well include Osgar Dunford, Rory Tynan, Oisin McNamara, James O’ Sullivan, Joe Clancy, Sean Hanrahan and Riain O’ Donnell. Parteen/Meelick were unfortunate that Brigdale was in form and on another day might have ended with four goals. Their best included the superb Luke Tobin, Andrew Cleary, Mike Cahill, Ruaidhri Nolan, Eoin Barrett, Dylan O’ Connell and Jack Meaney.
Following the game Fergal O’ Brien of Bord na nOg Iomaint presented the trophy to captain Joe Clancy.

Crusheen/Tubber scorers: Osgar Dunford (1-4), John Hanrahan (0-5) James O’ Sullivan, Rory Tynan (0-1) each.

Crusheen/Tubber: Oscar Brigdale, Alex Guilfoyle, Oisin McNamara, Ian Taaffe, Eanna Droney, Kyle Scanlon, James Costello, Rory Tynan, James O’ Sullivan, Macauley Brennan, Joe Clancy, Johnny Lyons, Riain O’ Donnell, Osgar Dunford, Sean Hanrahan. Subs: Malachy O’ Halloran for Lyons, Odrhan Perrill for Brennan,

Parteen/Meelick scorers: Mike Cahill (1-0), Luke Tobin (0-3), Dylan O’ Connell (0-2), Gavin Marshall, Andrew Cleary, Denis O’ Driscoll (0-1) each

Parteen/Meelick: Cormac Barry, Jack Thorne, Jack Meaney, Ronan Curtin, Eoin Barrett, Mark McDermott, Dylan O’ Connell, Ruaidhri Nolan, Matthew Browne, Andrew Cleary, Gavin Marshall, Luke Tobin, Niall McGuane, Mike Cahill, Denis O’ Driscoll. Subs: Finn Cahill for McGuane

Referee: Ronan McMahon (Ruan)