St Colum’s claim their first U21 title in 30 years following victory over Ahán Gaels

St Colum’s 2-9 (2-2-5) 

Ahán Gaels 0-7 (0-1-5) 

St Colum’s claimed their first U21 title in 30 years following victory over Ahán Gaels in the Clóna Milk Carbery U21BFC decider in Drimoleague last Saturday evening.

Goals in either half from Gearoid Cronin and Thomas O’Donoghue sealed a first West Cork U21 triumph since 1995 for the proud Kealkill club.

St Colum’s were full value for their win, led by Man of the Match Robert Cronin. 

Thomas O’Donoghue and DJ O’Brien sparkled up front while Cork minor captain Cathal McCarthy anchored a well-drilled defence.

Ahán Gaels were never allowed to settle into a rhythm despite Olan Corcoran, Jack Eady and Conor O’Sullivan’s best efforts.

Colum’s began with the aid of a strong wind as both sides struggled to settle during a fractious opening spell.

Cian Kelleher had an early sight of goal but Ahán goalkeeper Diarmuid O’Driscoll tipped away his goal-bound flick. 

Eight minutes passed before a patient Gaels buildup saw Stephen O’Driscoll kick the opening score.

St Colum’s response was positive as corner forward DJ O’Brien pointed before the equally lively Olan Corcoran restored Ahán’s advantage.

St Colum’s grew into the game and DJ O’Brien landed a superb two-pointer to make it 0-3 to 0-2 after 18 minutes. 

Things got even better for the leaders when Thomas O’Donoghue converted a two-point free shortly after.

Unable to stem an increasing number of attacks, Ahán Gaels’ defence was split open in the 24th minute. 

Gearoid Cronin collected the ball at pace and found the bottom corner to make it 1-5 to 0-2.

DJ O’Brien and Jack Eady exchanged scores to send St Colum’s in six points clear at the break.

Ahán had the benefit of the wind in the second period but their opponents struck first through Alan Kelleher. Olan Corcoran made use of the elements via a two-point free prior to St Colum’s enjoying a purple patch.

Thomas O’Donoghue landed a free before Robert Cronin began a move that ended with O’Donoghue firing into the net from close range. 

Alan Kelleher’s black card was a setback but Colum’s comfortably defended their lead despite Ahán’s Olan Corcoran and substitute Nick Bourke raising white flags.

Thomas O’Donoghue had the final say, landing a two-point free to copper-fasten St Colum’s historic victory.

Scorers for St Colum’s: T O’Donoghue 1-4 (1 2pt f, 2f), DJ O’Brien 0-4 (1 2pt), G Cronin 1-0, A Kelleher 0-1.

Ahán Gaels: O Corcoran 0-4 (1 2pt f), S O’Driscoll, J Eady, N Bourke 0-1 each.

ST COLUM’S: C O’Shea; K Hurley, S Murnane, A O’Sullivan; L Hourihane, C McCarthy, J Bryden O’Connell; G Cronin (captain), R Cronin; A Kelleher, D Andrews, S Cronin; DJ O’Brien, C Kelleher, T O’Donoghue.

Subs: F O’Connell for S Cronin (58, inj), D Murnane for C Kelleher (58), M O’Sullivan for T O’Donoghue (59, inj).

AHÁN GAELS: D O’Driscoll; J Hilliard, W Hennigan, E Keohane; M Daly, C O’Sullivan, E Mangan; E Cullinane, M O’Sullivan; P Collins, J Fleming, S O’Driscoll; J Eady, M Bradfield, O Corcoran (captain).

Subs: N Bourke for S O’Driscoll (42), T O’Brien for P Collins (50), H Fleming for M Bradfield (53).

Referee: Conor McCarthy (Rosscarbery).