Midleton capture the Daly Industrial Supplies U17 Premier League title after they beat their nearest rivals Douglas Hall 

Douglas Hall 1 

Midleton 4

Midleton are the Daly Industrial Supplies U17 Premier League champions after they beat their nearest rivals Douglas Hall in style in front of a large audience at Moneygourney.

It’s been a real good season for these two teams with the Magpies lifting the U17 Teddy Healy Cup, along with the U17 Premier League and Douglas Hall winning the U17 Gussie Walsh Cup and the inaugural Munster U17 Cup and were unlucky to bow out of the FAI U17 Cup at the semi final stage.

Both sides came into this game level on 40 points after losing only one and drawing one game in the league campaign, so it was fitting that both would meet in the final game to determine who became Champions.

It was Douglas who took the lead 1-0 in the 21st minute when Vilson Sefolli scored from a Eoin McCarthy pass. 

However, the game was level 1-1 in the 38th minute when Macdarragh Lynch turned the ball into his own net.

The Magpies took the lead 2-1 six minute from the restart through Ryan Cremin and doubled their advantage 3-1 in the 58th minute when Cillian Mansworth-O’Connell hit the back of the net. 

The Hall made a string of substitutions to try get back in the game, but Patrick Adedokun scored the Magpies fourth goal deep into stoppage time to lead 4-1 and to see the League title head to East Cork.

Shane Mackessy the Midleton manager was delighted with his team’s display and also took time to praise Douglas Hall’s players and management for such a competitive campaign and congratulated them on their cup success’s.

“I thought our lads played brilliantly today,” Shane said.

“To perform to such a high level away from home in a tense title decider against a talented Douglas Hall side is testament to their character, team spirit and ability.

“We are immensely proud of the boys. Every member of our squad played their part in securing the league title. 

"The majority of our squad have now won three in a row Premier league titles at U15, U16 and now at U17 level, which is a phenomenal achievement in competitive Schoolboy’s and Youth football.

“To complete a League and Cup double this season is fantastic and a fitting reward for their dedication and hardwork all season.

“I would like to really thank my coaching staff Rob Dumigan, Michael Cremin and Gonçalo Morais, who have dedicated their time, effort and expertise to helping the boys fulfill their potential.

“Credit also to Donagh Keeshan, Mark Turner, Brendan McCarthy and Douglas Hall team for pushing us all the way this season and congratulations to them on their cup success this season,” Mackessy added.

DOUGLAS HALL: Noel Cantwell, Harry Whelan, Darragh O Flaherty, Mark Keeshan, Clayton Tait, Finn Doyle, Shane Barrett, Tom Collins, Macdarragh Lynch, Eoin McCarthy,Vilson Sefolli.

Subs: Elvis Alade for Barrett (ht), Luke Murray for Doyle (53), John Dolland-Young for McCarthy (68), Cillian Ross for Collins (76), Jack McCarthy for O’Flaherty (84).

MIDLETON: Jack MIlls, Artan Iliukovic, Sebastian Byrd, Charlie McCarthy, Eoin Garvey, Cillian Mansworth-O Connell, Eduard Pidoyma, Ryan Cremin, Jack Cahill, Liam Waters, David Relihan.

Subs: Shay Forde for Garvey (62), Patrick Adedokun for Waters (75), Damien Ogbe-Kassner for Cremin (86), Sean Lyons for Pidoyma (90), Stephen Comerford for Byrd (90).

Referee: Timmy Kelleher.

Assistant Referees: Dave Finnegan, David Hickey.