Our U15 Hurling team are in County Final action this weekend as they take on Sliabh Rua @ 3:30pm in Bishopstown on Sunday – we expect a big passage support to cheer on the lads in their county final, please support! 
Passage 6-13 Lisgoold 4-10
In an exhilarating match in Manning Park tonight, the Passage U14 footballers emerged victorious against a gallant Lisgoold team. The final scoreline of 6-13 to 4-10 highlights the intense and closely-fought nature of the game, with both sides providing a thrilling spectacle for the large crowd watching from the sideline. From the opening whistle, it was evident that this encounter would be one for the ages. The game was an end-to-end battle, with both teams showcasing their skills and showing incredible commitment to the jersey. The tension was palpable as each team fought tooth and nail to gain the upper hand.
As the match progressed, it became clear that victory was not going to come easily for either team. The passion and commitment demonstrated by the players made every possession and every score crucial. The contest swung back and forth, with neither side willing to relinquish control. Passage only managed to break the deadlock and take control of the game in the final five minutes. With nerves of steel, they capitalized on their chances by netting two quick-fire goals, allowing them to pull away from their valiant opponents. This late surge proved decisive in securing their hard-fought victory.
The referee threw the ball in 2 minutes before the 7 pm start time and Passage midfielder Tom Mc Carthy playing his first game in a few years sent a high ball into the Lisgoold square. The Lisgoold cornerback won the ball and sent a clearance out over the sideline judging by the flight of the ball it will be found in Monkstown. Lisgoold kicked two wides before Philip Heavey scored the game’s opening score in two minutes after great link-up play with full forward David O’Connor. Lisgoold replied immediately with a well-worked goal from their excellent full forward. He quickly scored another point straight from the kick out.
It was end to end now and both sides kicked some wides before Philip Heavey scored his second point of the game after another pass from David O’Connor. The Passage full back line of Mark Hallissey, Ollie O’Neill and Oscar O’Sullivan was playing well despite being under fierce pressure throughout the half as Lisgoold had the wind at their backs. Ollie in particular cleared a large amount of ball in the the last 15 minutes of the half which helped keep the Lisgoold score down. Aidan O’Connor and Tom Mc Carthy were slowly edging the midfield battle and they were both involved in setting up Philip Heavey for Passage’s first goal of the game.
Passage were now a point ahead after 13 minutes but were living dangerously as Lisgoold missed a few scorable chances. They hit the post with one effort and halfback Jack Mc Mahon blocked down a certain goal a minute later. Lisgoold tails were up and they were attacking in waves and quickly scored 1-1 to regain the lead. Daniel Collier who was causing the Lisgoold half-back line problems linked up well with David O’Connor who laid on another point for Passage sharp shooter Philip Heavey. From the kick out Lisgoold worked the ball up the pitch to create a goal-scoring opportunity. Daniel Mooney saved a great shot from the Lisgoold corner forward and Ollie O’Neill and Sean Cash linked well to clear the ball up the pitch.
For the next two to three minutes both defences were on top. Lisgoold were desperate to score more before the break as there was a strong breeze blowing towards the Maulbawn side. Finn O’Connor broke out and launched a high ball up the field. Tom Kileen caught the high ball and sent a great pass to Eoghan O’Bryne who buried it to the top corner. What a goal! It took Lisgoold less than a minute to equalise with a well-worked point from their centre forward. Philip Heavey scored a magnificent point for the game’s next score. Lisgoold hit a purple patch with 10 minutes to go hitting 1-2 without reply.
Passage brought on Morgan Kelleher and played him as a third midfielder. He wasn’t on the pitch for a minute and he nearly scored a goal after a great solo run. From the 45 David O’Connor won the ball and set up Daniel Collier for a goal-scoring opportunity. Daniel’s effort was somehow blocked down but the ball rebounded to Philip who made no mistake to fire the ball to the roof of the net. David O’Connor fired over a long-range point almost immediately after great work from Tom Killen. The sides were level again with 5 minutes left on the clock to the half-time whistle. Lisgoold regrouped but were finding the Passage defence a tough nut to crack. Finn O’Connor, Oscar, and Ollie all made clearances in the crucial last few minutes of the half and Daniel Mooney chipped in with another great save. After firing two wides Lisgoold finally raised another white flag to give them a one-point lead with a minute left on the clock. A quick counter-attack involving Jack Mc, Sean Cash and Morgan resulted in a Philip Heavey-fisted effort going over the bar to lift the siege. Daniel Collier won a kick pass from David O’Connor and hit a great shot that came back off the post. David O’Connor was fouled going for the rebound and the excellent Aidan O’Connor fired over the resulting free to give Passage a one-point lead at the break.
Half Time score Passage 3-7 Lisgoold 3-6.
On the restart, Passage went on the attack immediately. David O’Connor created two goal-scoring chances for Tom Mc and Philip Heavey that the Lisgoold goalkeeper somehow managed to save. Worryingly for Passage, they then also missed two scoreable point opportunities. Fortunately for Passage, Lisgoold were also struggling to score up the other end kicking to quick wides themselves.
The first point of the second half came from an Aidan O’Connor free after the lively Zac Lenihan was pulled down after a great run through the Lisgoold defence. It was all Passage now and for the next 5 minutes Passage laid siege to the Lisgoold goal. Morgan Kelleher scored an amazing solo effort goal to give Passage some breathing space. Daniel Collier was so unlucky with another goal chance a minute later, the Lisgoold keeper making another fine save. Morgan Kelleher fired over the resulting 45.
Sharpshooter Philip Heavey again linked up with David O’Connor to score another great point in 15 minutes. Passage brought on some fresh legs Finn Brady, Austin Horgan and Sam Flynn and they all played their part in this historic victory. Finn settled straight in making several clearances in the closing minutes. Passage seemed to be cruising now but got a wake-up call when Lisgoold almost scored a goal. Daniel Mooney again made a fine save and he can be proud of his performance tonight. David O’Connor caught the clearance and sent a high ball into the Lisgoold square. Sam O’Flynn was blocked down just as he was going to fire the ball into the net. From the rebound, Tom Mc fired his effort inches outside the post. A let-off for Lisgoold and they quickly fired over two points to leave 5 points between the sides with 12 minutes left.
In the next play, David O’Connor was fouled and a quick free from captain Sean Cash set up Sam O’Flynn for a great point. Lisgoold refused to throw in the towel and within a minute had scored 1-1 to narrow the Passage lead to 2 points. Daniel Mooney saved another goal chance to keep Passage ahead and it was only in the closing few minutes that Passage finally managed to pull away.
Philip kicked a long-range effort to stretch the lead to 3 points. Austin Horgan was then pulled down in the square and the referee awarded a penalty. Cork City hotshot Morgan Kelleher scored from the spot to give Passage a 6-point cushion with two minutes left. From the kick out a David O’Connor handpass gave Austin another chance from a goal and this time he rifled it to the back of the net. Philip scored another point before Lisgoold finished the scoring with a long-range point from the last kick of the game.
The teamwork and resilience demonstrated by both teams throughout the game were commendable. The high-scoring affair was a testament to the attacking prowess of both teams. Spectators were treated to a feast of goals and points, highlighting the impressive skill sets possessed by the young footballers. The passion and enthusiasm displayed on the field were a reflection of the dedication these players have for their clubs. As the final whistle blew, the excitement was a joy to watch.
Passage had overcome a formidable opponent in Lisgoold, securing a hard-fought victory, and deservedly earning the plaudits of their supporters. Both teams can be proud of their performances, having left everything on the field. This gripping encounter serves as a reminder of the immense talent and potential the Passage players display. With such promising skills on display, the future is certainly bright. All was left to do was captain Sean Cash to lift the trophy. Well done to all the players and the management team here and Mr Barry in Spain. Special mention to Mark Barry and Brian Griffin who are on holidays but played their part in the great never to be forgotten comeback against St.Vincents in the semi final.
Team: Daniel Mooney, Ollie O’Neill, Oscar O’Sullivan, Mark Hallissey, Finn O’Connor, Sean Cash (captain), Jack Mc Mahon, Aidan O’Connor (0-2 frees), Tom Mc Carthy, Tom Kileen, Philip Heavey(2-8), Daniel Collier, Zach Lenihan, David O’Connor (0-1), Eoghan O’Bryne (1-0).
Subs Used: Finn Brady, Morgan Kelleher (2-1), Austin Horgan (1-0), Sam O’Flynn (0-1).
