Ballinasloe 1- 13
St. Kerrils 2-7 

Ballinasloe's Under 16 Football team won their County Final reply in an epic battle against a gallant St Kerril's side in a game played in Mountbellew on Sunday last, November 18. It was the second time in a week that 60 minutes wasn't enough to separate these two great teams, but Ballinasloe finally edged ahead in extra time, to secure the win by three points, on a final score line of 1- 13 to 2-7.

In truth nothing separated these teams, who both showed great commitment and honesty, as they exchanged the lead several times during the game. Early in the second half of normal time Kerril's scored a good goal to take a two point lead, and looked to be set to finally see off Ballinasloe.

However the Ballinasloe players had other ideas and showed great character to claw their way back into the game, and thanks to a great goal by midfielder Padraic Cunningham, held a three point lead in the dying moments. Almost expectedly for these two teams however, extra time was needed, after St Kerril's equalised with a fantastic late goal, to send the nerve-wracking roller coaster of a game into extra time.

Ballinasloe started the livelier in the first period as points from Cian Ward and Darragh McCormack saw Ballinasloe four points up, before Kerril's fought back once again, to reduce the lead to a single point. Then in dramatic style up stepped substitute Thomas Freeman to score three inspirational points to put Ballinasloe on the brink of victory. The first leg of a possible double was not secured however, without the superb intervention of goalkeeper Paul Hickey, whose great last minute save denied Kerril's what looked like a certain goal.

Cue absolute delight in the Ballinasloe camp where the Management team were very proud of the bravery and conviction showed by the panel in this epic battle. In defense Paul Hickey, Conor Headd, Marcus Kelly and Aidan Stankard led the way, followed by some fine displays from Ciaran Broderick, James Shaughnessy and Ronan O'Healy.

Midfield partners Alan McDonagh and Padraic Cunningham provided the engine to keep the team on the winning course. In attack the accuracy and movement of Darragh McCormack, Shane McInerney and Cian Ward tormented the Kerril's defence all day, while Stephen Cogavin, Bryan Minton and Darragh Burke ran themselves into the ground closing Kerril's down. Also substitutes David Freeman, Conor Kelly, Richie Bruen and especially Thomas Freeman, all added to Kerril's woes.