Joint managers Brian McGeehin and Paul McGovern hailed never-say-die St Eunan’s minors as they moved to the semi-finals of the Ulster Minor Club Football Tournament.
“The lads never gave up, we trailed by two points three different times in that game but the boys kept coming back and refused to lie down” said McGeehin.
“Different times, it looked like it could be going against us and at two points down at half-time in extra-time their backs were against the wall but they responded so well even though they were tired to get over the line.”
Conor O’Donnelled defied injury to come on as a sub and kicked two points, including a last-gasp equaliser to send the tie to extra time.
In the second period of extra time, Eunan’s kicked four points through Niall Hannigan (2), Oisin Purdy and Michael McGroary to advance.
“It was nip and tuck the whole way – a great game for a neutral spectator, though not much fun for us on the line! ” McGovern said
“We are delighted for the boys. Clann Eireann won the Paul McGirr two years ago, so they had a lot of pedigree heading into this game.
“They also had the advantage of watching us two weeks ago against Burren, so we knew the boys would have to put in a good performance to win it.
“Our subs made a huge impact again today and we were delighted to get Conor O’Donnell and Michael McGroary back into the fold today. They were both game-time decisions and they came through the warm-up and both of them came up big for us getting three points between them.
“Our other subs did really well too and we are lucky to have such a strong bench – it really makes a difference in the heavy going at this time of year.”
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