Ibane U15's win County
26 November, 2017
Ibane Gaels 1-18 St. Finbarr's 1-05
The Ibane Gaels football juggernaut rolls relentlessly onwards in search of further glory! Backboned by the nucleus of this year's county star studded winning U16 selection, the winners administered a dose of the second half blues to a Barr's outfit that, while they were in contention to the three-quarter stage, failed to stem a relentless Ibane onslaught who led from trap to line over a game, spirted, but in the last quarter outclassed Barr's.
There was much to admire about the display of the Ibane lads who were cohesive and clever in attack and rock solid in defence, taking the best St. Finbarr's could offer and surging forward to set up some magnificently taken match winning scores. Approaching the break the signs were that the Southwest club would be made to work hard for their victory as the Barr's had wrestled the momentum back after a bright Ibane opening fifteen. The teams retired at the short whistle with Ibane leading 0-09 to 0-04.
St. Finbarr's started the second half positively and quickly had a major on the board to reduce the lead to two points and seemingly game on. But Ibane led by the unnerving accuracy of Ryan O'Donovan regained control and when Andrew Gunievan was on hand in the 45th minute to finish coolly to the net it was curtains for the city team, Ibane now led 1-14 to 1-04 and in cruise control mode to the finish line.
Goalie Mike Ryan was brilliant, making one point blank save just before half time and generally marshalling a fine sextet of backs that saw Lawton, Moloney, Walsh, Murphy, Henchion, Dineen all star. The latter's contribution was outstanding and is the oil that keeps the Ibane engine ticking over, strong in possession and always covering. He does not stand out but is always outstanding. Midfield was hotly contested throughout with Andrew and Matthew dominating at various stages. In a lively attack Lorcan O'Leary took a lot of watching, while Ryan O'Donovan won good possession and was superb from frees. Sean Walsh, Wycherley, McSweeney and Walton all contributed against a tough tackling Barr's defence. In the final stages Ibane introduced fresh legs to see it out and when the referee blew the final whistle there was joyous scenes all over.
A Rebel Og representative was on hand to present the Cup to a delighted Ibane Captain Jack Lawton. Let the juggernaut roll onto the 2018 season!
Ibane: M.Ryan, R.Murphy, J.Lawton (capt), J.Moloney, S.Henchion, C.Dineen, F.Walsh, A.Guinevan 1-00, M.O'Donovan, S.Walsh 0-01, R.O'Donovan 0-12, M.Wycherley, L.O'Leary 0-04, C.Walton, A.McSweeney 0-01f. Subs used: S.O'Riordan, C.O'Flynn, L.McCarthy, J.Moloney.
