Incredible Inny FC are All-Ireland U14 champions
Inny FC 1 - 0 Freebooters, Kilkenny
In an incredible story, Inny Football Club have captured the All-Ireland U14 Boys Cup title with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Freebooters of Kilkenny, at Evergreen FC Club, Kilkenny on Sunday.
Victory is a truly outstanding achievement and, if anything, surpasses their success in the Connacht Cup the previous weekend. A stunning goal from Patrick Wallace and a defiant penalty save from ‘keeper Colm O’Rourke were the big headline moments from a final of real quality, played in glorious sunshine, and it was the passionate travelling supporters who were celebrating when the final whistle sounded.
They had to overcome Dublin side Home Farm en route to Sunday’s final and, while it seemed that fatigue could be a factor as the second half progressed – given their hectic schedule this season – Inny FC always found enough to consolidate their narrow lead. They can thank heroic goalkeeper Colm O’Rourke for ensuring they kept a clean sheet, while a moment of brilliance from Patrick Wallace ultimately decided the issue.
For a small club in the corner of Westmeath, with a limited playing membership and scant resources, it is truly a phenomenal achievement, and they relied largely on the goodwill of neighbouring clubs like Mullingar Town for their facilities during the course of this history-making bid.
Manager Garry Doyle and his assistant Tommy Keena produced a wonderful team, one which played with skill and determination, always willing to make that extra push which eventually took them to victory against a formidable Kilkenny club with a much bigger base. All season it has been that David versus Goliath theme, but on every occasion, Inny FC came out the right side and it’s credit to their resolve to have done so.
Colm O’Rourke was named the official Player of the Match afterwards, but it was a victory for collective resolve and indefatigable team spirit. There were scenes of sheer ecstasy when the U14 Boys Cup was presented, and Inny FC players rejoiced together in a moment that will live long in their memories.
Inny FC: Colm O’Rourke, Liam Doyle, Jack Hegarty, Darragh Orme, James Nea, Oisín Keena, Antonio Bertolo, Patrick Wallace, Adam Bracken, Senan Brody, Oisín O’Farrell, Harry Brennam, Robert Whelan, Cian Lawlor, Conor Fox, Ben Loughlin, Zack Timoumi, Keelan Harvey.
See Tuesday's Westmeath Examiner for further coverage.