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Junior B Footballers Gain Promotion for 3rd Successive Year defeating Ranelagh - Tue, 23 Oct 2007

St Brigids 3-13 Ranelagh Gaels 2-9

St Brigids Junior B Footballers came back from the dead in this Junior Promotion Final to snatch a draw and bring the game to extra time. Ranelagh opened well tagging on two points but points from Conor Hayes and Keith Morris soon had Brigids on level terms. Aiding by a sizeable hill, Ranelagh edged clear with a point from distance and within second of the resulting kick-out found the back of the net. The lads were ready up against it now trailing 1-3 to 0-2 after twenty minutes.

The introduction John Dunning into the half back line soon had an immediate impact as he carried the ball over 60 yards before pointing off his left. Ranelagh again hit back to lead by four nearing half time but Conor Hayes pointed from distance to cut Ranelaghs half time lead to three points.

Within minutes of the restart, Ranelagh's lead was cut to one point. Subsitute Brian Kelly pointing from the left wing after decisive running from Conor Morris. Neil Plunkett soon added another point when breaking clear down the left wing to point. Ranelagh was now under extreme pressure but several missed opportunities from Brigids let them off the hook. Brigids looked to have paid the ultimate price when Ranelagh broke up the field to score what looked like a match winning goal but Brigids dug down and fired over 4 unanswered points. Substitute Declan Barron firing over after beating two men. Brian Kelly adding another point from his lethal right boot. Conor Hayes lofted another point over off his left before Ian Craven found his range from distance.

The game was in the melting point with ten minutes remaining. Brigids had the game at their mercy, dominating the midfield area but their shot selection was letting them down. Ranelagh surged up the field to tag on two points and when they were awarded a penalty with two minutes remaining, the Promotion dream looked over for our Junior B's. Ranelagh decided to take the point to extend their lead to three points.

They were going to regret this decision as a high lofted ball into the Ranelagh goal area found Neil Plunkett but the ball broke to the ground and Brian Kelly went to retrieve it but was fouled in the process. A penalty was awarded!!

There was never a debate about who was going to take the penalty. Up stepped veteran midfielder Ian Craven who beautifully placed the ball to the right of the goalkeeper to send the game to extra-time.

Ranelagh were now deflated and Brigids were on a high and they fully intended to take their chance with both hands. Within minutes of the start of extra time, the lads led by four points. A high ball from a Fred Lynam 45' punched to the net by Brian Kelly. Conor Hayes then hitting a sublime side-line from the left wing. Kevin Brennan added another point to lead by 5 points at the break.

With the aid of the hill, Brigids sealed their promotion when Declan Barron found the back of the net within two minutes of the restart. Further points from Hayes and Morris sent Brigids home jubilant, and to their 3rd successive promotion.

St Brigids: Dan Fitzsimons, Stepehen Dunning, Ciaran Byrne, Paul Brady, Conor Morris, Kevin Brennan, Keith Fox, Ian Craven, Brian Kevlehan, Fergal Coonihan, Fred Lynam, Conor Hayes, Donal Fahy, Neil Plunkett, Keith Morris

Subs: Brian Kelly for Keith Morris, Declan Barron for Brian Kevlehan, John Dunning for Fergal Coonihan, Keith O'Neill for Donal Fahy

Half-Time: St Brigids 0-4 Ranelagh 1-4

Full-Time: St Brigids 1-9 Ranelagh 2-6

Half-Time Extra-Time: St Brigids 2-11 Ranelagh 2-6

Full-Time Extra-Time: St Brigids 3-13 Ranelagh 2-9

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