Match Report: Eamon Keane U13 Football Championship Cratloe -V- Clann Lír (Kilfenora, Michael Cusack's, Liscannor) 
Venue: Kilfenora
Date: Saturday 5th April 2025  

The Eamon Keane U13 Football Championship kicked off in thrilling fashion on a sunny Saturday morning in Kilfenora, with a closely contested match between Clann Lír and Cratloe. A good display of talent and determination for both sides, culminating in a draw.
 
The action began with Charlie Ormston registering our first point in the opening exchanges. However, the home side quickly took control, with full forward Gearoid Considine already hinting he was one to watch. He was instrumental in a scoring spree that saw the home team rack up 1-2 in rapid succession. Conor Quinn responded on the 10-minute mark with a well executed 45, followed by two more successful free kicks, bringing the score to 0-4 to 1-2 at the quarter mark.

Considine added an impressive acute point shortly thereafter, only for Quinn to reply with a chipped point of his own. A turning point came when luck fell Cratloe's way, and Ormston took advantage of a loose ball in the square, netting soccer style to give us a narrow lead. Unfortunately, this lead was short-lived as Considine struck back immediately, leaving the score at 1-5 to 2-4 on the half-time whistle.

The second half opened positively for Cratloe when Sam McInerney converted a free kick with his left boot. Dylan McAuliffe, a powerhouse in the full back line, made a crucial turnover that led to our second goal. Andrew Lee, now playing outfield, delivered a pinpoint outside-the-boot pass to Ormston, who set up Conor Quinn to drive forward and finish powerfully to the bottom left corner, putting Cratloe two points clear.

Clann Lír fought back valiantly and came close to scoring a 3rd goal, only to be denied by the crossbar. The tension mounted as the Clann Lír centre back executed a long-range free after a high tackle, narrowing the gap to a single point. Clann Lír's persistence paid off as they leveled the match with another free kick soon after.

Quinn then converted another close-range free for Cratloe after the home side was penalised for not returning the ball. As the match approached its conclusion Clann Lír finished on a high note, slotting in another impressive point just before referee Paul Howard blew his whistle.

In the end, a draw was a fair result in what proved to be an entertaining encounter filled with skill and excitement. Well done to all our 18 players, who contributed throughout the 50-minute game, showcasing teamwork and hard work.

Cratloe Line-up: