17/10/2026
U16s Save Their Best Until Last in CoE Ferns Division 2 Shield Final
HWH Bunclody 1-21
Ballyrock Gaels 2-9
What a way to finish a season.
Following a battling Premier Shield Final victory last week and with the club also adding the Minor Championship to the roll of honour, Bunclody’s U16s produced another performance full of courage, quality, and character, defeating Ballyrock Gaels by 1-21 to 2-9 to claim the CoE Ferns Division 2 Shield.
Last week, Bunclody recovered from eight points down to win by six. This time there was no slow start. Ballyrock Gaels registered the opening point, but it proved to be the only occasion they held the advantage.
Moments later Noah Byrne caused havoc down the left and won a free, which he calmly converted. Mike Sheehan quickly followed with a fine point from play after a superb breakout move, showcasing the quick, sharp passing that became a feature of Bunclody’s performance.
Another attack resulted in Mike Murphy being fouled, with Noah converting, before Mike Sheehan added his second from play.
At the other end, Gaels threatened, but Liam Coleman and Tommy Moynihan were outstanding as part of an immense Bunclody defence.
When Troy Farrell was fouled around the Bunclody 65, Rylee Murphy backed himself and produced a monster strike to split the posts.
Noah added another free before Gaels responded with a goal. Jamie Norris, already involved in a huge battle with their centre-back, replied with a well-taken point. Two Gaels scores reduced the deficit to one, but Bunclody remained composed.
Goalkeeper Charlie Kavanagh, back after nearly two months out and still nursing injuries, provided a major platform for Bunclody’s attacking play. His puck-outs repeatedly found length and width and launched numerous attacks.
Then came Mick Connors. Making one of his trademark runs through the Gaels defence, Mick unleashed a sweet strike that gave the goalkeeper no chance. Having been fouled in several earlier attacks, it was some reward for his efforts. You simply can’t keep a good man down!
Troy Farrell continued to impress, producing lovely stick work to dispossess an opponent before immediately delivering a quality ball forward.
Then came a potentially decisive moment. Following a scuffle involving Jamie Norris and the Gaels centre-back, Jerome Kelly was sent off after becoming involved while coming to his teammate’s assistance.
Instead of unsettling Bunclody, the dismissal appeared to galvanise them.
Before half-time, Noah Byrne added two points, one from a free won following another barnstorming Tommy Moynihan run from defence, while Rylee Murphy and Mick Connors also found the target. Bunclody reached half-time leading 1-11 to 1-5.
On a calm, dry night in Ferns there would be no wind to dictate the second half. Bunclody had earned their advantage through hard work, teamwork, and skill. Now they had to finish the job with 14 men.
And they did.
Remarkably, Bunclody rarely looked a player short. Mick Connors remained brilliant, Jamie Norris produced arguably his finest performance yet in Bunclody colours, while Noah Byrne displayed flashes of Tony Kelly-like wizardry with the hurl as he cut though time and time again.
Noah contributed four second-half points, Jamie added three and Mick another. Perhaps the score of the evening, however, belonged to Rylee Murphy. After fighting to win possession and escaping two defenders, Rylee fired over from near the sideline and a long way from goal, adding to his massive first-half free.
Mike Murphy also got his reward on the scoreboard following another flowing Bunclody move.
Crucial to Bunclody’s play was the work of Ed Dunbar and Rylee Murphy, who continually provided the link between defence and attack.
With 15 minutes remaining, Johnny Connors entered the action after playing a huge game for the U14s on Monday. He immediately made his presence felt, creating two excellent scores and almost breaking through for a goal himself.
Gaels never surrendered, and Bunclody’s defence continued to work relentlessly.
Liam Coleman commanded the full-back line. Patrick Kenny produced two vital blocks at pivotal moments while constantly offering support to those around him. Donnchadh Lennon again demonstrated his ability to read the game, appearing in the right place at the right time to s***f out attacks.
The half-back line was equally impressive. Tommy Moynihan led from the front as always, taking responsibility and driving those around him forward.
Cathal Pender produced an outstanding display, working tirelessly, winning possession, tracking runners, intercepting attacks and clearing danger, ensuring nobody in his area enjoyed an easy evening.
Captain Mike Sheehan demonstrated remarkable versatility. A forward who scores, he moved into defence to cover Jerome, having previously played in goal in the semi-finals and starred in midfield for his school. Wearing the captain’s armband, he delivered some memorable words at half-time that are probably best left inside the dressing room!
Special mention also to Tony Brophy,, Matthew Whiting and Oliver O’Neill.
A fantastic conclusion to a tremendous season. Thanks to everyone who supported this team throughout the year.
