Published: Friday, 20th November, 2009 10:00am

St Rynagh's win minor title to cap tremendous year

St. Rynagh's 4-9

Edenderry 4-7

Let it be said that anyone who witnessed the minor A final in Clara on Sunday last was treated to a memorable final. It had absolutely everything. Fantastic scores, end to end drama, remarkable passing, exceptional interceptions.

This game will definitely go down in the history books as on of the greatest matches seen in ladies football. Yet again it was the Edenderry girls that were the opponents for the Rynaghs girls. The rivalry and tension was very evident even at the start of the game. In somewhat fortunate conditions both team gave 110 percent to produce a game of extremely high quality. It was hard to believe at times at the point taking and the pure determination to hold possession throughout the match. The supporters were taken on a roll-coaster ride and nearly every piece of energy was gone although they weren't even playing, therefore you can imagine how exhausted the girls were from this truly high tempo match.

The first half both teams put great scores on the board and the match went from one end of the field to the other. Obviously fouls were committed, due to the pure intensity of the match but the game was played in a very sporting way. Each team knew from the start that they were going to have a battle on their hands but I doubt they realised how intense the match planned out to be. For one end the Rynagh's girls would score and Edenderry then came back with scores of their own. Even in the middle of November both teams rallied and the game continued to become the marvellous spectacle that it turned out to be. The first half seen five goals and nine points between both teams and at the break Edenderry lead by two points at a scoreline of 3-4 to 2-5. Surely the second half would be played at a lower pace but that was definitely not the case. From the throw-in yet again both teams produced an array of great scores and fine passes.

Again this half had everything. Each team gathered possession from the back-line and headed towards the goal. The game was still tight during the later stages of the second half and still only a few points separated the teams. Maybe the match could end in a draw but however this was not the way it would end. The Rynagh's girls were down by only one point and from a free that hit the post the ball fell kindly to a Rynagh's girl who slotted it home to take a worthy lead. There was roughly five minutes played after the goal and both teams fought for everything. However on the sound of the final whistle the Rynagh's girls had done it. They final score-line read St. Rynagh's 4-9, Edenderry 4-7.

Nearly all the Rynagh's girls fell to their knees in euphoria at what had happened. They too were up and down with emotion throughout the game, but yet they had won the minor A final.

Truly this game concluded the season in great fashion. Both teams gave it their all throughout the match. They had worked hard all year round and from their continuous efforts they have come out on top yet again. A massive thanks has to go to both managers on their continued determination to be the best club in Offaly. The Rynagh's girls this year are now the under 12 runners up, under 14 feile county champions, under 14 feile All-Ireland champions, under 14 county champions, under 16 county champions and the minor county champions. What a year this has been for the Rynagh's club. They continue to go from strength and strength from year to year. A massive congratulations to all involve.

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