The Roscommon Under 16 Footballers came back from seven points down to secure a first Fr Manning Cup title since 2008 in Pearse Park, Longford.
Playing with the aid of a strong wind Kildare dominated the opening quarter and led by 1-4 to no score after 19 minutes. Roscommon’s opening score came in the 20th minute courtesy of a Darragh Walsh free. That point sparked a revival with the Rossies outscoring Kildare by 1-3 to 0-2 during the remainder of the half. Paul Carey found the net in the 23rd minute with Ciaran Lawless (two) and Walsh pointing. At Half-time Roscommon trailed by just two points; 1-4 to 1-6.
Ciaran Lawless got Roscommon’s second half scoring under way with a point. A goal from substitute Peter Gilhooly put Roscommon ahead in the 37th minute. The lead was short lived as Kildare found the net moments later. Darragh Walsh then equalised from a free and the start of a Roscommon scoring spree where they scored 1-6 without reply. His fourth point of the day put Roscommon ahead and Andrew Lyons increased the lead to two before Peter Gilhooly scored 1-1 in quick succession. Paul Carey and Billy McDonnell added further points to make it 3-11 to 2-6 with five minutes remaining. Kildare scored three consolation points but it was too little too late. Final score Roscommon 3-11 Kildare 2-9
Team and scorers
1. Michael O’Donnell (St Faithleachs)
2. Dylan Horan (Roscommon Gaels)
3. Jack Keane (Castlerea)
4. Oisin Lennon (Clan na nGael)
5. Shane Surlis (Shannon Gaels)
6. John Martin (Oran)
7. Niall Higgins (Elphin)
8. Paul McManus (C) (Clan na nGael)
9. James Larkin (Castlerea St Kevins)
17. Billy McDonnell (St Brigids) 0-1
11. Ciaran Sugrue (St Brigids)
12. Ciaran Lawless (Oran) 0-3
13. Darragh Walsh (Oran) 0-4, 2 Frees
14. Andrew Lyons (Castlerea St Kevins) 0-1
15. Paul Carey (Padraig Pearses) 1-1
Subs used: Peter Gilhooly (Roscommon Gaels) (2-1) for Sugrue; Paul McGrath (St Brigids) for Surlis, Donal Brennan (Castlerea) for Higgins; Ryan Donohue (Tulsk Lord Edwards) for Lawless; Pearse Frost (St Brigids) for Lennon.
Sean Seery (Clan na nGael); Oisin Reilly (St Brigids); Darren Duff (Clan na nGael); Cathal Crehan (St Ciarans); Diarmuid Regan (St Michaels); Albert Looby (Kilbride); Cian French (Kilmore) ; Ian O’ Rourke (St Brigids); Tom Carroll (St Brigids); Jarlath Lavin (Eire Og); Dylan Carbin (Tulsk); Charles Nevin (Padraig Pearses); Oisin Leavy (Strokestown).
Manager: Stephen Sheeran (St Ronans)
Coach/Selector: Peter Carney (Elphin)
Coach/Selector: Richie Feeney (Tulsk Lord Edwards)
Selector: David Duignan (St Ronans)
Selector: Liam Tully (Kilbride)