Tipperary LGFA Amneal U16B Championship Final

Brian Borus edge out St Pats in thrilling U16B decider

There was no shortage of drama in the Amneal U16B County Final as Brian Borus narrowly held off a spirited St Pats challenge to claim victory by the slimmest of margins, winning 2-7 to 1-9 on Sunday afternoon.

Played in perfect autumn conditions, both sides began brightly in front of a strong crowd. Brian Borus opened the scoring after just four minutes with a well-taken point from play, but St Pats were quick to respond, Grace Noonan levelling matters with a fine effort from distance.

The first half developed into a tight and evenly matched contest, with both teams trading scores and defences standing firm. Rona O’Connor proved crucial for Borus, converting a pair of frees before delivering the first major blow of the game in the 20th minute — a clinical goal from a free that gave her side a four-point cushion. St Pats battled hard through Zoe Duggan and Grace Noonan, but despite creating chances, they trailed 1-4 to 0-3 at the break.

St Pats came out firing in the second half, with Milly Cleere and Zoe Duggan inspiring a resurgence that brought them right back into contention. However, just as momentum appeared to be turning, Rona O’Connor struck again, finishing a superb goal from play to restore Borus’s advantage.

The final quarter was end-to-end football, as St Pats refused to yield. A penalty goal by Claire Fitzgerald and further points from Noonan and Cleere set up a tense finale. Borus, however, showed great composure under pressure. Key scores from Aoibhinn Casey, Allanah Casey, and Megan Browne proved vital as they held off the late St Pats surge.

Despite several late efforts — including a series of wides and a goal-saving stop from Aine Nugent — St Pats couldn’t find the equaliser, and the final whistle sparked celebrations for Brian Borus, who were deserving winners after a determined and disciplined display.

Full-Time Score:
Brian Borus U16: 2-7 (13)
St Pats U16: 1-9 (12)

Brian Borus scorers: Rona O’Connor 2-2 (1-0f), Aoibhinn Casey 0-2, Allanah Casey 0-1, Megan Browne 0-1, 1 point unrecorded.
St Pats scorers: Zoe Duggan 0-3 (1f), Grace Noonan 0-3, Claire Fitzgerald 1-0 (pen), Milly Cleere 0-2, Rosie O’Brien 0-1.