U14s 2004

Owen Roes 1-11 Eglish 2-2

Championship Quarter Final

Eglish holders of the only unbeaten record in this year’s u-14 grade 3 section visited Pairc an Ghleanna on Saturday morning. However after a hour of scintillating football, the form book had been ripped up as the youngsters from Leckpatrick roared though.

It had all started brightly for Eglish as they quickly established a 2 points lead, but points from Conor Friel, Paul Devine, Ryan Logue and Stephen Wray swung the advantage into the favour of Owen Roes by half-time. Just prior to half time, saw action at both ends of the field. Firstly the impressive St.Patrick’s keeper tipped Marcus McGinley’s rasping drive around the post. While at the other end, Aaron Lynch made a great block to stop a certain goal.

The O’Neills though dominated the second half. With the impressive McGinley supported by the hard working Kevin O’Donnell the home side set camp in the Eglish half. Logue twice, Devine and Friel again finding range to stretch away, before the key moment of the contest.

Sean McAuley fed Paul Devine, who stormed through the visiting defence to launch a blistering drive to the net to fortify the host’s advantage. At the other end keeper Aaron Doherty made a fine save to protect the advantage.

As the Roes continued to boss proceedings, Dermot McMenamin curled over, followed closely by Wray to all but end the game. Only two late goals, one from a penalty, putting a gloss on the score line. When Logue notched his fourth point of the game, the referee blew time, to end a great performance by Owen Roes, who now go through to the semi-final of the championship.

Owen Roes U14 Reach Championship Decider

Championship Semi Final

Owen Roes 6-13 Urney 2-5

Owen Roes Championship dreams survived an early scare, before defeating the challenge of Urney in Glenelly in Saturday morning. In truth the young O'Neills had it easy at the finish, but it hadn't appeared like that in the opening stages.

After only 5 minutes of this contest Urney had established a 2-2 to no score lead. After this scare though the Roes’ back line led superbly by Aaron Lynch shut up shop. The game swung in favour of the Leckpatrick lads before the half ended. Paul Devine and Dermot McMenamin to the fore with a 1-2 each. Kevin O’Donnell and Marcus McGinley also pointing to establish a 4-point advantage.

In the second half this trend continued. Stephen Wray, Marcus McGinley and Kevin O’Donnell again sending over. However it was the attacking duo of McMenamin and Devine that was doing the damage. Devine waltzed through the Urney rearguard beating the entire defence before crashing home, and McMenamin finding the net twice more to finish up with 3-3 to his credit. 

Although the forwards will take a lot of the credit, they were operating in space that was earned by the hard work of their teammates. Conor Friel operating off McMenamin, and Wray, McGinley and O’Donnell delivering quality ball in. In defence Lynch and Gerard McShane stood firm, with the Doherty brothers Rory and Barry feeding good ball into the midfield unit.

To Urney’s credit the never gave up. A run of 3 points edged them closer to their opponents, and only a good block by Aaron Doherty prevented the Urney youngsters from netting.

Unfortunately for them Ryan Logue got in on the act with his fine shot ending in the bottom corner of the net, following hard work by his captain Gerard Devine. Logue again pointed, before the subs got in on the act. Young Michael Corey weeved through a few tackles before feeding Johnny Harte who dissected the posts to end the game. Owen Roes will now meet the winners of Fintona and Newtonstewart in the county final.

The game was very well refereed by Ciaran McLaughlin of Strabane

Owen Roes: Aaron Doherty, Gerard McShane, Aaron Lynch, Barry Doherty, Gerard Devine, Rory Doherty, Kevin O’Donnell (0-2), Marcus McGinley (0-2), Stephen Wray (0-1), Ryan Logue (1-1), Paul Devine (2-3), Conor Friel, Dermot McMenamin (3-3). Subs: Johnny Harte (0-1), Michael Corey

The lads are back in action again next week in the U14 grade 3 league semi final. The game is provisionally penciled in for a 5pm throw in Carickmore against Eglish. Check local press for details.

The Owen Roes U14s who defeated Urney in the grade 3 Championship Semi Final

Owen Roes U14 Reach League Semi Final

League Quarter Final

The u-14 footballers of Owen Roes made the long trip to Moortown on Saturday, and came home victorious. The Leckpatrick youngsters emerged winners on a score line of 4-10 to 2-7. Finding range for the red and greens was Dermot McMenamin who hit 3-5, and  Ryan Logue with 0-2. Also amongst the scorers were Conor Friel, and Stephen Wray.

However man of the match for the 2nd week in succession was Kevin O'Donnell, whose tireless running enabled the forward pack to showcase their talent. The lads are back in action this coming Saturday (12th June), when they play Urney in the championship semi final in Glenelly. All support from parents, friends and supporters would be appreciated for the team.

Owen Roes U14s Crash 

League Semi-Final

Eglish 3-6 Owen Roes 1-6

It was a case of counting your chickens for the U14 footballers of Owen Roes. Just 4 days after reaching the U14 Championship final, the Leckpatrick lads entered a league semi final with Eglish with double dreams on their minds.

However a complacent performance, saw the O'Neills lose out on a 3-6 to 1-6 score line. A late Marcus McGinley goal for Owen Roes. The boys were disappointed after the game, but it is important to remember that there is still a final to look forward to. At this level it is all about education and learning. One lesson that the lads have learnt is that there is no such thing as an easy game. On reflection this could be a good thing for the young outfit, as they will approach the Championship encounter hungrier for success. Congratulations to Eglish.