Derrylin’s U12 team put their names in the history books when they fought back to beat Derrygonnelly on Saturday afternoon, in Kinawley. Joyous scenes greeted the final whistle, as the young O’Connells side became the first ever Derrylin U12 team to win this prestigious title.

Derrygonnelly held a one point lead after the first quarter.

Conor McGovern kicked three points whilst Niall Maguire tagged on another. Josh Smith got the first goal for Derrylin and points from Pádraig Owen and Ronan McCaffrey left little in it.

In the second quarter, the Harps boys pulled away, tagging on five points from their captain Ronan McGovern, Niall Maguire, Oran Harbinson and Conor McGovern. Derrylin only tagged on a solitary point during this period from the boot of their captain Michal Prusakiewicz.

In the third quarter, Derrylin started to claw their way back and Josh Smith got a second goal. Goalkeeper Michael Clarke even got in on the act, bursting up-field and chipping over a point for the O’Connells.

The Derrylin side had the momentum and this continued through the final quarter. Padraig Owens and Ronan McCaffrey won a lot of ball in midfield whilst Dairmuid Owens and Cathair Leonard worked hard and pressed the Derrygonnelly defence.

Conor McGovern tagged on another couple of points for the Harps, bringing his tally to an impressive ten points but his efforts were in vain as Derrylin finished the stronger. Josh Smith finished with a very impressive 2-04 as the O’Connells outscored the Harps, to claim a memorable victory.

Derrylin were without Marc Lynam on the day, after his grandfather sadly passed away on the morning of the final but his team mates showed great determination, skill and courage to beat a Derrygonnelly team who have suffered defeats in five successive division 1 finals now.

Joint U12 Manager Emmett Curry could not hide his elation afterwards: “It meant the world to us! Two years ago, we struggled to get anyone to take this team and we were getting beaten by 25 points no matter where we went. They lost the division two final to Newtownbutler last year but they’re a gutsy team and they’ve shown that. In the last 15 minutes, they always come at you stronger - it’s not good for my heart though!” he laughs.

Derrygonnelly will take great pride from the fine performances of many of their young players particularly Conor McGovern, Ronan McGovern and under-10 goal-keeper Owen Hoy all of whom had tremendous games.