Courtesy: The Westmeath Independent


Super Drum/Clonown secure futsal gold medal in National Finals

Wednesday, 29th August, 2012

The Drum/Clonown U13 futsal team struck gold as the sun shone in Athlone IT for the final weekend of the 2012 HSE Community Games National Finals.

The south Roscommon side defeated Listowel of Kerry on penalties in last Sunday's final to bring a coveted gold medal back to their area.

Representing Roscommon and Connacht, Drum/Clonown faced Leinster champions Lucan in the semi-finals last Saturday. It was a very close and nail-biting game from beginning right through to extra-time, and the talented goalkeepers on both sides were kept very busy. But Drum/Clonown's Paul McManus eventually made the all-important breakthrough in extra-time, putting his side 1-0 up by placing the ball nicely to the back of the Lucan net. And that's how the way the game ended.

In the other semi-final, Listowel beat Fanad of Donegal 3-1 to set up a final clash against Drum/Clonown with a national title at stake.

The time of reckoning arrived on Sunday morning. The team that could shake off the nerves and settle into the game quickest was likely to reap the benefits. As it turned out, neither side was willing to give an inch to the other. The teams were very evenly matched in the first half and, despite a high standard of football from both teams, neither could get a clear shot at goal. Listowel had a number of long range shots, but Colm Lynch's terrific goalkeeping skills thwarted the Kerry side's hopes of taking an early lead.

Drum/Clonown relied on skilful passing in a bid to create scoring opportunities, but they were unable to make the breakthrough. Despite both sides battling frantically for the opening goal, the match finished 0-0, and so extra-time was required.

Listowel took the lead in extra-time and, shortly afterwards, Drum/Clonown 'keeper Colm Lynch made a critical save to keep the match at 1-0. Spirited defending from Dylan Sumner kept the ball out of the Drum/Clonown net, but he paid the price and had to leave the pitch with an injury.

With only 30 seconds of play left, Adam Harney played a perfect ball into the box, and Calum O'Brien headed it brilliantly into the top corner to make it 1-1.

The game went to penalties and both sides showed great character to step up to the mark in front of the massive crowd which was willing both sides on. The score finished 4-3 on penalties in favour of Drum/Clonown, who were therefore crowned All-Ireland champions.

The Drum/Clonown players had plenty of support from St Joseph's FC, who all of the team play schoolboy soccer for, and they were also backed by ADSL representatives and members of Clann na nGael GAA club. The south Roscommon side was also thankful to the Connacht runners-up from Mayo who came to support Drum/Clonown in their ultimately successful quest to become the All-Ireland champions.




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com