From a Creggs standpoint, this U13 finale in Dubarry Park will sting for some time — not because of how it ended, but because of how close this young side came to completing a remarkable journey. Ballinasloe set the tone early, punishing an intercept opportunity inside the first minute and backing it up with a second clinical score ten minutes later. It was ruthless, efficient rugby that wins finals. At 14 nil down Creggs found themselves chasing a game they were very much contributing to but not yet controlling. What followed was a response that speaks volumes about this group. Phase by phase, Creggs began to find rhythm and belief. The ball movement improved, carrying options presented themselves, and Ballinasloe were forced to defend deeper and longer than they would have liked. Liam Harpur’s first try swung momentum and rightly lifted the contest leaving the half time score 14-7 behind.

 

The second half developed into a proper arm wrestle. Creggs showed composure and patience, Ballinasloe showed organisation and grit. When Harpur crossed again to level matters, it felt like the tide was turning, but finals are often decided by fine margins, not flow. Ballinasloe earned their victory through discipline, defensive resilience and the courage to take their chance scoring a try in the dying minute. Credit is due for their composure in the closing moments where many teams retreat under that kind of pressure. For Creggs, perspective matters, where being seeded near the bottom of their league and finishing this season in a provincial final is no accident. It is the product of perseverance, listening to coaching and a group of lads who learned the hard way before learning how to win. This was not the end for this team but more a marker. And it suggests this team’s best days are still ahead. Roll on next season.

Congrats to the boys, parents and their dedicated coaches putting in the hours all season.

 

Creggs Matthew Fox, Cillian Greene, Rian Fannon, Dominik Bernatek, Adam Mitchell, Callum Keane, Liam Harpur, Nathan O Connor, Jack Egan, Tadhg Shea, Seamie McPhillips, Luke O’Neill, Jonathan Towey, Rhys Payne Ward, Donal Towey, Joshua Buchan, Eli Crean, Harry Martin, Alex Kelly, Fionn Gilligan, Finn Harrington, Colm Dennigan, Paidi Duignan, Michael Burke, Oisín Murphy-Egan, Michael Scanlon, Reuben Cuddy, Cal Murphy, Joshua Kilroy, Ben Kelly, Conor Gaynor, Donnacha Finneran, Patrick Kerrigan, Coman Connaughton.