​Burren on course for historic third Paul McGirr U16 title

Down champions Burren took another step towards being the first three-time winners of the Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Championship when they overcame a stiff challenge from Ramor United in the Sunday’s semi-final in Páirc Ghearrdhroma.

Ramor, who were rampant in the quarter final win over Newtownbutler, had been hit by a bug in the camp and were missing a few starters as a result. As the game progressed they were unable to maintain the energy levels they had shown previously, but they still refused to let Burren have things all their own way, with the ever dangerous Louis Kerrigan in particular causing havoc for the Burren defence.

Burren started the game strongly and showed their intent immediately, the bustling Jonny Denner first to react to a breaking ball and finishing low to the net. Jay Cunningham, who was outstanding throughout, added a point from distance as the Mourne men settled quickly. They were rocked, however, when Daire McCrystal, who had dropped momentarily into the full forward line, got on the end of a long searching delivery from Kerrigan to score his side’s only major. Unfortunately for Ramor, McCrystal was forced to do most of his best work around midfield instead of inside, as Burren were dominating this sector.

The Down champions responded immediately, this time somewhat fortuitously, when a long ball in from Shane McGreevy deceived everyone to end up in the back of Daniel Grinberg’s net as the goal fest continued. Swapped points from Cillian McCarthy, Sam Murdock and Kerrigan, along with a huge two pointer from McCrystal, left Ramor trailing narrowly 2-3 to 1-4 at the interval, matters could have been different only for Patrick McAllister’s breathtaking save to deny Kerrigan a certain goal.

This was as good as it got for the Breffni men as Burren hit the turbo button early in the second half, inspired largely by the ball winning brilliance of Cunningham and the work rate and playmaking of MFC Man of the Match Michael Trainor. They rattled off six unanswered points in a devastating spell, with Dylan Kelly, Michael and Odhran Trainor, Cunningham and two from Murdock doing the damage.

Ramor, to their credit, refused to lie down. With James McDevitt and Thomas O’Donoghue defending stoutly at the back and Andew Smart battling well around the middle, they launched a spirited fightback. Three points from McCrystal and another from Jack Reilly reducing the deficit as the Burren defence came under increasing pressure.

Eoin Coulter and Aidan McGivern worked tirelessly to stem the tide, and Burren were rewarded when Denner and Kelly extended their advantage on breakaways as Ramor pushed forward in search of the goal they needed. A late conversion from Peadar Brennan wasn’t enough as time ran out for a gallant Ramor side.

“What a fantastic performance from our lads today in the Paul McGirr Ulster Semi-Final!” said Burren manager Martin Brennan. “We knew it would be a tough battle against a high-scoring and resilient Ramor team, but our lads dug deep and came out on top. It was a hard-fought contest, and every player gave their all from start to finish. We couldn’t be more proud of their commitment, resilience, and character. Once again, they showed what it means to wear the Burren jersey—playing with heart, skill, and a determination to represent the club at its best. Huge congratulations to each and every player for their outstanding efforts. A special word of respect for Ramor, who posed a huge challenge. We wish them all the best. They are a formidable team, and their performance throughout the competition has been exceptional.”

Burren now play Derry champions Bellaghy in what promises to be a mouthwatering decider next Sunday afternoon.

MATCH STATS

Burren: P McAllister, J McGovern, E Coulter, B Downey, O Trainor (0-1), C McCarthy (0-1), P Murtagh, J Cunningham (0-2), D Kelly (0-2), S Murdock (0-3, 2F), M McCartan, A McGivern, Michael Trainor (0-1), S McGreevy (1-0), J Denner (1-1)

Subs: L Rowntree for McCartan

Ramor United: D Grinberg; I Clancy, J McDevitt, C Mulligan; S O'Dowd, T O’Donoghue, F Burns; B Ray Cole, D McCrystal (1-5, 5F), L Kerrigan (0-2, 1F), P Brennan (0-1, 1F); A Smart, J Reilly (0-1), C Lynch, JOkosisi

Subs: R Kelly for Okosisi, C Stephen for Burns

Referee: Christopher Brady (Monaghan)