Match report St. Pat’s vs Knockbeg Junior Football Leinster final 21st Apr
Match Report Thomas Connell TY
It was a fantastic feeling to wake up Leinster champions. Our incredibly resilient and talented Junior team wrote their names in history when they defeated Carlow team Knockbeg in a resounding and comfortable win in Kildare. It’s unfortunate that this is where the football season will end as with the performance that Pat’s gave in the final, I have no doubt they could match and even better any team in the country! 
It was the dream start for the lads as Conn Brennan rose high to win the throw up cleanly. A direct run through the centre of the pitch put Knockbeg under unprecedented early pressure. A short pass into Harry McGuirk at corner forward and there was only one thing on his mind. Putting the ball in the back of the net on the first play of the game gave Pat’s the confidence they needed to take control of the game in any way they wanted. They didn’t decide to settle down though as just a few minutes later Eanna Kenny had the keeper picking the ball out from his net for the second time in five minutes.
The first half was a complete domination from Pat’s in all areas of the game. They held onto the ball with confidence in the middle of the park and worked scores like a team who had been playing together for years. Knockbeg gave us a few scares early on with a couple of high quality frees and open play moves but Pat’s ended the first half the same way they started with another fantastic team goal. 
With the wind behind them in the second half, Pat’’ put away some glorious two point scores, Brennan and McGuirk being heavily involved once again. A final goal sealed Knockbeg’s fate against a side that seemed much hungrier for the trophy. Pat’s slowed the game down and took their last few scores well knowing they just had to get over the line. 
Stand out performers completely dictated the game for the Navan lads. Harry McGuirk was unplayable from start to finish, scoring 1-9 while also being substantially involved in the lead up to many important scores. Niall Rogan was as solid as ever being the leader in the full back line. Most impressive was his ability to get forward and impact both the attack and defence. Conor Larkin had to leave the field of play due to an injury late on but that takes nothing away from the relentless work rate he showed in the game. At times it was just what Pat’s needed to lift their spirits back up.  
This year’s team will be remembered very fondly after Tuesday’s win. An incredibly talented group of players who came together and produced a fine display worthy of a trophy win. All we can do now is hope that they stick together for a little longer and we could be witnessing a very successful senior team in a few years time.