Dromintee recorded an historic Feile victory this afternoon with a four point winning margin over a spirited and determined Keady side in Silverbridge.
The success is the first of its kind in the competition for the club having fallen short at the final hurdle twice previously.
The game itself was a contest of attrition with Dromintee in front throughout but never comfortable.
In truth Dromintee made life difficult for themselves at times with the performance lacking it’s normal fluency and accuracy even on some of the basic skills which we associate with this side.
Sometimes however finals are simply about winning and in truth Dromintee never looked seriously threatened.
In near perfect conditions in Silverbridge Dromintee were had a spread of scorers in the first half as Oisin Byrne opened their account with other first half scores coming from Tomàs Fox Michael O’Neill and a trio of scores from Calvin Mooney.
Keady would themselves hit four first half points to trail by two at the break, 6-4.
The O’Dwyers had the ability to disrupt and frustrate Dromintee winning a series of kick outs via the breaking ball while their cover defenders were able to blunt Dromintee’s attacking prowess
The boys eventually began to show some semblance on their ability in the second half as the workrate of Fergus Toale, Conor Laverty, Keane McArdle, Tomas Fox, Conor Dunne and a commanding performance from Gavin O’Rourke saw them exert a degree of control on proceedings.
One gut-bursting run from Gavin O’Rourke finally lifted the spirits of the large Dromintee contingent with Keane and Calvin (3) hitting all of Dromintee’s second half scores.
The introduction of captain Diarmaid O’Rourke helped steady the ship and secure much needed possession but Dromintee could not dispense with the Keady challenge leaving those present to live on their nerves for the final ten mins.
A superb block by Michael Walker was the catalyst for the best score of the match from Mooney after Dromintee finally broke at pace and retained possession to stretch into a four point winning margin.
Undoubtedly this was not the performance the boys or coaches would have wanted but finals are for winning and the final whistle was greeted with a mixture of relief and elation that the Feile title would finally arrive in Dromintee.
It was notable today that six of the younger guard now occupy starting positions on the first 15 with the three defenders Charlie Fox, Scott Harris, and Jarlath O’Neill matched by the front trio of Ronan Martin, Tomas Fox and Oisin Byrne.
The strength in depth of the large squad was also evident throughout the county campaign never more so than in the semi final win over Crossmaglen.
The boys now advance to the regional element of Feile and have league and championship campaigns to come.
Having tasted defeat to Clann Eireann last season they now know they have set a standard for themselves this season which will need to be maintained and built upon.
Congratulations also go to the coaching team of Aidan O’Rourke, Kevin Toale, Aaron McKay and Stephen Dyas who have guided the boys through to an historic first win at this level, with particular thanks to Malachy & Sinead Byrne from Tievcrom Fuels who have been steadfast supporters and sponsors of the squad.
Next up for this side is the league campaign and the chance to build on the momentum garnered today but for this weekend the boys can sleep easy and enjoy their success.
The club wish Cathal Rice and Darragh Bolger speedy recovery after picking up injuries.
