County Roscommon club's minor team on cusp of Connacht glory

The Elphin/Ballinameen U-17 team have a unique opportunity on Friday evening to capture provincial silverware when they face Breaffy of Mayo in the Connacht GAA Club Minor B Final at the Connacht GAA Centre in Bekan.

The combined club from north Roscommon have put in two very good performances against the respective Leitrim and Sligo Division 2 champions, Dromahair St. Patrick’s in the quarter-final, and Enniscrone/Kilglass in the semi-final.

In their first game against Dromahair, they emerged with a one point victory on a scoreline of 3-10 to 3-9. Their impressive centre forward, Dean Casey, led the way for Elphin/Ballinameen last Friday evening as he finished with a final tally of 1-10, 1-5 of which came from play, with David Maciag and Tadgh Morris getting the other goals.

Casey brought his excellent form in to Tuesday’s semi-final against Enniscrone/Kilglass, kicking another 1-7 in their 3-9 to 2-7 victory over the Sligo club.

Two goals from a Dean Casey penalty and a Tadgh Morris effort on the stroke of half-time gave their side a 2-4 to 0-2 lead at the interval.

Elphin/Ballinameen carried on in similar fashion in the second half, with Casey setting Morris up for his second goal as they enjoyed an eleven point lead with just under ten minutes remaining.

A late flurry from Enniscrone/Kilglass flattered the scoreline as Elphin/Ballinameen dominated the game in all areas of the field.

Ahead of the final against Breaffy, which throws in at 6. 30 p.m., Elphin/Ballinameen possess talent across the pitch and have displayed excellent balance between their defence and attack that has been blended with their rapid transition following turnovers.

Casey has been his side’s best player so far, kicking 2-17 in two matches, but he has combined very well with fellow county minor from this year Cathal Enright whose high quality kick passing is crucial to the rapid transition play.

Dean’s brother Gordon, who was also on this year’s minor team, has led strongly in defence alongside the aforementioned Maciag.

Inside forward Morris has developed an excellent connection with Dean Casey, and has a keen eye for goal, kicking 3-2 in this year’s provincial championships.

Elphin/Ballinameen’s opponents on Friday evening overcame An Cheathrú Rua on a scoreline of 1-10 to 0-8 in the other semi-final.

Two of their players, Conor Coghill and Oisin Costello, were on the Mayo minor panel that beat Roscommon in the Connacht minor final earlier this year, and will be important players for Breaffy.