Austin Stacks have that bit extra in Féile decider

Austin Stacks became the first Kerry team since 1991, and only the second club from the county, to be crowned All- Ireland U14 Féile Peil na nÓg champions after a dramatic final yesterday.

The Tralee outfit required extra-time before accounting for Wexford side Naomh Éanna 2-10 to 1-6 in the decider, in the final game of a hectic programme, which included 354 boys fixtures.

Austin Stacks were impressive in normal time and started brightly, taking a 0-5 to 0-0 lead at half-time. Naomh Eanna responded well, with Callum Travers netting their goal, scoring 1-3 without replay to leave it level 0-8 to 1-5 at full-time.

Stacks were strongest in extra-time, with Sean Quilter and Jordan Barry getting a goal each in either half.

Naomh Eanna’s chances were limited and they only registering one point in extra-time as the Kerry representatives delivered an historic title following a seven-point win with Dara Barry-Walsh, son of 10-time All-Ireland Senior winner with Kerry, Marienne lifting the silverware.

Athenry claimed the Division 1 Shield thanks to a 2-2 to 1-3 win over Wicklow side Bray Emmets. St Patrick’s, Wicklow claimed Division 1 ladies silverware with a 3-5 to 2-7 win over Royal Gaels from Dunshaughlin in Meath. Pat’s had to dig deep for victory with the sides deadlocked at 2-3 to 1-6 at the end of normal time. Naomh Ciaran of Offaly were crowned Division 1 Shield champions thanks to a comfortable 1-7 to 0-1 win over Tipperary side Aherlow.

Meanwhile, Cork’s Douglas claimed honours in the new-look Boys Regional Football Féile, organised separately to the main competition in Newbridge.

Douglas won the Cork Premier title last Wednesday and overcame St Sylvester’s of Dublin in the decider 3-4 to 2-3 in the showpiece.

Remarkably, all Douglas’ scores came in in the first-half with Ben Lucey and Cillian O’Donovan, scorer of two majors, finding the net.

Despite winning the toss, St Sylvester’s played against a strong wind in the first period and Douglas took advantage.

“What these players have achieved in winning this Féile is just unbelievable,” Eddie Nyhan stated.

“To have competed in the hurling the previous weekend, then beat Carrigaline in the county final in midweek and to follow up with further success in the Féile is top-class.

“Everybody involved from the players to the parents have had major roles in this win.”