Austin Stacks claim 2024 Ask Acorn County U21 Championship
Austin Stacks claimed the 2024 Ask Acorn County U21 Football Championship beating St Brendan’s Board 2 – 10 (16) to 0 – 12 (12) at Austin Stack Park, Tralee. The strong wind blowing from the Mitchel’s end from black spot to black spot meant that this was going to be a clichéd game of two halves.
The opening exchanges were evenly matched although Stacks could have led by more with a bit more accuracy. Instructions from the bench for ‘better shot selection’ seemed to work.
Two first half Stacks goals by Damien Hogan and Daniel Kirby saw St Brendan’s Board trail by 9 points, 2 – 08 (14) 0 – 05 (0 – 05) at half time.
Stacks took up where they left of after the restart with two quick points to lead 2 – 10 (16) 0 – 05 (0 – 05). Strangely enough, they would not score again, partly because they seemed to sit back a little to defend their lead but also because St Brendan’s Board upped their game with a spirited fightback.
As the saying goes, goals win games. Stacks took their goal chances in the 1st half. St Brendan’s didn’t take theirs in the second including a saved penalty by Ben Quilter followed immediately by missing the resulting ’45. That seemed to put an end to the comeback and Stacks held on for a 4-point win.
The U-21 title returns to Rock Street for the first time since 2002, bridging a 22-year gap.
St Brendan’s Board scorers
Darragh O’Sullivan 0 – 06 (0 – 05f) (Churchill), Odhran Ferris 0 – 01 (0 – 01f) (Churchill), Gary O’Riordan (Ardfert), Ciarán White (John Mitchels), Earnan Ferris (Ardfert), Tomás Kennedy (Kerins O’Rahillys), Fionán Egan (Ardfert) 0 – 01 each.
Austin Stacks scorers
Daniel Kirby 1 – 01, Paddy Lane 0 – 04 (0 – 02f), Damien Hogan 1 – 00, Jordan Kissane 0 – 03 (0 – 03f), Ben Murphy 0 – 01, Conor Horan 0 – 01.
