Douglas are County U21 ‘A’ Champions 2025

Douglas claimed the U21AFC title on Sunday in Macroom, finishing strongly to overcome Ibane Gaels by three points. Despite playing with the wind in the first half, Douglas found themselves six points down after conceding two early goals. However, they recovered well, narrowing the deficit to a single point at half-time, trailing 2-5 to 0-10.

Ibane stretched their advantage early in the second half through Olan O’Donovan and Kevin Hennessy, but Douglas gradually took control through composed defending and improved decision-making. Jack Cunningham, who finished with five points, was instrumental, while Eoin O’Flynn’s link play allowed Seán Coakley to fire home a crucial goal that pushed Douglas ahead entering the final quarter.

Ibane responded with points from captain Tomás Ó Buachalla and substitute Jamie Collins, levelling the contest at 2-9 to 1-11, but those proved to be their last scores. Douglas’s bench made a significant impact, with Donncha Mac Pháidín and Ronan Dooley influential in the closing stages. Late points from Coakley and Cunningham ensured Douglas pulled away, with Coakley finishing on 1-6.

Having battled through difficult early conditions and heavy Ibane pressure, Douglas showed greater composure in the final minutes to secure a hard-earned championship victory.

Scorers for Douglas: S Coakley 1-6 (1 2pt, 0-1 f), J Cunningham 0-5 (0-2 f), L Dwan Fogarty 0-2, D O’Callaghan, J O’Brien, H Quilligan, R Dooley 0-1 each.

Ibane Gaels: O O’Donovan 0-5 (0-2 f), D Walsh 1-1, M Collins 1-0, T Ó Buachalla, K Hennessy J Collins 0-1 each.

DOUGLAS: J O’Flaherty; D O’Callaghan, J O’Callaghan Maher, L Dwan Fogarty; C Mac Pháidín, O Barry, J Burke; D Buckley, J O’Brien; S Coakley, S O’Leary, A Young; E O’Flynn, H Quilligan, J Cunningham.

Subs: D Mac Pháidín for Young, J Mouret for C Mac Pháidín (both 41), R Dooley for Quilligan (51), C O’Keeffe for O’Flynn (56).

IBANE GAELS: L McCarthy; K Hennessy, D Moloney, A Walsh; M Collins, D McCarthy, C Twomey; D Dineen, T Ó Buachalla; J Crowley, D Flynn, D Walsh; L Murphy, O O’Donovan, J Twomey.

Sub: J Collins for Crowley (46).

Referee: J Ryan (Macroom).