BSJ Minor C 3-12 (21)
Lucan 3-12 (21)
BSJ win 2–1 on penalties

BSJ Minor C were crowned Minor F Championship champions after an unforgettable final against Lucan, which had everything a championship decider could ask for — goals, points, momentum swings, extra time and, ultimately, the drama of a penalty shootout.

The sides could not be separated after normal time, and even after another exhausting period of extra time, the teams finished level at 3-12 apiece. It was then left to penalties to decide the destination of the title, with BSJ keeping their composure to come out on top by two penalties to one.

BSJ made an excellent start, settling quickly into the game and putting Lucan under early pressure. Wesley Earl opened the scoring before adding a free, and his influence continued as he found the net for BSJ’s first goal. Daniel Doyle also got in on the scoring, while BSJ’s early attacking play helped establish a useful lead.

Lucan stayed in touch, however, and gradually worked their way back into the contest. Their ability to find scores meant BSJ had to remain alert and work hard across the pitch. A Lucan goal brought them closer, but BSJ continued to create opportunities and Cohen Doyle added a point as the first half progressed.

Half-time: BSJ 1-5 (8) – Lucan 1-1 (4)

The second half developed into a real battle. Lucan found the net again to put pressure on BSJ, but Daniel Doyle responded with important scores, including a superb goal that gave BSJ a valuable lift. Wesley continued to contribute on the scoreboard, and the teams traded scores as the tension grew.

As the clock moved towards the end of normal time, Lucan fought their way back into contention. But BSJ refused to give in. The lads kept pushing, worked tirelessly for one another and showed tremendous character to stay in the game. The sides were level at the end of normal time, sending the final into extra time.

Full-time: BSJ 2-9 (15) - Lucan 3-6 (15)

Extra time brought no let-up. Brian McDonald got a crucial point for BSJ, while Daniel Doyle and Josh Daly added further scores as BSJ looked to gain the upper hand. Lucan responded and the lead continued to change hands. With both teams showing huge determination, neither could find the decisive score.

Daniel Doyle then produced another massive moment, finding the net in the 81st minute to bring BSJ level at 3-12 apiece. Lucan had a late opportunity to take the win, but BSJ stood firm and the final went to penalties.

A huge effort across the field!

While the goals and penalty shootout will grab the headlines, this victory was built on a massive collective effort right across the team. The defensive unit deserves particular credit for the work they put in throughout a physically demanding contest that went all the way to extra time.

Adam Hanvey, Chris Cassidy, Alfie Carroll, Aidan Moore, Josh Daly and Paul Tallon all played their part in a tremendous team effort at the back. Their commitment, work rate and determination were vital in dealing with Lucan's attacking threats and keeping BSJ in the contest during some very difficult spells.

The statistics also reflect the collective effort, with BSJ winning 147 possessions compared with Lucan's 112. This was not just about the players getting on the scoresheet; it was about the work being done all over the pitch, competing for every ball and putting in the hard yards for one another.

It was a huge shift from the entire team, with everyone contributing, backing one another up and refusing to give an inch. That collective spirit would prove just as important when the game went to penalties.

The penalty shootout

And so, after more than 80 minutes of hurling, the championship was to be decided by penalties!

There was no shortage of drama as both teams faced five penalties each.

Aidan Moore stepped up first for BSJ, but his effort was saved. Lucan converted their opening penalty to take the early advantage. Wesley Earl then went for BSJ’s second, but his effort went over the bar, before Lucan also missed their second, also sending it over the bar.

Torin Cunningham was next for BSJ, but his penalty was saved. Lucan’s third effort was then brilliantly kept out by Cormac Nyland, who got his hurl to the ball to push it wide.

With three penalties taken each, Lucan still led 1-0.

Aeden Wren stepped up for BSJ’s fourth and calmly found the left-hand side of the net, just beyond the reach of the Lucan goalkeeper, to level the shootout at 1-1.

Cormac was at it again moments later, producing another fantastic save to deny Lucan’s fourth penalty and keep BSJ in the contest.

Up stepped Matthew Hanley for BSJ’s fifth penalty. He made no mistake, sending the ball into the back of the net to put BSJ ahead 2-1.

Everything came down to Lucan’s final penalty. Their number five stepped forward, but Cormac Nyland had *one more moment of magic* in store. He saved the effort, completing a magnificent penalty shootout performance and securing the championship for BSJ!

Final penalty shootout score: BSJ 2 – 1 Lucan.

A fantastic team achievement!

After a marathon final, extra time and a nerve-racking penalty shootout, the players showed incredible resilience, belief and togetherness to get over the line.

A special mention to Cormac Nyland, whose three penalty saves proved decisive, and to Daniel Doyle for his outstanding contribution in front of goal, including the late extra-time goal that kept BSJ alive.

There were huge contributions throughout the team, from the attacking scores to the defensive work rate and determination, with everyone playing their part in a memorable championship victory.

Congratulations to all the players and management on a brilliant achievement. An unforgettable final, an incredible team effort and a championship title that was thoroughly earned.

BSJ Scorers

* Daniel Doyle: 2 goals, 4 points
* Wesley Earl: 1 goal, 5 points
* Josh Daly: 1 point
* Cohen Doyle: 1 point
* Brian McDonald: 1 point

Final result: BSJ Minor C are Minor F Championship champions! 🏆🧡🖤