Borris/Goresbridge - Anticipation is growing

THERE is a sense of growing anticipation in the Borris area as the countdown continues to next Monday's Carlow Coisde na n"g Under-12 'A' football championship final between the local Mount Leinster Rangers team and Tinryland at Dr. Cullen Park.

This is the first time that a Rangers team has reached a county 'A' final at this age level in either football since the establishment of the club in 1988, hence the growing excitement locally.

The MLR lads have won all their games to date, including a victory in the group stage over Tinryland. Myshall, Michael Davitts, Muinebheag and Palatine were also beaten in the group games.

In the semi-final, Rangers defeated O'Hanrahans on a scoreline of 2-11 to 1-2 when Edward Byrne was top scorer with 1-3 and Denis Murphy chipped in with 0-4, with David Gorman scoring 1-0, Brendan Bolger (0-2) while Johnny Cummins and Thomas Bolger scored the other points.

There were no substitute introduced and the Mount Leinster Rangers team which started that semi-final was: Richard Murphy, Noel Murphy, Seamus Kelly, Simon Byrne, Gary Kavanagh, Gary Kelly, Paul Coady, Denis Murphy, Brendan Bolger, Niall Murphy, Edward Byrne, Michael Doyle, Johnny Cummins, Thomas Bolger and David Gorman.

The MLR team mentors are Mick Murphy, Conor Murphy, Hugh Byrne, Pat Byrne, Joe Gorman and Martin Bolger.

Rangers go into the final unbeaten but know they face very strong opposition from Tinryland, one of the traditional forces in Gaelic football in the county and a club which has put enormous focus on their juveniles, with much success, over recent years.

It is hoped there will be large-scale support for the boys in red and black for Monday's final as the Under-12's seek to make their own small piece of GAA history within the county.

They deserve every support on what will be a proud and important occasion in their young sporting lives. And, hopefully, these mighty young Rangers will bring home the honours on Monday night.