The U16 boys played their final two League Championship games needing four points to win the title. In the first game at home to Tuam Celtic last Wednesday, United soaked up plenty of early pressure and eventually began to stem the flow to reach half time without conceding. The game swung in United's favour after the break when Ronan Nevin played a great through ball into Cillian Dolan who finished to the net superbly. The away side deserved great credit, continuing to pressure the Craughwell defence with Danny Pearce clearing off the line and keeper Kyle Heverin producing a top class fingertip save when a goal seemed certain. However, Tuam got their equaliser after the home side conceded a soft free kick and the game ended on a 1-1 scoreline.

That set up a winner take-all battle against Knocknacarra on Sunday afternoon at Coleman Park. Craughwell took an early lead when Cillian Dolan fired home his trademark long range strike from outside the box. However, Knocknacarra were soon winning the midfield battle and equalised before the break. While the first half was frenetic and condensed, Craughwell were able to get their passing game going after the break with midfielders Jack Lally and Eoin Fahy moving the ball out wide to greater effect. This created more space for in-form striker Dolan to score two more goals and complete his hatrick. Knocknacarra raised their game again to score a late goal, but United held on to seal the league title for Ger Fahy’s team on a 3-2 scoreline. Defenders Oisin O Brien, Mark Cunningham and keeper Kyle Heverin were immense when called upon, while Cillian Dolan put in a man-of-the-match performance with his hatrick and allround energetic display.