Buncrana Hearts U-12s seal league glory in some style at Castle Park

There were jubilant scenes at Castle Park as Buncrana Hearts U-12s secured the league title in style, brushing aside Clonmany Shamrocks in front of a fine home support. 

From the first whistle, the young Hearts looked sharp, and it was Eoin O’Hagan who opened the scoring with a goal that will live long in the memory. 

Picking up the ball well inside his own half, O’Hagan surged forward before unleashing an unstoppable effort from 25 yards that crashed in off the crossbar - a strike worthy of winning any game.

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The Hearts went in one to the good at the break, but it was after the restart that they really turned on the style.

Luke McLaughlin won a great tackle in midfield before slipping the ball to his brother Mark, who finished superbly across the face of goal to double the advantage. Moments later, Mark turned provider, squaring for O’Hagan who made no mistake with a cool, clinical finish to make it three.

There was no let-up from the young Inishowen outfit as Lukas Janosik added his name to the scoresheet following some lovely build-up play. Mark McLaughlin then bagged his second of the night, a lovely swivel and strike after a smart pass from Brandon O’Doherty.

Fittingly, it was O’Hagan who had the final say, stepping up to slot home from the penalty spot to complete his hat-trick and cap off a superb team display.

At the final whistle, Liam Porter of the IYSL was on hand to present the league trophy to joint-captains Brandon O’Doherty and Kruz McColgan, sparking wild celebrations among players, coaches, and travelling supporters.

It’s been a phenomenal season from the Hearts youngsters, who have shown great skill, spirit, and togetherness throughout and with a cup final still to come, there may yet be more silverware to celebrate.

Credit, too, to the coaching team of Donald, Mark, James, and Alan, whose tireless work behind the scenes has helped mould this talented group into league champions.