Social Media Reaction – Praise heaped upon the Watties

Glen Watty Grahams’ run of footballing success continued at the weekend, when their u-21 team captured the Ulster club title.

The Watties beat St John’s Belfast by 1-13 to 1-5 at the provincial tournament hosted by Kickhams Creggan in Antrim.

It was a low-scoring affair in the first half, as Glen only led by two points (0-5 to 0-3).

But in the second half they stretched their lead considerably, as St John’s couldn’t handle Watty Graham’s scoring threat.In a tempestuous affair, a number of players were sent to the sidelines, St John’s defender Ciaran Garland walked for a black card offence, Jack Hannigan was black carded too for the Johnnies, Glen’s Ciaran McFaul walked for a second yellow offence, while Michael Bradley was shown a straight red after an altercation with a member of the Glen back room team.

Those indiscressions illustrate the tension that existed between these two teams who had met twice before at Ulster level.

But in the end Glen were just too good.

One of the keys to their victory was Enda Gormley’s decision to put Glen’s Conor Glass on Matthew Fitzpatrick, as the future AFL player did an excellent job keeping the Johnnies’ star forward quiet.

They had eight scorers on the day, Ciaran McFaul top scored with four points, Danny Tallon grabbed the goal, Conor Convery hit three points, and Tiernan Flanagan managed two points.

The current group of u-21s have an illustrious record of success for the past seven years. They have won u-14 Derry and Ulster OG sport, U-16 Derry and Paul McGirr, u-18 and St Paul’s Minor tournament, and two Derry u-21 titles and Creggan.

Here’s what they were saying on Twitter about this incredible team:

Congrats to @WattyGrahamsGAA of @Doiregaa who are now back to back @bankofireland U21 Paddy McLarnon Cup Champions! pic.twitter.com/15ZDTQDvEm

— Kickhams Creggan GAC (@KickhamsCreggan) February 21, 2016

Clean sweep of Derry & Ulster championships! Og Sport, U16 Paul McGirr, U18 St Paul’s & U21 Creggan #progression pic.twitter.com/10Ws8PSEMd

— Watty Graham’s, Glen (@WattyGrahamsGAA) February 21, 2016

Clean sweep of Derry & Ulster championships! Og Sport, U16 Paul McGirr, U18 St Paul’s & U21 Creggan #progression pic.twitter.com/10Ws8PSEMd

— Watty Graham’s, Glen (@WattyGrahamsGAA) February 21, 2016

@WattyGrahamsGAA Phenomenal achievement. Congratulations.

— Thomas Niblock BBC (@thomasniblock) February 21, 2016

@WattyGrahamsGAA
What an outstanding achievement for your club. Congratulations to all the management and players involved over the years.

— Martin Heaney (@MGHeaney) February 21, 2016

50 shades of ginger! pic.twitter.com/lCrPjit1FT

— Watty Graham’s, Glen (@WattyGrahamsGAA) February 21, 2016

Congratulations @WattyGrahamsGAA . Setting serious standards right across Derry+Ulster last 5 years.Achievements likely never be matched.

— Gerard O’Kane (@GerardOKane84) February 21, 2016

Congrats to @WattyGrahamsGAA on their victory today and thanks again to @KickhamsCreggan for hosting another great tournament.

— Naomh Eoin CLG (@naomheoinclg) February 21, 2016

@Conor_Glass signs off (for now) with another Ulster medal. Pictured with very proud mammy & daddy. pic.twitter.com/d4aUqJpez5

— Watty Graham’s, Glen (@WattyGrahamsGAA) February 21, 2016