Donegal received the kick-off but were unfortunate not to gain big yards through gaps in Dromore's defense, but the ball was knocked on. Out-half Donnagh McIntyre kicked a penalty to open the scores but the Demons then conceded a try near the posts, down to soft defense and good running by the opposition. The conversion was scored to leave the scores at 7 - 3.

No. 8 Ciaran Tully put up a massive Garryowen to rattle the Dromore fullback, and it worked as Donegal came away with the ball and boar down on the try line, mauling yard after yard but a penalty was conceded for seemingly holding on the ground, a let off for Dromore. Score at half-time: 7 - 3

Donegal came out for the second half even more possessed than in the first, and the forwards were really giving their opposite numbers food for thought. After almost single handedly demoralizing the Dromore pack in the first half, Prop Thomas Rice again took a crash ball, this time around 20 yards from the line. After bashing through any forward who looked sideways at him with a mixture of power and an outstretched hand, Rice managed to shrug off the ailing winger and do the trademark shock sidestep to beat the fullback, who hadn't a hope either way, and touchdown. Never have I seen as many parents and siblings alike jump their height into the air, with smiles wider the pitch itself, and the man himself beaming for many minutes after. Donnagh McIntyre brought his personal tally to 5 points with the conversion, score: 10 - 7 Demons

Both teams responded to each others forward drives, Donegal were unfortunate to miss two fairly kickable penalties, when perhaps running was the better option, but with around 5 minutes to go, Dromore got on the move and headed towards the Donegal line. The outcome was disastrous, they scored a try to put them in the lead. Despite Dromore missing the conversion, Donegal heads, both in the crowd and on the pitch, simply dropped. Score 12 - 10 Dromore

Clearly distraught, Donegal were again under pressure after the kick-off, when the Dromore outside center got on the ball and ghosted through at least 6 or 7 tackles before diving under the posts, much to the delight of his team and supporters, who despite being greatly outnumbered, still made themselves well heard. The conversion was easy and Donegal now had an un-climbable mountain in front of them. They fought for the remaining few moments but everyone knew it was going to be Dromore's day.

Final Score: Dromore 19 - 10 Donegal

Donegal Demons U-16 Team:

1. Thomas Rice
2. Colm Mc Clafferty
3. Cillian Byrne (Capt..)
4. Niles Nicholls
5. James Gallagher
6. Bruce Vial
7. Yann Sweeney
8. Ciaran Tully
9. Philip Byrne
10. Donnagh McIntyre
11. Daniel Gallagher
12. Oisin O'Donnell
13. Anthony Byrne
14. Peter O'Brien
15. Saoirse McCarthy 
    Subs:
16. Thomas Cranley
17. James Boyle
18. Jim Scully (for James Gallagher)
19. Ryan O'Brien (for Philip Byrne)
20. Gary Cunningham
21. Callan Waide
22. Shane Roper
23. Amos Cunningham

 Donegal Demons still deserve massive credit not only for reaching the final, but showing that they really can play rugby, and along with Letterkenny this season, have showed that teams from Donegal can mix it with nearly anyone in Ulster. Well Done to Dromore for playing a great game and unfortunately for Donegal, not giving up. Thanks to the parents, siblings and friends who traveled with the team, both throughout the year and to the final, their support was always able to keep the team going.

Lastly thanks to the coaches of the Under 16's, Garry and John, who pushed the team to realize they should have been winners, along with the others who helped throughout the year. Hopefully well go one better next year. (ed: better still, go 3 better and win 14, 16 and 18........)