All-Ireland League Division 1A: Dublin University V Cork Constitution – Irishrugby.ie – March 24 2019

Posted on March 24, 2019 by admin

DIVISION 1A

Dublin University 37 -13 Cork Con, College Park

Dublin University took a step closer to a historic All-Ireland League semi-final place with an emphatic bonus point win over Division 1A leaders Cork Constitution.

Trailing 10-5 early on in the second half, Tony Smeeth’s Trinity side turned on the style in ruthless fashion to claim Con’s scalp and strengthen their grip on fourth spot, moving six points ahead of Garryowen with just two rounds remaining in the regular season.

Two of the Ireland Under-20s’ Grand Slam winners, Rob Russell and Ryan Baird, started for the students who largely controlled possession inside the Con half. Micheal O’Kennedy was off target with an early penalty, and just when it looked like the visitors would strike from a lineout, Trinity scrum half Rowan Osborne executed a brilliant turnover, broke forward and released Ronan Quinn for a slick finish on the left wing.

Despite another maul effort failing to produce a score, Aidan Moynihan narrowed the gap with a routine penalty for a 5-3 scoreline. The two-point gap remained in place as number 8 Niall O’Riordan was just short of the Con line following a lung-busting run from deep, while James Hickey and captain Colm Hogan were particularly prominent in the Trinity attack on the resumption.

Nonetheless, with 48 minutes on the clock, Con winger Billy Crowley’s powerful surge gave the visitors a foothold and when play was transferred across to the left, centre Alex McHenry sidestepped his way over the whitewash for their only try. Moynihan converted for a 10-5 lead but Smeeth’s charges were soon running riot at the other end. Russell jinked over for their second try, having raced onto a Hogan pass.

O’Kennedy converted and had the tee again just shy of the hour mark, converting Osborne’s clinical score from a Dan Sheehan offload and a strong initial carry by Max Kearney. Moynihan responded with a penalty, only for flanker Kearney’s exceptional build-up play to give Trinity further momentum and he set up prop Giuseppe Coyne for a 65th-minute converted try.

Cork Con, who remain on course for a home semi-final, missed the influence of skipper Niall Kenneally and fell further behind after yellow cards for forwards Ross O’Neill and Dylan Murphy. O’Kennedy knocked over a penalty and Quinn completed his brace before either of the sin-binned players returned. Replacement James Fennelly rounded off a memorable day for Smeeth’s young guns with a closing penalty.

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY: Colm Hogan (capt); Rob Russell, Luis Faria, James Hickey, Ronan Quinn; Micheal O’Kennedy, Rowan Osborne; Giuseppe Coyne, Dan Sheehan, Dylan Doyle, Ryan Baird, Reuben Pim, Johnny McKeown, Max Kearney, Niall O’Riordan.

Replacements: Joe Horan, Bart Vermeulen, Cian O’Dwyer, Conor Lowndes, James Fennelly.

CORK CONSTITUTION: Liam O’Connell; Billy Crowley, Alex McHenry, Greg Higgins, Rob Jermyn; Aidan Moynihan, Jason Higgins; Gavin Duffy, Vincent O’Brien, Dylan Murphy, Brian Hayes, Sean Duffy, Kevin Sheahan, Ross O’Neill, Luke Cahill.

Replacements: Brendan Quinlan, Patrick Casey, Dave Hyland, Gary Bradley, Jack Costigan.

Posted in Senior Club Rugby | Comments Off on All-Ireland League Division 1A: Dublin University V Cork Constitution – Irishrugby.ie – March 24 2019

Rugby Referee Interview: Andrew Brace – Irishrugby.ie – March 23 2019

Posted on March 23, 2019 by admin

Whistle While You Work: Referees In Focus – Andrew Brace

In the five years since John Lacey urged him to take up the whistle, IRFU referee Andrew Brace has embarked on a journey that has taken him to all corners of the globe.

While he had some prior experience in the role, it was only when the Tipperary man threw down the gauntlet that Brace decided to take off in a new direction.

“I was doing a small bit of refereeing while I was working with Munster Rugby as a Community Rugby Officer,” he explained.

A former player with Old Crescent and the Belgian national team (his father’s family hails from Brussels), Brace started out as a referee in the men’s All-Ireland League.

“Johnny Lacey approached me then. He was probably sick of me giving out every Monday morning about referees, so he said, ‘Put your whistle where your mouth is!’ The rest is history really. I never looked back over the last few years.”

He continued to work his way up through the ladder, before making his international debut in 2017 which was also the year he signed a full-time professional referee contract with the IRFU.

“When I started refereeing five years ago, I sat down with the IRFU department and got on the national panel. You want to get to the top and referee at the World Cup. If you don’t set your goals there, then you’re going to go backwards or you’ll plateau off. For me, it was always to get to the top,” said the 30-year-old.

“I did my first international (in 2017), Georgia v Canada, and then England v Samoa. It led on then to my first tier 1 game which was Wales against Argentina last June. I’m taking each game as they come really. The last year has been a good year and hopefully just driving on now over the next year, with the World Cup around the corner.”

Andrew took charge of Italy v France and England v Italy in the Guinness Six Nations and was AR1 for England v France and AR2 for France v Scotland.

 

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Rugby Referee Interview: Joy Neville – Irishrugby.ie – March 22 2019

Posted on March 23, 2019 by admin

Whistle While You Work: Referees In Focus – Joy Neville

When Joy Neville made her refereeing bow in an Under-15 schools match between St. Munchin’s College and CBC Cork back in December 2013, she never could have anticipated the path it would lead her down.

Despite being a Grand Slam winner with Ireland just eight months earlier, she admitted to a degree of apprehension for this assignment in Corbally.

“It was a friendly and I remember being more nervous about that game than any of my international games, would you believe, for some reason! Probably just because you’re out of your comfort zone and you’re starting something completely new,” said Neville, the former Ireland Women’s number 8 and captain.

“It was kinda like a ‘sink or swim’ scenario. I was very aware of it and thankfully I swam, but learnt a lot faster as a result. You just have to learn from your mistakes and learn from the different scenarios, and build on that.”

In the years that have followed, Neville has enjoyed a succession of groundbreaking achievements. After becoming the first female referee of a men’s All-Ireland League game in 2016, she went on to repeat this feat in the Welsh Premiership, the European Challenge Cup and the GUINNESS PRO14.

Additionally, the Limerick native remains heavily involved in Women’s rugby, having taken charge of the Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Kingspan Stadium two years ago. Following a decade of playing service in the competition, she is also a regular fixture in the Women’s Six Nations Championship.

“I’m massively involved in the Women’s game and I’ll always want to be involved massively in the Women’s game. I remember the last game (for Ireland against Italy) like it was yesterday, obviously the Grand Slam game. I’m loving it,” admitted the 2017 World Rugby Referee of the Year.

“I have England versus Scotland in Twickenham after the men’s game (this Saturday). Which I think will be very special. I haven’t refereed in Twickenham, I’ve played there. I’m thoroughly looking forward to that.”

Joy took charge of England v Scotland and was AR1 for France v Scotland in the Women’s Six Nations Championship and refereed the U20s game between Scotland and Wales.

Posted in Rugby Interview | Comments Off on Rugby Referee Interview: Joy Neville – Irishrugby.ie – March 22 2019

Rugby Referee Interview: Sean Gallagher – Irishrugby.ie – March 21 2019

Posted on March 23, 2019 by admin

Whistle While You Work: Referees In Focus – Sean Gallagher

It was a rather bizarre set of circumstances that led Sean Gallagher on the road to becoming the referee that he is today.

At the tender age of 15, he stepped into the breach when a referee was marked absent for an Anderson Cup encounter at his home club of Navan.

“I was playing a game in Donnybrook against Bective Rangers years ago. Went up and played the game, but when I came back to Navan there was a quarter-final of the Anderson Cup – which is the thirds cup. Navan were supposed to play County Carlow. We were sitting there waiting for the referee to come. No referee showed up,” he recalled.

“I was only 15 at the time. Nobody wanted to referee the game. Eventually someone said, ‘Sean, will you do it?’. I was like, ‘Jeez, I’m not sure about this’. But off I went, did the game and I’ve been refereeing ever since.”

The Meath native initially attempted a juggling act between playing and refereeing, before the latter eventually took over. He made his GUINNESS PRO12 debut in 2013 and also officiated at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland two years ago.

The 2018 Under-20 World Rugby Championship in France was another notable highlight for Gallagher as it has been the starting point for some of the game’s top officials.

“It’s great to get selected for the U-20 Championship, because the referees that are invited to that are the top up-and-coming referees from around the world. It’s normally nine referees invited to it, one from each of the big unions,” he explained.

“Most of the international, probably all of the international referees, that have come through in the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship. Or even Rugby World Cup, they tend to start out in the U-20 tournament. It’s a massive deal for referees.”

Sean took charge of two U20 Six Nations games: Wales v England and England v Scotland. He was referee for France v Wales in the Women’s Six Nations Championship and Assistant Referee 1 (AR1) for the game between England and Italy.

Posted in Rugby Interview | Comments Off on Rugby Referee Interview: Sean Gallagher – Irishrugby.ie – March 21 2019

Father Godfrey Cup Final: Naas CBS V Gorey Community School – Leinsterrugby.ie – March 21 2019

Posted on March 23, 2019 by admin

LATE DROP GOAL SEALS FR GODFREY CUP FOR CBS NAAS

CBS Naas 27 Gorey Community School 25

By Daire Walsh

Jack McKevitt’s stunning final-minute drop-goal helped CBS Naas to edge past Gorey Community School at the end of a pulsating Fr Godfrey Cup decider at Lakelands Park.

After the lead had changed hands on a number of occasions, Gorey looked set to prevail when Lee Cushe’s successful place-kick offered them a slender advantage. Their south Kildare counterparts had other ideas, however.

Despite having a penalty advantage, McKevitt dissected the posts in clinical style to give Naas the spoils in Terenure College RFC. This was the second meeting between the schools in 2019 – following their previous showdown in the first round of the Leinster Junior Cup.

Playing in the familiar territory of Forenaughts, Naas registered a 19-14 triumph on that occasion. They subsequently lost out to Gonzaga College in the last-eight of the competition, but were in fine spirits ahead of their return to the capital.

Although they suffered an early set-back when centre Charlie Sheridan was forced off through injury, Naas broke the deadlock with just eight minutes on the clock.

Winger Sam Dunne initiated a prolonged attack by carrying strongly on the right-flank and tighthead prop Adel Mahmoud eventually released Robert Shaw to touch down on the far side. Full-back Andrew Osborne added an emphatic conversion for Joe Kelly’s outfit, but they were immediately pegged back by a determined Gorey.

Cushe’s decision to kick an attacking penalty to the corner proved to be a shrewd one. Off the ensuing line-out maul, his half-back partner Jack Higgins dived over the whitewash. While the latter’s bonus strike was off-target, the Slaneysiders found themselves in the ascendancy just past the first-quarter mark.

An extended spell inside the Naas ’22’ provided them with serious momentum and when the play was re-cycled to the right of the posts, lock Colm Donnelly was there to apply the finishing touches. Higgins was wide of the mark with another difficult effort off the kicking tee, leaving Naas just three points adrift (10-7).

Osborne wiped out this deficit courtesy of another assured strike at goal, only for Gorey to once again breach their rearguard on the half-hour mark. Sean Egan’s incisive break got the Wexford men back on the front-foot, with Mark Kinch ultimately grounding under intense pressure for a converted score.

Owing to injuries for Sheridan and prop Calum Stout (who carried on before being replaced on the resumption), there was enough time for Naas to end the opening period on a high. They spread the ball quickly across the Gorey defensive line, until Osborne discovered a gap in behind for their second try of the game.

He supplied the extras to his own five-pointer, ensuring the teams were on level terms (17-17) at the interval. The high-octane nature of the first half was maintained when the action resumed, with a powerful set-piece enabling Gorey to reclaim the lead in the 34th-minute.

A five-metre scrum edged them towards the Naas line and Colm Donnelly broke free for his second try of the contest. Try as they might, though, they couldn’t escape the clutches of their formidable opponents.

Having been briefly halted in their tracks, McKevitt transferred possession to a more central position inside Gorey’s 22-metre line. Osborne was ideally placed to pick out the raiding Dunne – who jinked his way over for a third Naas try.

Osborne made no mistake with his conversion to give the Lilywhites a 24-22 cushion. Nevertheless, Gorey remained firmly in the reckoning.

When they were awarded a close-range penalty on 51 minutes, it was at an angle that favoured the left boot of Cushe. He expertly slotted the resulting kick between the posts to move Gorey back into the driving seat.

Opportunities were now coming at a premium and it looked like Gorey might be able to hold out until the final whistle. However, Naas unleashed a final assault inside the opposition half.

Had McKevitt miscued his drop-goal attempt, the dependable Osborne may well have been able to seal the deal for Naas on his own. As it was, the lively fly-half displayed nerves of steel to secure the silverware on offer.

Scorers – CBS Naas: Andrew Osborne try, pen, 3 cons; Robert Shaw, Sam Dunne try each; Jack McKevitt d/goal. Gorey Community School: Colm Donnelly 2 tries; Jack Higgins try, con; Mark Kinch try; Lee Cushe pen.

Naas CBS: Andrew Osborne; Sam Dunne (Jack Sheridan 57’), Charlie Sheridan (James Forde 4’), Oscar Cawley, Eoin Clarke; Jack McKevitt, Ethan Travers; Calum Stout (Conor Phelan 35’), Darragh McDonnell (Simon Hughes 43’), Adel Mahmoud; Paddy McMahon (Brian Doonan 45’), Robert Shaw; Jamie Carroll (Austin Brennan 59’), Mark Alexander, Odhran Kelly.

Gorey Community School: Ronan Cleary; Pepe Papin, Brian Cushe, Simon Campbell Carty, Gavin McNulty; Lee Pushe, Jack Higgins; Jack Curley, Darragh Fitzpatrick, Mark Kinch; Killian Barnes, Colm Donnelly; Adam Cleary, Sean Egan, Ewan Stephens.

Referee: Jonathan Hollywood

Posted in Schools Rugby | Comments Off on Father Godfrey Cup Final: Naas CBS V Gorey Community School – Leinsterrugby.ie – March 21 2019

Leinster Senior ‘B’ Football Championship Final: Ashbourne CS V Skerries CC – The Evening Herald – March 21 2019

Posted on March 21, 2019 by admin

LEINSTER PP SFC ‘B’ FINAL

Skerries are put to sword by Ashbourne

Daire Walsh

FOLLOWING a powerful effort at the National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown last Friday afternoon, Skerries CC fell just short against Ashbourne CS in the Leinster Schools Senior ‘B’ Football Championship decider.

Despite being adrift for the vast majority of the contest, Adam Farnan, Robert Delaney and Paul Wilde grabbed second-half goals to keep the north Dublin side in contention. However, impressive Ashbourne were not to be denied an eventual 6-7 to 4-8 success.

As a direct result of their Dublin Schools SF ‘B’ triumph over Salesian College seven days earlier, Skerries progressed to this provincial showpiece. Delaney chipped in with a series of fine scores on that occasion, with a late Eoin Wilde goal proving pivotal in a 3-12 to 0-15 victory.

They enjoyed the aid of a strong breeze during the opening period against the Meath men – who included Sky Blues minor Sean Kinsella amongst their panel on the day.

The Metropolitans conjured a goal through David Boyd, but it was Ashbourne who had the better of the early exchanges.

Darragh O’Sullivan found the Skerries net inside the opening 10 minutes, paving the way for a dominant attacking performance from Declan Finnegan’s side. Man-of-the-match Jack O’Connor released Jamie Browne for a subsequent finish, while O’Sullivan (his second) and Killian Hogan also raised green flags.

Though Delaney and Farnan did their utmost to stem the tide, Skerries trailed by seven points (4-3 to 1-5) at the interval.

Ashbourne had overcome the challenge of Colaiste Choilm, Tullamore in a tightly contested encounter on March 7, having previously defeated county rivals Dunshaughlin CC in the North Leinster ‘B’ final.

They were odds-on to continue this winning run when the action resumed, but Skerries ensured they were made to work for their keep.

In spite of the concession of a Dawson Devoy penalty, Delaney also converted a place-kick to give a fired-up Skerries renewed hope.

Superb Farnan and Wilde contributions also raised the spectre of a dramatic comeback, only for Ashbourne to reinforce their superiority. The Royal County outfit’s sixth and final goal of the tie arrived in spectacular fashion on 46 minutes.

Gathering the ball in a deep position, O’Connor – one of just two Curraha players in the Ashbourne starting team – strode through the Skerries defence before shooting beyond the reach of Cormac Rocks.

This effectively left Skerries with too much ground to make up, but they did continue to persevere until the bitter end. An All-Ireland semi-final now awaits for Ashbourne CS, where Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra of Rathmore (Kerry) will provide the opposition at an unconfirmed venue this Saturday.

Posted in Schools GAA | Comments Off on Leinster Senior ‘B’ Football Championship Final: Ashbourne CS V Skerries CC – The Evening Herald – March 21 2019

FAI Schools Dr Tony O’Neill Senior National Cup Final: Carndonagh CS V Midleton CBS – The Irish Times – March 21 2019

Posted on March 21, 2019 by admin

Carndonagh hold onto the cup with 82nd-minute goal

First-time finalists Midleton CBS go home empty-handed despite stubborn effort

Carndonagh Community School 1 Midleton CBS 0

Jack Doherty’s 82nd-minute finish helped Carndonagh Community School to retain the Dr Tony O’Neill Senior National Cup at Home Farm FC on Wednesday afternoon.

Despite the stubborn resistance of first-time finalists Midleton CBS, the Donegal men held out to claim back-to-back titles – and their third in just four seasons.

Led superbly by former Republic of Ireland schools international Kieran Farren, Carndonagh went close through centre-forward Luke Rudden in the early exchanges. Even though Matthew O’Reilly fired marginally past Pádraig O’Donnell’s goal on 21 minutes, Martin Cavanagh’s charges were posing numerous questions for the Midleton defence.

Following hesitancy by opposition skipper Arthur Nganou, Mikey Friel had an effort cleared off the line. The Leeside netminder subsequently came to his side’s rescue just shy of the half-hour mark, turning Kieran Farren’s attempt behind for a corner.

A long-distance Stack drive was superbly tipped over by O’Donnell in the dying stages of the opening period – ensuring the sides remained on level terms at the break. Midleton ramped up the pressure on the resumption, before Carndonagh got themselves back on the front-foot.

Friel marginally pulled a shot past the target and Rudden later produced a fine save from the outstretched fingertips of Nganou. With neither side possessing a clinical edge in attack, the spectre of extra-time was beginning to loom large.

This was until Doherty stepped forward to ultimately determine the outcome of the contest. The industrious midfielder ghosted into the Midleton area, heading a telling delivery into the bottom right-hand corner.

CARNDONAGH COMMUNITY SCHOOL: O’Donnell; McLaughlin, Harkin, O’Donnell, Doherty (Logue 58); Farren, Doherty; Friel, McBride, McClure; Rudden (McCarron 85).

MIDLETON CBS: Nganou; O’Halloran, O’Riordan, Collins, Ahern; Stack, Duggan; Cunningham (O’Hanlon 80), O’Reilly, Whalley; Nguefang.

Referee: Derek Carey (DDSL).

Posted in Schools Soccer | Comments Off on FAI Schools Dr Tony O’Neill Senior National Cup Final: Carndonagh CS V Midleton CBS – The Irish Times – March 21 2019

Leinster Schools Senior ‘A’ Football Championship Final: Naas CBS V Wicklow Schools – The Irish Independent – March 21 2019

Posted on March 21, 2019 by admin

Naas double up thanks to Beirne’s extra-time salvo

Leinster Schools SF ‘A’ Championship Final: Naas CBS 2-12 Wicklow Schools 1-9

Naas CBS came good in extra-time at Parnell Park last night to secure their second consecutive Leinster Schools Senior ‘A’ Football Championship title.

Wicklow Schools had edged in front early on with points from Aaron Kennedy and Oisin McGraynor, before Naas opened their account through Dermot Hanifin.

They looked set to push on when Alex Beirne posted an equalising score, only for Sean Doody to edge the Garden County side back into the ascendancy.

Despite being off-colour for much of the opening period, a routine Mikey McGovern free ensured Naas were on level terms at the interval.

They subsequently moved ahead for the first time after the restart – centre-forward Drew Costello superbly converting a 45 in advance of a Kevin Quinn point on the run.

They received a major let-off on the third-quarter mark, when McGraynor fired a penalty past Naas’ right-hand post.

A plethora of scores forced Naas into the driving seat, until a fortuitous Kennedy goal reignited the Wicklow challenge.

Eoin Darcy’s second point meant the sides couldn’t be separated in normal time, but Naas finally hit their stride in the additional periods.

Supplementing McGovern and Eoin Conneff points, Beirne registered a 1-1 salvo in spectacular fashion.

Darcy’s latest contribution reduced the Wicklow deficit to five (1-12 to 1-7) on the stroke of 70 minutes, and they remained in touch as the play progressed.

However, a speculative Harry Carroll shot subsequently drifted into the net to seal Naas’ back-to-back triumph.

Scorers – Naas CBS: A Beirne 1-3 (0-1f); M McGovern 0-4 (3f); H Carroll 1-0; E Conneff 0-2; D Costello (45), K Quinn, D Hanifin 0-1 each. Wicklow Schools: E Darcy 0-5 (0-2f); A Kennedy 1-1; S Doody, O McGraynor, B Crowe 0-1 each.

NAAS CBS – D Morrissey; J Lawler, C O Gallchobhair, J Hamill; K Quinn, E Archbold, K Kelleher; L Broderick, J Cleary; T O’Connor, D Costello, A Beirne; D Hanifin, E Conneff, M McGovern. Subs: H Carroll for Broderick (44), S Murphy for Hanifin (49), M O’Byrne for Costello (55), C Boran for Lawler (58), A Cassidy for McGovern (60+2), McGovern for Cassidy (61), R Monaghan for Quinn (63), C Murphy for McGovern (78), Cassidy for Beirne (79).

WICKLOW SCHOOLS – B Fennell; A Maher, C McDonald, A Conway; G Fogarty, M Reid, O Cullen; S Doody, C Coffey; D Rochford, O McGraynor, P O’Keane; E Darcy, A Kennedy, J Hedderman. Subs: B Crowe for Cullen, C Maguire for Rochford (both 39), J Doyle for Coffey (46), T O’Toole for O’Keane (55), T Barrett for Conway (58), D Wright for Doody (70), Cullen for McDonald (73), O’Keane for Hedderman (79).

REF – D Hickey (Carlow).

Posted in Schools GAA | Comments Off on Leinster Schools Senior ‘A’ Football Championship Final: Naas CBS V Wicklow Schools – The Irish Independent – March 21 2019

Leinster Schools Senior ‘A’ Football Championship Final: Naas CBS V Wicklow Schools – The Irish Times – March 21 2019

Posted on March 21, 2019 by admin

Naas CBS need extra-time against Wicklow Schools to retain title

Defending champions secure another Leinster Schools Senior ‘A’ crown at Parnell Park

Leinster Schools Senior ‘A’ Football Championship Final: Naas CBS 2-12 Wicklow Schools 1-9

Naas CBS came good in extra-time at Parnell Park on Wednesday night to secure their second consecutive Leinster Schools Senior ‘A’ Football Championship crown.

Wicklow Schools had edged in front early on with points from Aaron Kennedy (a Kildare minor footballer) and Oisin McGraynor, before Naas opened their account through Dermot Hanifin.

They looked set to push on when Alex Beirne posted an equalising score, only for Sean Doody to edge the Garden County back into the ascendancy. Despite being off-colour for much of the opening period, a routine Mikey McGovern free ensured Naas were on level terms during the interval.

They subsequently moved ahead for the first time after the restart – centre-forward Drew Costello superbly converting a ‘45’ in advance of a Kevin Quinn point on the run.

They received a major let-off on the third-quarter mark, when McGraynor fired a penalty past Naas’s right-hand post. A plethora of scores forced Naas into the driving seat, until a fortuitous Kennedy goal re-ignited the Wicklow challenge.

Darcy’s second point meant the sides couldn’t be separated in normal time, but Naas finally hit their stride in the additional periods.

Supplementing McGovern and Eoin Conneff points, Beirne registered a 1-1 salvo in spectacular fashion. Darcy’s latest contribution reduced the Wicklow deficit to five (1-12 to 1-7) on the stroke of 70 minutes and they remained in touch as the play progressed.

However, a speculative Harry Carroll shot subsequently drifted into the net to ultimately seal Naas’s back-to-back triumph.

Naas CBS: D Morrissey; J Lawler, C O Gallchobhair, J Hamill; K Quinn (0-1), E Archbold, K Kelleher; L Broderick, J Cleary; T O’Connor, D Costello (0-1, one free), A Beirne (1-3, one free); D Hanifin (0-1), E Conneff (0-2), M McGovern (0-4, three frees). Subs: H Carroll (1-0) for Broderick (44 mins); S Murphy for Hanifin (49 mins), M O’Byrne for Costello (55 mins); C Boran for Lawler (58 mins); A Cassidy for McGovern (60+2) mins; McGovern for Cassidy (61 mins); R Monaghan for Quinn (63 mins); C Murphy for McGovern (78 mins); Cassidy for Beirne (79 mins).

Wicklow Schools: B Fennell; A Maher, C McDonald, A Conway; G Fogarty, M Reid, O Cullen; S Doody (0-1), C Coffey; D Rochford, O McGraynor (0-1), P O’Keane; E Darcy (0-5, two frees), A Kennedy (1-1), J Hedderman. Subs: B Crowe (0-1) for Cullen, C Maguire for Rochford (both 39 mins); J Doyle for Coffey (46 mins); T O’Toole for O’Keane (55 mins); T Barrett for Conway (58 mins); D Wright for Doody (70 mins); Cullen for McDonald (73 mins); O’Keane for Hedderman (79 mins).

Referee: D Hickey (Carlow).

Posted in Schools GAA | Comments Off on Leinster Schools Senior ‘A’ Football Championship Final: Naas CBS V Wicklow Schools – The Irish Times – March 21 2019

Leinster Schools Junior Cup Final: St Michael’s College V Blackrock College – The Irish Examiner – March 21 2019

Posted on March 21, 2019 by admin

Remarkable fightback sees St Michael’s College win Leinster Schools Junior Cup

By Daire Walsh
St Michael’s College 26 – 19 Blackrock College

St Michael’s College produced a remarkable final-quarter fightback at Donnybrook to claim the Leinster Schools Junior Cup title at the expense of previous champions Blackrock College.

Trailing 19-5 at the interval, the Ailesbury Road outfit fired back through skipper Zach Baird on 47 minutes.

Sean Egan’s converted score subsequently wiped out ‘Rock’s advantage and David Fegan was then on hand to snatch victory with the final play of the game. This completes a junior and senior cup double for Michael’s – a feat they last achieved in 2012.

They enjoyed a dream start to the action as winger Tiernan Hurley gathered Henry McErlean’s cross-field kick to touch down for a fourth-minute try. In spite of this early set-back, ‘Rock eventually assumed control of the opening half proceedings.

Liam Moloney drove over the whitewash off the back of a powerful maul – Zach Quirke converting with ease – and Will Fitzgerald added another try in the 25th-minute. With their tails now up, Ethan Laing rounded off an incisive attack to leave Blackrock on the brink of a 52nd junior title.

While Baird offered Michael’s renewed hope, the smart money was still on the Williamstown school to prevail. Their southside rivals had other ideas, though, Gunne adding the bonuses to an Egan finish with just three minutes remaining on the clock.

Michael’s required a replay to get the better of ‘Rock at this stage in 2017, but replacement Fegan capped off a devastating counter to ensure it wasn’t necessary on this occasion.

Scorers for St Michael’s College: T Hurley, Z Baird, S Egan, D Fegan try each, F Gunne 3 cons.

Scorers for Blackrock College: L Molony, W Fitzgerald, E Laing try each, Z Quirke 2 cons.

ST MICHAEL’S COLLEGE: H McErlean; D Whelehan, M Victory, S Berman, T Hurley; K McMahon, F Gunne; D Barron, M Sherwin, S Egan, M Sadlier, D Woods, D Carroll, J Brown, Z Baird.

Replacements: JP Tiernan for McErlean (17), D Fegan for Carroll (46), C Foley for Whelehan (58).

BLACKROCK COLLEGE: R Moloney; C Ryan, H Cooney, F Mei, E Laing; Z Quirke, W Fitzgerald; C O’Brien, G Barron, P McCarthy, S Green, T Brigg, J McLoughlin, L Molony, G McCarthy.

Replacements: C Leahy for Moloney (8), M Caskey for Cooney (47), M le Bail for O’Brien, M Brophy for McLoughlin (both 57).

Referee: G Sheridan (LRR).

Posted in Schools Rugby | Comments Off on Leinster Schools Junior Cup Final: St Michael’s College V Blackrock College – The Irish Examiner – March 21 2019