Marist complete second-half comeback
MARIST COLLEGE………………. 2-11
MAYNOOTH PP………………….. 1-05
A brace of final-quarter goals from substitute Conor Gleeson proved decisive at NUI Maynooth yesterday afternoon, as a stunning second-half showing by Marist College, Athlone ensured their progression to the next round of the Leinster Schools SF ‘A’ competition at the expense of Maynooth Post-Primary.
The north Kildare school had made the brighter start to the proceedings courtesy of fine scores by midfield duo Brian Travers and Owen Byrne, and a Peadar Murray goal helped them to a commanding 1-5 to 0-4 interval advantage.
But Marist registered six unanswered scores through Niall Neary (two), Charlie McMickan, Luke Carty, Terry Byrne and corner-back Adrian Garvey to start the second half. With Gleeson goaling in the 52nd minute, Marist were suddenly primed for victory.
Their much-fancied opponents had faded dramatically from the contest, and were unable to add to their tally in the second period, as Marist completed a magnificent fightback with a third point from McMickan, as well as a second clinical major from Gleeson in stoppage time.
MARIST COLLEGE: S Mannion; F Farrell, M Daly, A Garvey (0-1); R Curley, R Cooper, L Carty (0-1); S Omukoro, E Cunnane; T Byrne (0-2), C McMickan (0-3, 1 45′), M Monaghan; N Neary (0-3, 2f), C Marlow, B Stack (0-1).
Subs: M Curley for Cunnane (23), M Nolan for Cooper (49), C Gleeson (2-0) for R Curley (52), J McDonnell for Byrne (59).
MAYNOOTH PP: K Kelly; I Doyle, D Maguire, T Forde; D O’Sullivan, P Mescal, D Bradley; B Travers (0-2), O Byrne (0-1); D Cullen, D Healy (0-1), S O Se (0-1); J Flattery, S Monaghan, P Murray (1-0).
Subs: W McDonnell for Cullen (42), S Coyle for Bradley (47, black card), F Stack for Healy (49), A Cleary for Doyle (58).
Referee: K Brady (Louth).