Eye for goal aids Marian College’s victory over Setanta

DAIRE WALSH

A STRONG second-half showing made all the difference for Marian College in Russell Park yesterday afternoon, when the Ballsbridge school secured a commanding triumph over Colaiste Pobail Setanta in the Dublin Schools’ Junior ‘D’ Football showpiece.

However, it wasn’t always plain sailing for Marian, and thanks to a 15th minute Ciaran O’Sullivan goal, Setanta were well in contention for much of the opening period. Dead-ball specialist Jonathan McGurk was also in reliable form for the Clonee outfit, but a Niall Foley three-pointer ultimately gave Marian a slender 1-5 to 1-4 interval cushion.

Indeed, a Paul Fox goal in the opening moments of the second half left Setanta in an ominous position. Further goals subsequently arrived through full-forward Andy Doolan (who finished with 1-6 to his name) and Cian Bannery, and with captain Aaron Montgomery leading the side effectively from midfield, Marian College eased towards a 4-12 to 1-6 success.