GAELIC GAMES: DUBLIN JUV ‘D’ HC FINAL
Featherson goal provides the platform for Rathcoole to finish decider as champions
HFCS RATHCOOLE…………………………………………. 1-9
ST JOSEPH’S, DROGHEDA……………………………… 2-4
Daire Walsh
DYLAN Featherson’s second-half goal proved crucial in a rain-soaked Coolock last Friday afternoon, as HFCS Rathcoole were crowned Dublin Schools’ Juvenile Hurling ‘D’ champions at the expense of St Joseph’s, Drogheda.
In addition to the local Commercials club, this Rathcoole side also featured players from Round Tower Clondalkin, as well as north Kildare outfit Ardclough. This success will certainly come as a boost to the Kilteel Road school, but they were made to work for their win by their determined Louth opponents.
Rathcoole had booked their place in the decider courtesy of a commanding 5-10 to 0-7 triumph against Colaiste Mhuire on April 16, and owing to fine displays from Jack Morris, Alex O’Neill and Ciaran O’Rourke, they were firmly in the reckoning during the early exchanges at Parnell’s GAA club.
First year students Adam Druid and Cillian Burke were also making an impression, but following a brace of well-taken Joseph’s goals, they were four points in arrears (2-2 to 0-4) when the half-time whistle sounded.
The Drogheda boys had overcome the challenge of Colaiste Chiarain at the quarter-final stage of the competition in narrow circumstances, and although Rathcoole were initially rejuvenated upon the resumption, Joseph’s held a six-point cushion with just ten minutes remaining in the contest.
However, even though the torrential downpour was making it difficult for Rathcoole to chase the game, Featherson’s much-needed three-pointer acted as the perfect tonic in the latter stages of this showpiece. The influence of James Kimmons was also beginning to grow during this crucial juncture, and thanks to late points by Cian Proctor and Ben Reddan, HFCS Rathcoole ultimately secured the silverware on offer.