DUBLIN SHC ‘A’ SEMI-FINAL
Eanna earn revenge of sorts to book place in ‘A’ decider
COLAISTE Eanna will be Ardscoil Ris’ opponents in the Dublin Schools Senior Hurling ‘A’ Championship decider, after they edge a low-scoring semi-final encounter with St Aidan’s CBS on Tuesday afternoon.
Playing in windy conditions on the all-weather surface at Ballymun Kickhams, Aidan’s – who defeated Eanna in the group stages of the competition – registered some fine points during the opening period of this penultimate round clash. Their rivals from Ballyroan found scores hard to come by, but thanks to a goal from Ballyboden St Enda’s star Shane Kennedy, they trailed by the bare minimum at the break (0-5 to 1-1).
Indeed, Eanna were hoping to build momentum when the action resumed, and courtesy of a goal from Aidan Mellet (who played in the Dublin MFC ‘A’ showpiece two days earlier), they moved into the ascendancy for the very first time.
This set-up a nerve-wracking final quarter for both sides, but even though Aidan’s continued to cause problems for the Eanna rearguard, another Kennedy three-pointer, seven minutes from time, provided the southsiders with a vital edge.
This 3-4 to 0-11 victory was revenge of sorts for Colaiste Eanna, following their reversal against Aidan’s at the final stage two years ago, but they will now need to overcome the defending champions if they want to claim their first title at this grade since 2012.