GAELIC GAMES: DUBLIN JUVENILE FC A SEMI-FINAL
Eoin make sure decider is a southside derby
Daire Walsh
LOCAL rivals Colaiste Eoin and St Benildus College will contest the Dublin Schools’ Juvenile Football ‘A’ Championship decider in UCD this afternoon (1.30pm throw-in), following their semi-final victories over St Fintan’s HS and Maynooth PP respectively.
Benildus impressed during their comprehensive success against Fintan’s last Wednesday week, but another massive performance will be required when they face the defending champions in Belfield.
Eoin secured the 2014 crown with a commanding 23-point triumph (5-16 to 2-2) over Fintan’s, and subsequently added provincial honours in February of this year.
They were firm favourites to progress from their penultimate round date with Maynooth on the Castle Field at UCD last Friday, but given that it was their first time appearing in the final-four of U14 football, the north Kildare outfit were determined to make their mark.
ARREARS
Indeed, despite being under pressure for much of the opening half, a goal from Cathal McCabe ensured that Maynooth were only two points in arrears during the interval. The Booterstown school did develop a purple patch after the restart, but thanks to a brace of successful placed-ball efforts by Cian O’Sullivan, their Moyglare Road counterparts were keeping in touch.
A coolly-converted Barry Kinirons penalty also enhanced the Maynooth tally, but it was the formidable Colaiste Eoin who ultimately advanced to today’s showdown with Benildus, on a scoreline of 5-7 to 2-5.