LEINSTER JUV ‘A’ FC
Benildus bow out in semis to New Ross
Daire Walsh
ST BENILDUS College’s Leinster Juvenile Football ‘A’ Championship campaign came to an end in Carlow last Thursday afternoon, when they suffered a comprehensive semi-final defeat at the hands of Good Counsel, New Ross.
The Kilmacud school had progressed to the provincial stage courtesy of their dramatic victory over Coláiste Eoin in the Dublin decider seven days earlier, and they were hoping to emulate the success that the gaelscoil enjoyed in last season’s competition – when they secured top honours against Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar.
However, a number of key Benildus players were struggling with injuries (including powerful midfielder Ciaran Foley), and as a result, they were always chasing the game against their Wexford counterparts.
Good Counsel had sealed the South Leinster title with back-to-back wins over Knockbeg College and Naas CBS, and even though Benildus did pose some problems for their rearguard – their strong Kilmacud Crokes contingent were to the fore once again – the Slaneysiders ultimately recorded a commanding 8-10 to 3-4 triumph.