LEINSTER SCHOOLS’ JUNIOR FOOTBALL ‘C’ FINAL
Skerries defeated by Rathangan in Leinster decider
Daire Walsh
THERE was disappointment for Skerries Community College in Leixlip GAA yesterday afternoon as they suffered a comprehensive reversal against Ardscoil Rath Iomghain in the Leinster Schools’ Junior Football ‘C’ Championship decider.
Skerries had progressed to the provincial stages courtesy of their impressive 1-12 to 0-7 triumph over St Colmcille’s Community School in the Dublin Junior ‘C’ showpiece last Wednesday week (April 27) at Russell Park – when Fionnan O’Sullivan, Liam Woodcock, Thomas McBrien and Adam Fearon were all in fine form for the victorious seaside school.
However, their counterparts from Rathangan in Co Kildare had secured a place in the final with a commanding 3-16 to 1-5 success against Mountrath Community School on March 16, and had already claimed the North Leinster Schools’ JF ‘C’ crown (after extra-time on a scoreline of 3-8 to 1-11) against O’Carolan, Nobber a month earlier.
Indeed, with just 30 seconds gone on the clock, Ardscoil found the back of the opposition’s net. Skerries were finding it difficult to make headway against a watertight rearguard, and despite never allowing their heads to drop at any point during the opening period, they were facing into a 15-point deficit (1-16 to 0-4) when the half-time whistle sounded.
This left Skerries with a mountain to climb when the action resumed, and although Ardscoil continued to pose a significant threat, Thomas Connolly’s side did produce some memorable moments in attack.
Fearon and O’Sullivan contributed two goals apiece in the final-quarter of the game, and even though they ultimately were on the receiving end of a 2-22 to 4-4 defeat, it has been a productive season overall for Skerries CC.