GAELIC GAMES: TOM QUINLAN PLATE
McClean magic sees Marian to Quinlan honours
Daire Walsh
LAST Thursday was a day to remember for Marian College of Ballsbridge, as they secured the Tom Quinlan Plate at the expense of Le Cheile Secondary School in Alfie Byrne Park.
This was the first time that Marian had claimed top honours in this competition, and thanks to a sublime performance from attacker Sean McClean, they finished with 15 points to spare (11-6 to 6-6) over their Tyrrelstown counterparts.
Le Cheile progressed to this decider courtesy of an penultimate round triumph against Deansrath CC last Friday week, but with Marian also displaying fine form en route to this showpiece, they were aiming to replicate their impressive showing at the Clontarf venue.
Adam Tully and Paddy Cleary produced stand-out displays at the semi-final stage, but with Marian netminder Noah McLaren leading by example, they were made to work for their scores. Paul Koubus and Benny Khazadi were playing with great confidence for Marian – who established a commanding lead at the midway point.
Le Cheile’s persistence was rewarded with a number of eye-catching scores after the break, but with Josh Hayes’ 0-3 haul being superbly supplemented by five goals from the clinical McClean, Marian College ultimately came out on top.