GAELIC GAMES: DUBLIN JUV FC ‘A’ FINAL
Colaiste Eoin regain ‘A’ crown from Benildus
Daire Walsh
THERE was sweet revenge for Colaiste Eoin in UCD last Thursday, when regained the Dublin Schools’ Juvenile ‘A’ Football Championship crown with an impressive final victory against St Benildus College.
With Shane Flynn to the fore, the Kilmacud school defeated Eoin in last year’s decider at the same venue. However, thanks to an inspirational display by captain Rian Ó Maoileoin, the gaelscoil (whose last title at this grade was recently as 2014) ultimately prevailed on a scoreline of 6-9 to 2-12.
A superb Eoin McMahon goal helped Benildus to build an early four-point advantage on the Belfield Astro pitch, but after full-forward Seán Ó Drisceoil broke free for a three-pointer of his own, Colaiste Eoin dominated the remainder of the opening period proceedings.
Centre-forward Liam Ó Fiachna was outstanding throughout for the Booterstown outfit, and his astonishing individual haul of 4-3 placed Clíodhna Ní Dháibhéid’s charges in the driving seat at the midway point.
Indeed, when Jack O Rodaigh enhanced Eoin’s superiority with another magnificent goal after the restart, it was beginning to look like mission impossible for Benildus. However, Alan Costello’s side (who include former Mayo and Wicklow footballer Austin O’Malley amongst their coaching set-up) refused to throw in the towel, and significantly outscored Eoin in the closing 25 minutes of the play.
Dylan Byrne provided the spadework for a well-worked goal from Luke Cullen, and with Bryan Keogh (0-6) and Daniel Kennedy (0-3) making strong scoring contributions, Benildus were bombarding Conall Ó Drisceoil’s goal.
Yet, Colaiste Eoin nevertheless remained in control during the closing stages of this decider, and a hard-earned point by Oisín Ó Grádaigh helped them to finish with nine points to spare.