GAELIC GAMES: NORTH LEINSTER SENIOR ‘A’ FOOTBALL LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL
Aidan’s find net twice but it’s not enough in semi-final
Daire Walsh
THEY produced a committed display at Dunganny yesterday afternoon, but St Aidan’s CBS were eventually defeated by St Pat’s, Navan on a scoreline of 1-13 to 2-8 in the North Leinster Senior ‘A’ Football League semi-final.
Aidan’s have been participating in this competition along with fellow Dublin school Colaiste Eoin, and after securing group stage wins over Colaiste Mhuire, Mullingar and St Mary’s, Edenderry, they advanced to a final-four meeting with the Co Meath outfit.
Successful outings against Athlone CC and St Mel’s Longford helped Pat’s to claim top spot in Roinn One, and while this league is seen as ideal preparation for the Leinster Schools Senior Championship, the chance to challenge for silverware offered a great incentive to both sides.
It proved to be a close encounter for much of the opening period, and even though Keith Campbell found the back of the Pat’s net, the two were on level terms at the midway point (1-5 to 0-8).
This set up an engrossing second-half, but with Dublin minor hurler Lee Gannon and Sean Lowry showing the way forward, the Collins Avenue boys soon found themselves in the ascendancy.
Gannon grabbed a second goal for Aidan’s, and thanks to the scoring prowess of Lowry (a key figure in his school’s Junior ‘A’ football final success back in February), they were two points in front heading into the final quarter.
Yet, Pat’s regained their composure, and following a powerful finish to the contest, they ultimately sealed their place in the upcoming decider alongside Marist College.