GAELIC GAMES: LEINSTER SF ‘A’ WRAP
Eoin and Benildus show true grit to earn draws
Daire Walsh
COLAISTE Eoin and St Benildus College dug deep in their opening Leinster Schools SF ‘A’ Championship games this week, as the newly revamped competition got underway.
A new group format (where schools are guaranteed to play at least two games in a three-team section) meant Eoin’s encounter with Colaiste Mhuire, Mullingar at Cusack Park on Tuesday wasn’t a do-or-die affair, but thanks to fine scores from Fionn Ó Ceallaigh, Diarmaid O Floinn, Conor Ó Cinseallach and Eoghan O Ceallacháin, they developed a 0-8 to 1-2 interval lead.
The hosts would restore parity after the restart, before a goal from Tomás Ó Néill edged the southsiders back in front. Another Mhuire three-pointer ensured they were chasing the game in the closing stages, but the determined Booterstown boys eventually responded to secure a share of the spoils (1-12 to 2-9).
Benildus were at home to defending champions St Peter’s, Wexford in Group E yesterday, and a crucial second-half goal ensured they were also on level terms at full-time (1-12 to 0-15). St Fintan’s HS, Sutton’s Group F campaign began against Maynooth PP, and they were on the receiving end of a 1-6 to 3-13 reversal.
Meanwhile, St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny reached the Leinster Schools Senior ‘A’ Hurling League decider yesterday, courtesy of a 3-17 to 0-11 semi-final success over Dublin North.