GAELIC GAMES: LEINSTER SF ‘A’
O Ceallaigh in fine form as Eoin reach the last four
Daire Walsh
COLAISTE Eoin produced a stunning performance at Gorey last Friday to eliminate defending champions St Peter’s, Wexford from the Leinster Schools Senior Football ‘A’ Championship.
Despite playing a lot of good football during the opening period, the Gaelscoil were facing into a two-point half-time deficit (3-2 to 1-7). However, with Fionn Ó Ceallaigh, Tomás Ó hEachthigheirn and Conor Cinnseallach all producing star displays, they ultimately progressed from this tense last-eight encounter.
Eoin enjoyed a dream start to the contest with a Tomás Ó hEachthigheirn three-pointer and the dead-ball accuracy of Fionn Ó Ceallaigh was also crucial. Yet, thanks to goals by Adam Cantwell, Diarmuid Barry and Ben Maddock (penalty), Peter’s brought a slender advantage into the interval.
A cooly converted Cinnseallach penalty was the catalyst for Eoin’s dominant second half showing, though, and they also had fine contributions from Ó Ceallaigh, Tomás Ó Néill, Pádraig Puirséil and 2017 county minor hurler Diarmaid Ó Floinn.
Another penalty at the death was tapped over the bar by Cinnseallach, as Coláiste Eoin recorded a magnificent 2-12 to 3-4 triumph. The 2014 winners can now embark on a semi-final meeting with Naas CBS on 17 February in a neutral venue with their confidence sky high.