LEINSTER JUNIOR ‘B’ FOOTBALL FINAL
Disappointment for Declan’s
Daire Walsh
THERE was disappointment for St Declan’s College at Johnstownbirdge last Friday as they suffered a 7-9 to 0-7 defeat at the hands of St Joseph’s, Rochfortbridge in the Leinster Schools Junior ‘B’ Football Championship decider.
With Senior ‘B’ and Juvenile ‘B’ county hurling titles secured prior to this game, it had already gone down as a successful season for the Cabra school. Yet, by the time Ger Ryan converted a free in the 11th-minute, Joseph’s had already inflicted significant damage at the opposite end.
Playing under the tutelage of former Westmeath, Longford and Carlow boss Luke Dempsey, they registered goals through half-back Liam Moran and Brandon Kelly.
The reliable Kelly added a brace of points for Declan’s as the half developed, only for a successful Jack Torpey penalty to guide Joseph’s towards a comprehensive 3-6 to 0-4 buffer at the break.
Ryan – in tandem with midfielders Ben McSweeney and Adam Mulligan – did their utmost to stem the tide on the resumption, but Rochfortbridge continued to sparkle in attack.
Another Torpey spot-kick effort was supplemented by a Fleming goal on the stroke of 50 minutes, presenting the Lake County outfit with an unassailable advantage.
Declan’s fought until the bitter end, but Aaron Keeleghan two-goal salvo helped St Joseph’s to end the proceedings in style.