GAELIC GAMES: DUBLIN SCHOOLS SENIOR ‘A’ HURLING
Ardscoil Ris continue winning run in ‘A’ grade
Daire Walsh
ARDSCOIL Ris continued their outstanding form in the Dublin Schools Senior ‘A’ Hurling Championship last Thursday by overcoming the challenge of St Fintan’s HS, Sutton with seven points to spare (3-17 to 1-16).
Following a commanding success over St Aidan’s CBS six days earlier, the Griffith Avenue side maintained their 100 per cent start to this season’s competition.
While they will have to negotiate tricky encounters against Colaiste Eanna and St Benildus College in the coming weeks, they are on course for a place in the final-four.
Ardscoil enjoyed a dream start in their second consecutive away tie – Liam McGovern raising a green flag at the end of a fine move. Fintan’s kept themselves within range throughout the first half, forcing a fine stop from Neil Currie in a frantic affair.
Andrew Gilroy was inspirational in defence, though, which consequently made it possible for the Ardscoil attack to thrive.
Paddy McCaw and McGovern picked off excellent points, before Senan Hession rattled the net in direct response to a Fintan’s goal.
This provided Ardscoil with a 2-9 to 1-9 cushion at the break and they built on this when the action resumed. A Hession point heralded a strong scoring blitz, culminating in Currie finding the net off a long-distance free.
Fintan’s maintained their challenge inside the final-quarter, when the magnificent Currie was pressed into action once more. Centre-back Conor O’Brien’s aerial dominance was key in the second period. Ardscoil ensured there was always a safe distance between them and their opponents.
In addition to the reliable scoring prowess of McGovern, Ardscoil also benefited from outstanding displays by Rory O’Neill and Mark Higgins. Meanwhile, St Aidan’s battled back to secure a hard-earned draw with St Benildus College on Monday afternoon.