GAELIC GAMES – DUBLIN U16 ‘A’ FC FINAL: COLAISTE EOIN 1-15 MAYNOOTH CC 0-12
EOIN MAKE THE GRADE
Defending champs keep hold of title despite seeing red
Daire Walsh
COLAISTE Eoin defended their Dublin Schools Junior ‘A’ Football Championship crown in style at the National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown last Friday afternoon.
Despite losing defensive lynchpin Rian Ó Maoileoin to a second yellow card on 25 minutes, the Booterstown outfit emerged with six points to spare over Maynooth Secondary School. They now progress to a Leinster ‘B’ semi-final against Knockbeg College on Tuesday.
EMPHATIC
Following an emphatic victory against St Aidan’s CBS in last year’s decider, the Gaelscoil were always the safe bet to retain the U16 title. They were put to the pin of their collar in last month’s semi-final with St Benildus College – eventually securing the slenderest of wins (2-10 to 2-9) at the end of a compelling encounter.
Maynooth were appearing in their very first Junior ‘A’ decider, having produced a committed display to deny Aidan’s at the penultimate stage.
Facing into a slight breeze during the opening period, Eoin enjoyed an ideal start to the contest.
Templeogue Synge Street’s Seán Ó Cuanaigh led the team at full-forward and he batted a long delivery to the Maynooth net. The subsequent dismissal of Ó Maoileoin was undoubtedly a set-back for Eoin, who included eight Ballinteer St John’s players in their squad.
Nonetheless, with Barra Ó Donnchú registering a brace of inspirational points, they brought a 1-4 to 0-5 advantage into the break. Although the elements weren’t in their favour, Maynooth’s counter-attacking style ensured they remained in the hunt.
The 36th-minute introduction of Jack Ó Rodaigh injected fresh life into the Eoin challenge, however. He won three frees in consecutive fashion, all of which resulted in points for centre-forward Luke Breathnach.
Mikey Mac Mahúna and Charlie Ó Maoilmheana also entered the fray as the half developed, making a strong contribution to their side’s increased dominance.
Maynooth attempted a spirited rally in the final quarter, only for Ó Cuanaigh and Ó Donnchú to thwart their advances. Seán Ó Drisceoil was a commanding presence at wing-back, while midfielder Oisín Ó Grádaigh chipped with a series of scores to keep his team in the driving seat.
Coláiste Eoin stuck diligently to their task throughout and ultimately sealed their fourth success at this grade in a comprehensive manner.