Carndonagh's brave effort not good enough on this occasion
Salesian College, Celbridge 2-1 Carndonagh Community School
Fergal Conway (42), Brian Bonyo (108) Seamus Doherty (16)
Salesian College had to come from behind to ensure their advancement to the UMBRO FAI Schools Senior Boys All Ireland Final after a nail-biting conclusion to their semi final fixture in Kingspan Century Park, Monaghan on Friday last (5 March).
Carndonagh Community School held the Celbridge school to a stalemate having gone one nil up inside 16 minutes courtesy of a Seamus Doherty header only for Salesian’s Fergal Conway to equalise just before half time.
The game looked to be heading to a penalty shootout as extra time was reaching a conclusion however, Brian Banyo struck with only minutes remaining to secure a spot in the All Ireland Final which will see them face St. Mary’s College, Galway on Thursday next (11 March) in Flancare Park, Longford KO 1pm.
Carndonagh commanded much of the opening exchanges which saw Patsy McGonagle’s side take the lead when Seamus Doherty met a Brendan McLaughlin corner at the edge of the box to head home from close range.
Brendan McLaughlin missed a gilt edged opportunity to double the Donegal schools lead with 20 minutes played. McLaughlin fired over from close range after great work from Rory Ward and Daniel McDaid.
The lively Michael Brown of Celbridge dispossessed Ryan O’Loughlin but his long range effort was saved comfortably by netminder Martin McLaughlin moments later.
With half time fast approaching, Salesian’s pressed forward. Lady luck was on their side as Fergal Conway rose with keeper McLaughlin for a free into the box. Conway did enough to put the keeper off and the ball spilled into the back of the net for a Salesian’s equaliser.
Celbridge’s Colm Smith narrowly missed a shot off the crossbar on the whistle with this the last of the action over the first 45.
Captain Patrick Markey saved Salesian’s after the restart as Brendan McLaughlin’s powerful strike on goal was blocked well.
Darren Doherty had a great game down the left wing with some darting runs on occasion. His industrious efforts were nearly rewarded as he cut the ball back to fed the on running Seamus Doherty. His inch perfect strike was blocked by the versatile Tomas Boyle.
Padraig Doherty forced a good save from goalkeeper Shane McNamara on the hour mark as his attempt was goal bound only for the alert McNamara to tap over the bar.
Michael O’Grady impressed with his strike just sailing over the head of keeper McLaughlin on 72 minutes.
Michael Brown continued their good run of form as he was fed the ball from Michael ILunga down the wing. The youngster produced a great delivery into the box for substitute Eoghan Markey to capitalise on but unfortunately it went wide of the upright.
Ryan McLaughlin responded for the Ulster lads but Keeper McNamara was up for the challenge and got down well to save.
Padraig Doherty’s long range throw caused concern for Salesian’s as the high ball into the box was meant by the athletic Ryan McLaughlin. He should have done better with the free header on offer but he couldn’t convert. This was the last of the action with 90 minutes played.
Salesian’s had the early chances in extra time with some valuable opportunities gone to waste.
Eoghan Markey nicknamed “Sparky” was living up to his reputation as he went agonisingly close minutes in.
Carndonagh responded with a strike from Seamus Doherty which was wide of the mark
Celbridge advanced on goal again with Colm Smith delivering an excellent ball into the box at pace but colleagues Brian Bonyo and Michael O’Grady could not convert this golden opportunity.
With only minutes remaining in a thrilling encounter of end to end football, Salesian’s were to have the final say.
A long throw in from the right courtesy of Michael LLunga was delivered into the danger area. Michael Brown’s attempted overhead kick saw the ball sail high across the six yard box for hero Brian Bonyo to pounce on. He rose highest to head the ball home.
Heartache for Carndonagh, elation for Salesian’s.
Salesian College, Celbridge: Shane McNamara, Gavin Kane, Michael ILunga, Patrick Markey (Capt), Tomas Boyle, Michael O’Grady, Colm Smith, Michael Brown, Fergal Conway, Brian Bonyo, Kevin Molloy (Eoghan Markey, 76)
Subs: David Hughes, Darragh Kennedy, Oscar O’Foghlu, Sean Holmes
Teachers: Paddy McGovern & David Cyran
Carndonagh Community School: Martin McLoughlin, Padraig Doherty (Martin Shiels, 95), Daniel McLaughlin, Rory Ward, Darren Grant, Kevin McCarron, Brendan McLaughlin (Ronan Doherty, 68), Daniel McDaid, Darren Doherty, Seamus Doherty
Subs: Mark McKinney, Christy Smith
Teacher: Patsy McGonagle
Referee: Paul McGeown (Monaghan)
