Gweedore CS
UMBRO FAI Schools Senior B Boys National Semi Final
Coláiste de hIde, Tallaght 5
Pobalscoil Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore CS) 4
on Penalties (0-0 AET)
Kingspan Century Park, Monaghan
Thursday, 11 February KO 1pm
Tallaght on the other end of the draw had a titanic battle on their hands with their counterparts Gweedore in Kingspan Century Park, Monaghan. The Leinster Champions were left deadlocked after 110 minutes of exhilarating football.
The first opportunity fell to Tallaght’s Michael Roarty but his header from a well placed corner kick was high and off the upright with only minutes played.
Gweedore’s Mathew Aarkin was proving difficult for Tallaght with his speed down the wing. His final ball was just too quick for fellow student Hugh Sweeney to impress.
Both teams were playing some nice one touch football but neither team were taking a dominant hold on proceedings.
Odhrán McNeill linked well with Cian Mulligan in the centre of the park. Mulligan’s winding run left his chipped effort sailing over the out-of-position keeper but also excruciatingly high and over the bar.
Tallaght cancelled this missed opportunity with one of their own on 76 minutes when Cory Dardis played a great ball into the on running Dylan O’Broin. The striker went for power over precision and blasted the ball into the side netting.
Odhrán McNeill could have been compared to Rory Delap as he bombarded the Dublin defence with his long throw-ins throughout the 90 minutes. The youngster was propelling the balls a decent distance but the defensive pairing of Dean O Braonáin and Adam O Fallúin kept the continuous threats averted.
The game came to life in extra time with the talented and over worked Donal O’Riain using his quick feet to release Stiofán O’Ceallaigh down the wing. The momentum carried him towards goal but he fed Eoin O’Riain with an unselfish pass which was disappointingly too tame to trouble keeper Danny McGarvey.
Gweedore responded with a great effort from Jamie Reynolds and a second shot narrowly off target from Antoin Blair. Unfortunately for the Ulster school the ball was the wrong side of the post on both occasions.
The stalemate continued at the end of extra time which left the fate of these two schools hinged on the dreaded spot kicks.
With the pressure mounting, all spot kicks were converted leaving it 5-4 with Gweedore left with the last spot kick of the day to level proceedings. Tension mounted on the sideline as both schools looked on.
This however was the major turning point in the game and proved the downfall for Gweedore as keeper Sean De Bluinsín of Tallaght made a gallant save to ensure his team’s advancement into the Final.
An incredible game to watch but more importantly a marvellous showcase for school’s football.
Colaiste de hIde, Tallaght: Sean De Bluinsín, Aaron O’Briain, Dean O’Braonáin, Adam O’Fallúin, Seán O Donnabháin, Eoin O’Riain, Seamaí O’Néill, Dylan O’Broin, Aaon O’Seartáin, Stiofan O Ceallaigh, Donal O’Riain
Subs: Seán Mac Roibin, Naoise O’Conarain, Cory Dardis, Cillian OCearúil, Darren O’Braináin.
Teacher: Daithí O’Murchú
Pobailscoil Gaobh Dobhair: Danny McGarvey, Martin Curran, Michael Roartu, Lerkin Fallachoir, Sean Doherty, Antoin Blair, Caoilte Boyle, Jamie Reynolds, Mathew Aarkan, Hugh Sweeney, Odhran McNeill
Subs: Seán Boyle, David Coyle, Sean Pól McMahon, Cian Mulligan, Padriag MacGadí
Teacher: Emmet McGhee
Referee: Michael Gallagher (Cavan/Monaghan)
