SPAR5s Leinster Finals reach a sensational conclusion
Wins for Meath (2), Westmeath (2), Carlow (1) and Offaly (1)
Friday, May 6, 2016
Despite the atrocious weather conditions, the Leinster Finals of the SPAR FAI Primary 5s proved to be a resounding success on Thursday, April 28 in the MDL Grounds, Navan reports Paul Holland (Co-ordinator)
The six Leinster Champions will now progress to the National Finals for the first time ever in their Schools history.
A surprising trend has emerged in the last two years with Dublin schools again failing to reach the National Finals for the second successive year!
Two Meath schools were crowned Leinster Champions at the provincial finals as Scoil Choimcille, Mount Hanover, Duleek (‘A’ Cup) and Dunboyne SPS (‘C’ Cup) both made history and advanced to the Nationals.
The Athlone area of Westmeath also provided two excellent Leinster Champions with Ardnagrath winning the ‘A’ Girls and the boys from Dean Kelly NS capturing provincial honours for the first time in the ‘B’ Cup.
Carrying the flag for Carlow were St. Fiacc’s NS capturing gold in the ‘C’ Girls and Offaly’s St. Colman’s NS claiming ‘B’ Girls glory.
‘A’ CUP (SMALL SCHOOLS)
Winners: Scoil Choilmcille, Mount Hanover, Duleek, Meath
Runners Up: St. Joseph's NS, East Wall, Dublin
Mount Hanover (Meath) were crowned Leinster Champions for the first time, with a scintillating performance at the MDL. Having won all their games thus far, they continued the winning streak with victories against St. Joseph’s NS, East Wall, St. David’s NS, Naas and Ballyellis NS, Wexford.
Scoil Choilmcille Captain Adam Kelly was in sensational form and provided the ammunition in the first game for super striker Alan Bowden to score 8 goals, in a 9-0 demolition of eventual runners up, St. Joseph’s NS, East Wall, Dublin who put in a great performance.
The goal rush continued for the Duleek side in the second game against Kildare Champions St. David’s NS of Naas with goals from Kelly (4), Alan Bowden (1) and a screamer from half way by rock solid defender Tom Bowden, as they eventually ran out 6-3 winners.
In the final game Mount Hanover cruised to victory against the Ballyellis NS, Wexford with a stunning hat-trick from Kelly, a brace from Alan Bowden and midfielder Lucas McKeen who superbly marshalled midfield, while Tom Bowden also netted to clinch an 8-1 victory. Conor Mc Quail (injured), Dylan Collins and Taigue Donagh also played a part when fresh legs were needed. Goalkeeper Seán Mc Quail’s distribution and reading of the game was top notch and he set up numerous attacks.
SCOIL CHOILMCILLE, MT HANOVER: Seán Mc Quail, Tom Bowden, Lucas Mc Keen, Adam Kelly (C), Alan Bowden, Conor Mc Quail, Dylan Collins, Taigue Donagh.
‘A’ GIRLS (SMALL SCHOOLS)
Winners: Ardnagrath NS, Athlone, Westmeath
Runners Up: Clongeen NS, Wexford
Ardnagrath from Westmeath were most impressive in winning their first ever Leinster title but had to settle for a 2-2 draw in their first game against eventual runners-up Clongeen NS of Wexford. Bea Drummond and Maria Farrell had given the Athlone school the perfect early start but the Wexford winners levelled with two late goals.
Ardnagrath managed by teachers John Keane and Emmett Keena responded to the challenge of winning by goal difference overall, as they notched up two convincing victories, 6-0 over Moone NS from Kildare and 10-0 against Dublin Champions St. Damien's of Walkinstown . Most of the goals came from the superb Holly Keenan, Maria Farrell and top scorer Bea Drummond. Defender Róisín McNamara was in sparkling form in defence while keeper Ellie Temple pulled off some tremendous saves in the crucial decider against Clongeen. Sinead Seery, Chloe Moran and Orlaith Craven also played a huge role when introduced. The whole school will travel in a fleet of buses to the Aviva on May 11.
‘B’ BOYS (MEDIUM SIZED SCHOOLS)
Winners: Dean Kelly NS, Athlone, Westmeath
Runners Up: Mary Queen of Angels, Ballyfermot, Dublin
Dean Kelly NS from Athlone reached the National finals for the very first time after three closely fought encounters saw them emerge as Leinster Champions. The three games saw them win by a single goal as they overcame the challenge of Carlow starlets Ballon NS by 2-1, Durrow NS, Offaly by 5-4 and Ballyfermot’s Mary Queen of Angels by 3-2.
The turning point in the tournament came in their second game against Durrow with the teams level at 4-4. Man of the match Biyi Odekunle went on an amazing run and set up Sandro Da Costa for the winner with only 10 seconds remaining! Keeper Jake Howlan was in inspired form throughout and had excellent defending from Biyi Odenkunle and Brooklyn Lowbridge. Sandro Da Costa was another to shine for the Westmeath School while Mark Greene was top scorer on the day. Subs played a crucial role as players Jack Kearney, Samuel Osho and Paul Oliyide played their part in the school's historic achievement
‘B’ GIRLS (MEDIUM SIZED SCHOOLS)
Winners: St. Colman's NS, Mucklagh, Offaly
Runners Up: Yellow Furze Navan, Meath
In St. Colman's first game against Gorey Educate Together the Mucklagh girls were quick off the mark when Lauren Martin opened the scoring with a great finish. This was quickly followed with another from the boot of Emma Glavin. Just on the stroke of half time Ava Dolan made it 3-0 for the Offaly girls. Leah Dunne was introduced at halftime. After some great work by Jessica McDonagh, Leah calmly slotted home leaving the final score 4-0.
Next up for the Mucklagh girls was the challenge of Yellow Furze from Meath. With both teams winning their first round games this had all the signs of being a cracker, and that it surely was. The teams were very evenly balanced and there was only a kick of the ball separating the teams at the end. Ciara Glackin was very solid in the Mucklagh goals. Just before half time Emma Glavin took a long throw which Jessica McDonagh made no mistake in rattling the back of the net! Second half started with Yellow Furze piling on the pressure but the Mucklagh girls held out and there was a huge sigh of relief when the final whistle went.
Last game of the day for the Mucklagh girls was against Gaelscoil Cholmcille from Coolock in Dublin. Emma Glavin had the ball in the net within seconds of the game starting. This was followed by a rasper of a shot by Ava Dolan which gave the Dublin keeper no chance. Cholmcille were never going to give up and a lack of concentration in the Mucklagh defence allowed them in for a goal just before half time. Right through the second half Cholmcille piled on the pressure, Mucklagh girls with the inspirational Ellie Glavin worked their socks off and held off the Cholmcille attack. Just before the final whistle Cholmcille broke through for a goal but the draw was enough to see the Mucklagh girls lift the Trophy. Also on the panel for Mucklagh was Angel Daly whose support kept everyone going. Well done to the girls on a super achievement.
The Meath and North Leinster Winners Yellow Furze got off to a flying start with an assured performance against Dublin Champions Gaelscoil Chomcille as two first half goals ensured victory.
Their next opponents, Offaly and Mid Leinster Winners, St. Colman's NS, Mucklagh, proved a tougher proposition. The Offaly girls scored a goal on a counter attack and despite sustained pressure from the Beauparc ladies, an equaliser wasn't forthcoming. This turned out to be the only defeat for Liz Halpenny's charges in their whole campaign this year.
In their final game, a 3-1 victory against Wexford and South Leinster Champions Gorey Educate Together guaranteed second place overall. Goalkeeper Robyn Murray was impressive and reliable throughout; Anna Wigan and Ella Kilfeather were solid in defence; Charlie Murray, Zoe Kirwan and Sadhbh McLarney worked tirelessly in midfield while Kaylin Nugent and Nicola Mongey led the forward line brilliantly.
‘C’ BOYS (LARGE SCHOOLS)
Winners: Dunboyne Senior Primary School, Meath
Runners Up: St. John's SNS, Arklow, Wicklow
Dunboyne Senior Primary School won the ‘C’ Cup Leinster title for the very first time. In horrendous conditions they defeated St. Mark’s NS, Springfield, Tallaght 5-1, St. John’s SNS, Arklow by 5-2 and St. Corban’s Naas by 4-1 to top the group and this qualify for the National finals at the Aviva. Inspired by top scorer and Captain Roland Banya, Dunboyne came back from a goal down against St. Mark’s to win 5-1. Banba plays his club football with St. Kevin's Boys and recently was Man of the Match against Barcelona U13s on their visit to Dublin at Easter.
Further goals from striker Tommy Lonergan defeated St. Corban’s in the second game before a hard fought victory against St. John’s in the decider. Brendan Keogh's charges were pegged back to 2-2 all after leading two nil but a superb final five minutes saw them through.
Eoghan McCormack in goal played superbly throughout and his defence of Simon Cunningham and Dylan Vaughan were magnificent in the driving rain. From the bench, Davin Ryan, Josh Kelley and Jack Brown contributed greatly to a fine and historic victory for the School.
Dunboyne SPS: Eoghan McCormack, Simon Cunningham, Dylan Vaughan, Roland Banya, Tommy Lonergan, Davan Ryan, Jack Brown, Josh Keeley.
‘C’ GIRLS (LARGE SCHOOLS)
Winners: St. Fiacc's NS, Carlow
Runners Up: Melview NS, Longford
St. Fiacc's began the 2016 campaign in the County Carlow section winning all matches with 24 goals scored & none conceded. Fiacc's then progressed to the South Leinster Finals in Bunclody and faced stronger opposition but luckily won all matches again, scoring 11 goals conceding none.
In this years' Leinster finals, played in atrocious weather conditions, St. Fiacc's had to wait until the very last game to seal victory! Having won the first match 3-0, they lost match 2 by 2-1. Needing to win their last game they were down 2-0 with 5 minutes gone. Heads did not go down however and these very talented girls showed their determination by fighting back to beat a strong team 5-3.
Goalkeeper Georgina McManus was strong & dependable throughout with defenders Grace Cullen and Jasmine Kinsella well organised and midfielders Kelly O’Neill & Kate McDonald bossing the game. Up front Emma Walker, Teskira Jimoh, Ellen Redmond were clinical in netting when required. Kelly O’Neill & Kate McDonald were the Carlow School's top scorers.
The Longford representatives Melview NS certainly did themselves proud. After a somewhat nervous opening against South Leinster Champions St Fiaac’s, Carmel Browne's girls really got into their stride!
The physically stronger St. Fiacc’s girls coped better with the strong wind and torrential rain to secure a victory. However the Melview girls made amends with a brilliant performance in their second game against St. Evin’s NS from Kildare (Mid Leinster Champions). Goalkeeper Laura Corcoran was outstanding throughout, while Grace Shannon controlled the defence very effectively. Emma Howlin scored a well taken hat-trick to ensure a 3-2 victory for Melview. The competition was now blown wide open as the Kildare girls had defeated Dublin Champions Our Lady of Good Council GNS in their opening match. More drama was to follow as Good Council then defeated St. Fiaac’s to leave all teams in the group level on points.
The Melview girls seized their opportunity and played really well in their final game against Good Council. Kate Shannon produced her best performance in this game but her older sister Grace stole the show with 6 stunning goals! There was no doubt that Grace was the most talented player on display. Aileen Briody defended very well throughout the tournament for Melview, while Jill Glennon, Paula Ovedje and Doll McGinley also played their part. Melview were now top of the table with one game remaining. However they no longer had control over their own destiny!
The last game between St. Evan’s and St. Fiaac’s proved nerve wrecking for the girls watching. St. Evan’s took an early 2 goal lead… a victory for them or even a draw would see Melview crowned Leinster champions for the very first time in the school’s history. However the Carlow girls fought back and with the aid of a very strong wind in the second half, they emerged victorious to clinch the title.
A big thank you to the Leinster Final organisers who did a tremendous job in terrible conditions, and to our title sponsors SPAR for making the FAI Schools 5-a-side so much bigger and better than ever.
|
SECTION |
WINNERS |
RUNNERS-UP |
|
‘A’ BOYS |
SCOIL CHOILMCILLE, MOUNT HANOVER (MEATH) |
ST.JOSEPH’S NS, EAST WALL (DUBLIN) |
|
‘A’ GIRLS |
ARDNAGRATH NS, ATHLONE (WESTMEATH) |
CLONGEEN NS (WEXFORD) |
|
‘B’ BOYS |
DEAN KELLY NS, ATHLONE (WESTMEATH) |
MARY QUEEN OF ANGELS (DUBLIN) |
|
‘B’ GIRLS |
ST. COLMAN’S NS, MUCKLAGH (OFFALY) |
YELLOW FURZE (MEATH) |
|
‘C’ BOYS |
DUNBOYNE SPS (MEATH) |
ST. JOHN’S NS, ARKLOW (WICKLOW) |
|
‘C’ GIRLS |
ST. FIACC’S NS, GRAINGECULLEN (CARLOW) |
MELVIEW NS (LONGFORD) |
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SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Competition
Schedule of Events
PROVINCIAL
Munster Final: April 20, Waterford Institute of Technology Sports Centre, Waterford
Ulster Final: April 21, Lakeside, Aileach FC, Burnfoot, Inishowen, Donegal
Connacht Final: April 27, Milebush Park, Castlebar, Mayo
Leinster Final: April 28, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Meath
NATIONAL
National Final: May 11, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
For more information:
Jennifer Kelly, PSG Sponsorship – Jennifer.Kelly@psgsponsorship.ie / 085 1076806
Scott Graham, PSG Sponsorship – Scott.Graham@psgsponsorship.ie / 086 3687548
Diane Fay, FAI Schools - Diane.Fay@fai.ie / 086 0404 952
