St. Brendan’s defeat St. Gerald’s on penalties
Bank of Ireland FAI Schools First Year Boys National Cup Semi Final
Saturday, April 23, 2016
St. Brendan’s College, Killarney 1-1 St. Gerald’s College, Castlebar (AET)
St. Brendan’s won 5-4 on pens
Tom Doyle (15) Paul Walsh (21)
It took spot kicks to decide who would advance to the First Year Boys National Cup Final on Thursday last, April 21 in Tulla United FC as these two sides couldn’t be separated in extra time.
A wonderfully weighted pass from the talented Owen Benson saw Emmet O’Shea produce the first real chance on goal as his glancing header just flew over the woodwork, five minutes in.
St. Brendan’s pressed for an early advantage and were rewarded half way through the first period as Tom Doyle scored a fantastic opening goal on the edge of the box on the half volley.
This was cancelled out six minutes later when Nathan Reilly Doyle went on a fantastic run down the right flank. He managed to rifle a shot on target which Conor O’Leary palmed away, but this fell to the feet of the ever present Paul Walsh who tapped in at the far post.
Conor O’Leary was the busier of the two keepers during the game and he denied danger man Paul Walsh in injury time with a superb athletic save at the top corner to keep his side in contention.
Again Eoin Ryan tested O’Leary in the closing stages with a wonderfully struck effort for St. Gerald’s but the keeper was equal to the challenge.
The dreaded spot kicks was the only option available to remedy the deadlock.
Tom Doyle, Dylan Callaghan, Willian Shine, Owen Benson and Ryan O’Grady all converted for St. Brendan’s.
Unfortunately for St. Gerald’s their best player on the park, Paul Walsh saw his effort sail over the crossbar with their second penalty of the game. Colleagues Emmet Murphy, Donnach McHugh, Kevin Walsh and Eoghan Hughes slotted past O’Leary.
The narrowest of margins, separated these sides as St. Brendan’s College now look forward to their National Cup outing with Coláiste Choilm CBS, Swords. This decider is already penciled in for Wednesday, May 4 (KO 1pm) in their diaries. A Tipperary venue will be confirmed at a later date.
ST. BRENDAN’S COLLEGE, KILLARNEY: Conor O’Leary, Cian O’Leary, Owen Benson, Neil O’Shea (Captain), Ryan O’Grady, Conor Henderson, Daniel Okwute, Tom Doyle, Dylan Callaghan, Emmett O’Shea, William Shine
SUBS: Rob O’Shea for O’Leary (41), Lawrence O’Donoghue, Matt Fleming, Jack McCarthy, Joe Rudden, Phillip O’Leary for Okwute (60+18), Christian Casey. O’Leary was re-introduced for injured Henderson (47)
TEACHER: Trevor Nagle
ST. GERALD’S COLLEGE, CASTLEBAR: John Vahey, Jack Rochford, Cian McHale, Emmet Murphy (Captain), Donnach McHugh, Eoghan Hughes, Nathan Reilly Doyle, Eoin Ryan, Darragh Scollan, Kevin Walsh, Paul Walsh
SUBS: Liam Morris, Ryan Medlurum for Rochford (60), Dylan Creshiam, Stephen Burke, Conor O’Neill, Jack Livingston
TEACHER: Tom Byrne
REFEREE: Pat Gleeson (Clare)
