Bank of Ireland FAI Schools John Murphy National Cup Semi Final
(Senior ‘B’ Cup caters for small schools)
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Gaelchólaiste na Mara, Arklow 4-0 Pobalscoil Gaoth Dobhair
Darragh Fitzgerald (3), Jack Darcy (19), Cathal Kelleher (42, 49)
Gaelchólaiste na Mara made up for last season’s disappointment with a powerful performance in the Peace Link Sports Centre, Clones yesterday afternoon after dispensing of Pobalscoil Gaoth Dobhair.
The Leinster Champs were aided by a strong breeze in the first half and were unequivocally superb in front of goal with every opportunity on goal utilised to perfection. The impressive goal tally ensured a National Cup spot with Captain Garrett Kenny and Jack Darcy showing their superiority throughout the park.
The talented Darragh Fitzgerald opened the scoring with only three minutes played with a well worked manoeuvre to slot past Ó’Cearrbholl for the first of the afternoon.
Pobalscoil Gaoth Dobhair were awarded a free kick 25 yards out on the quarter mark as Naoise Ó’Baoill thundered the ball off the crossbar. The talisman was a danger for much of the game but was left frustrated by the defensive prowess of the Arklow crew.
Ó’hÉalaithe’s men responded immediately and their advantage was doubled with Jack Darcy getting on the score sheet moments later. Young Cathal Kelleher was the hero for Arklow as he netted either side of the interval to take the contest out of Gweedore’s reach.
Nagle Community College, Mahon and Our Lady’s Secondary School, Belmullet will contest the other semi final on Friday in Athlone IT to see who will face the much fancied Arklow side in this year’s Cup Final.
Nagle have won the prestigious John Murphy Cup in 2011 and 2013 while Our Lady’s were runners up last season losing out to St. Peter’s CS, Passage West after extra time. The Belmullet boys were National Champions in 2005 and 1998. Nagle defeated the Belmullet side in 2013 to snatch the title so there is plenty of history between these two sides. It should make for a cracking game.
Gaelchólaiste na Mara will relish the test put in front of them and have time now to finalise their preparations ahead of the finale on Wednesday, February 10.
GAELCHÓLAISTE NA MARA, ARKLOW: Callum Vickers, Paddy O’Donughue, Liam Ó’Scálaigh, Garrett Kenny (Captain), Tommy Rowan, Pól Ó’Riain, Corey Mills, Liam Ó’Colemán, Jack Darcy, Darragh Fitzgerald, Cathal Kelleher
SUBS: Stephen Neville for Mills (67), Jacques McCall for O’Donoghue (H/T), Tom Maher for Kenny (49), Andrew Maher for O’Riain (75), Tom Ó’Scálaigh, David Kealy, Adam Ó’Cuillean for Jack Darcy (89)
TEACHER: Gearóid Ó’hÉalaithe
POBALSCOIL GAOTH DOBHAIR: Mickey Ó’Cearrbholl, Conor MacPhaIdín, Ryan Kelly (Captain), Conor McCafferty, Seaghan Ó’Ferraigh, Dáire O’Baoill, Conor Boyle, Sean O’Donnell, Naoise Ó’Baoill, Ciaran McHugh, Odhran MacFadden.
SUBS: Liam McFadden for O’Fearraigh (53), Eamonn Collum, Jamie McGee, Padraig O’Gallchoir for MacFadden (58), Neasan MacGiona Bhríde, Joe McFadden, Gavin Sweeney
TEACHER: Keith Ó’Fearraigh
REFEREE: Paul McGeown (Monaghan)
