St: Joseph’s College, Galway 1/0 St: Eunan’s College, Letterkenny
Conor Melody (32)
St: Joseph’s College, commonly known as the Bish knocked out defending Champions St: Eunan’s College in a pulsating tie in the Showgrounds, Sligo on Wednesday last (May 11)
A spectacular goal from striker Conor Melody in the second minute of the second period sealed the deal for Robert Grealish’s side:
Paul Browne’s St: Eunan’s were well aware of the threat posed by the Galway team as the momentum was with them in the early exchanges:
Michael Costello had an excellent chance to register the first of the afternoon after five minutes on the clock when he received an inch perfect pass from the inform Joe Hynes on the edge of the box: Unfortunately Costello’s powerful shot hit the side netting much to the frustration of the many spectators that travelled to support the team:
Nine minutes later midfielder Josh Marvelsey had a tame shot that didn’t bother Rory Carr in goal:
The Ulster stars combined well on 16 minutes courtesy of some good link play from Caolan McDaid and Declan Sharkey which produced an excellent save from netminder James Grealis:
Galway’s Conor Melody fed Joe Hynes with a well delivered cross field ball and the latter struck his effort well but Rory Carr was well positioned to palm the ball over the crossbar:
The second half was only minutes in when Conor Melody received a ball down the left wing by colleague John Kennedy and his close range effort was drilled to the left of Carr who dived too late for Galway to take the advantage (1/0) in the 32nd minute:
Nathan McElwaine was introduced for Odhran McFadden to revamp the Eunan’s attacking prowess on 39 minutes:
The Bish were growing in confidence as the second half progressed: The industrious Joe Hynes was aware of the excellent run by Josh Marvelsey who turned superbly for his effort to hit the woodwork, the rebounding shot fell to the feet of goal scorer Melody but his gallant attempt sailed over the bar from the six yard box:
Eunan’s made their second substitution of the day with Conor Neild coming on for Chris Carr with fifteen minutes remaining:
Galway were again denied by the woodwork on 49 minutes following a wonderfully struck shot by the impressive Conor Melody from 20 yards out:
Galway were in the driving seat as they introduced Conor Maloney for Gary Kineen close to the hour mark and Caolin Tobin for Joe Hynes in injury time:
There was six minutes of additional time played but it wasn’t enough for Paul Browne’s team to impact on proceedings as the Bish advance to their first All Ireland this season:
The Bish will now face De La Salle, Dundalk in the UMBRO FAI Schools First Year Boys All Ireland Final which is scheduled for a fortnight’s time in Athlone Town FC:
St: Joseph’s College: James Crealis, Tommy MCClean, Ben Brennan, Bobby Keane, Brian Lally, Michael Costello, Joe Hynes, John Kennedy, Josh Marvelsey, Conor Melody, Gary Kineen
Subs used: Conor Maloney for G Kineen (58), Caolin Tobin for J Hynes (63)
Subs: Diarmuid McGea, Sean Cunningham, Ronan Murphy
Teachers: Robert Grealish and Barry McDermott, GK Coach: Ger Hanley, Physio: Seamus McWalter
St: Eunan’s College: Rory Carr, Odhran Barron, Dara Harper, Patrick Diver, Liam Blaney, Ciaran Maloney, Chris Carr, Caolan McDaid, Declan Sharkey, Aaron O’Donnell, Odhran McFadden
Subs used: Nathan McElwaine for O McFadden (39), Conor Neild for C Carr (45)
Subs: Ryan McLaughlin, Gavin Maguire, Chris Duddy
Teacher: Paul Browne
Referee: James Dermody (Roscommon)