St: Joseph’s College, Galway 1/0 De La Salle College, Waterford
Josh Marvesley (48)
THE BISH had a massive win in UL following the demise of reigning All Ireland Champions De La Salle College, Waterford in a gruelling match this afternoon (March 14) reports Paul Kirwan
The last time these two sides met was two years previously in the grade below this competition with the game ending all square (1/1): It took extra time that afternoon to find a winner with the Waterford side emerging victorious on a 3/1 score line:
Fortunes were reversed today however as a solitary goal courtesy of Josh Marvelsey eight minutes into the second half proved vital for Robert Grealish crew
Not surprising it was last year’s kingpins DLS that made an impact early on with two instinctive chances in front of goal:
The first coming from the impressive Aaron O’Connor five minutes in, who lashed a thunderous shot from just outside the box but hit it straight at the goalkeeper James Grealis
Grealis was called into action moments later when Conor Dalton’s high ball screamed over the woodwork
Galway eventually got a hold on the game and started to pass the ball around well and Shane Hulgraine went close when his 20 yard strike went the wrong side of the post:
Both teams were well organised and possession was shared equally with the better chances of the first half going to the De La Salle men
Stalemate at the half time interval
Robert Grealish must have said something inspiring during his halftime team talk as the Galway side that came out were like a completely different team:
The bish pressed high and worked hard in the opening ten minutes of the restart and were rewarded adequately on 48 minutes when Shane Hulgraine forced a corner: The set piece was supplied by Gary Kineen who swung a delightful ball far post for Josh Marvesley to head home a stunner:
De La Salle came close to equalising when Aaron O’Connor’s left footed strike on the edge of the box just crept over the bar after some nervous defending from St: Joseph’s with only nine minutes remaining:
The Connacht stars could and should have wrapped up the win with two minutes from time when Gary Kineen was put clean through on goal only for Stephen Doheny to stand firm and save brilliantly:
Injury time saw the final chance of the game which again fell to St: Joseph’s as Tommy McClean this time found himself with time and space inside the opposition box only for his effort to nip past the far post:
A tight encounter which saw two teams dominate separate periods, was well worthy of a semi/final and a great game from a neutral perspective:
The bish will hope to carry on this form into the All Ireland Cup Final which is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26:
The other semi final fixture will be played next Tuesday afternoon (March 18) when St: Eunan’s College, Letterkenny take on newcomers Marian College, Ballsbridge at Oriel Park, Dundalk FC at 1pm
ST: JOSEPH’S COLLEGE, GALWAY: James Grealis, Evin Hynes, Eoin Higgins, Bobby Keane, Brian Lally, Mikey Costelloe, Tommy McClean, Jack Coyne, Josh Marvesley, Shane Hulgraine, (Ross Murphy 73), Gary Kineen
SUBS: Diarmuid McGee, Chris Scally, Josh Kennedy, Mark Walsh, David Scully, Evan Dealy
TEACHERS: Robert Grealish, Barry McDermott
DE LA SALLE COLLEGE, WATERFORD: Stephen Doheny, Dylan Walsh, Dylan McGuire, Roy Butler, Aiden Holden, Eddie Meaney, Luke Doherty, Conor Dalton, Hayden Galibert, (Darragh Morgan 59), Aaron O’Connor, Rob Ryan (Callum O’Neill 49)
SUBS: Kieran Doheny, Jack Power, Shane Wyse
TEACHERS: Mark Moore, Paidi Nevin
REFEREE: Frank O’Neill (Limerick)