FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Boys National Cup Semi Final (Under 15, Small Schools)
Friday, March 31, 2023
Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa, Clara 6-3 Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair
Tadhg Maher (22, 49), Isaac Ryan (26, 32, 55), Dylan Dunne (53) Tadhg Ó Baoill (30), Brian Mac Pháidín (47), Taeghan Coyle (70)
A nine-goal thriller was played out between Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa of Clara and Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair in Ray MacSharry Park, Sligo yesterday evening (Thursday, March 31)
Jason Kiernan’s charges slotted six past the Ulster Champions who were chasing the game for long spells.
Clara talisman Isaac RYAN netted a hat-trick alongside a brace from Tadhg Maher and a lone strike from Dylan Dunne saw the contest wrapped up before the hour mark.
To their credit, Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair never gave up and kept themselves in the game with a hat-trick of goals themselves.
Their netminder Lorcan Mac Giolla Choill should be applauded for his heroics throughout the seventy minutes as he denied several exceptional attempts on goal.
The Leinster Champions forced the Gweedore number one into a brilliant save just two minutes in as Isaac Ryan’s shot was on target only for the outstretched hand of Mac Giolla Choill.
Then three minutes later, Gweedore had their own chance to open the scoring as Micheal MacSuibhne missed a gilt-edged chance as he rounded the keeper and faced an empty net only for his shot to be dragged wide of the far post.
Clara had a delightful set piece which saw Leon Nolan head down into the path of Isaac Ryan on the six-yard line, but the striker poked the ball past the near post with 12 minutes played.
Dylan Deehan Kavanagh tested the Gweedore keeper midway through the first half, but the Donegal starlet saved again.
The deadlock was broken on 22 minutes as Tadhg MAHER snatched on a loose ball in the box following Lorcan Mac Giolla Choill save off Isaac Ryan’s previous effort.
Then Isaac RYAN got on the scoresheet himself with a delightful slice into the net as they led 2-0 on 26 minutes.
Gweedore’s Tadhg Ó Baoill grabbed a goal back for the Donegal side on 30 minutes.
Isaac RYAN netted this second and Clara’s third three minutes from the interval.
Kiernan’s side led 3-1 at the break.
Gweedore Captain Brian Mac Pháidín missed a wonderful opportunity to bring the game to just one with 8 minutes played after the restart, but the youngster couldn’t get his attempt on target.
However, he redeemed himself five minutes later as MacPHAIDIN slotted past James McKenna to make it 2-3.
The Gweedore comeback was short-lived as Tadhg MAHER got his second and Clara’s fourth of the afternoon two minutes later.
Dylan Dunne made it 5-2 on 53 minutes while two minutes later, RYAN’s hat-trick was complete to make it 6-2.
PSGD’s fortunes suffered a blow when substitute Jack MacDubhghaill picked up his second yellow in quick succession and he received his marching orders three minutes from time.
Substitute Taeghan COYLE grabbed a goal back late on to make it 3-6.
Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa will await the winners of the other semi-final which is due to take place later today (Friday, March 31) as Balla Secondary School take on Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven in Fairview Rangers AFC, Limerick at 12 noon.
The National Cup Final is scheduled for Wednesday, April 26 (1.0), venue to be confirmed.
ARD SCOIL CHIARÁIN NAOFA, CLARA | James McKenna ©, Jack Griffith, Ryan Handy, Daniel Stoyanor, John Carroll, Lima Fitzpatrick, Dylan Dunne, Dylan Deehan Kavanagh, Tadhg Maher, Isaac Ryan, Leon Nolan
SUBS | Niall Clerkin, Jake Lynch, Aydan Kelly, Oisin Guilfoyle, Cian Judge (ROLL ON / OFF)
TEACHER | Jason Kiernan
POBALSCOIL GHAOTH DOBHAIR | Lorcan Mac Giolla Choill, Jamie O’Gallchóir, John Paul Ó Gallchóir, Seosamh Mac Pháidín, Tarlagh Mac Giolla Bhride, Tadhg O’Baoill, Callum Ó Feiritear, Brian Mac Pháidín ©, Micheal Mac Suibhne, Joey Ó Colla
SUBS | Jack Mac Dubhghaill, Arran Ó Dochartaigh, James Ó Dochartaigh, Cian Ó hEifearnán, Taeghan Coyle (ROLL ON / OFF)
TEACHER | Keith Ó Fearraigh
MATCH OFFICIAL| Mark Irwin (Sligo)