St: Patrick’s College, Cavan 1/0 Summerhill College, Sligo
Craig Murphy (7)
Craig Murphy was the hero for St: Patrick’s College, Cavan as he sent his team through to the UMBRO FAI Schools Dr: Tony O’Neill Cup Final following a difficult game against Summerhill College, Sligo in Finn Park yesterday afternoon (March 8)
The solidarity goal came just 7 minutes in, when the Sligo defence failed to clear their lines following an accurate corner from Paul Graham to the near post: The alert Murphy was on hand to slot home from close range much to the delight of mentor Edward O’Callaghan:
This was Murphy’s second attempt on goal as his earlier screamer just drifted short of Vinnie Cadden’s upright for the perfect start for St: Pat’s:
The Cavan School which last won the Senior Soccer title in 2003 welcomed the return of Paul Graham and Conor Higgins from suspension following their dismissal in the Ulster Final against a much fancied St: Columbas College, Stranorlar:
The Ulster Champs served up a great contest in their Provincial decider as they overcame their rivals on penalties following a 2/2 draw in normal time, 3/3 in extra time and winning 5/4 on spot kicks in Ballyshannon last week:
The Connacht stars, Summerhill College also advanced to the All Ireland series on penalties following a gruelling 0/0 draw against a much fancied St: Mary’s College of Galway:
Both teams may have been classed as under/dogs previously but it was all to play for in Ballybofey as the match progressed:
Summerhill were very close to equalising just short of the interval when Steven Cawley latched onto a high ball from Michael Casey: However, Cawley headed just inches wide of the woodwork:
Casey was very much the play maker as he tried to lob Jo Masterson from twenty yards out but the Sligo native watched agonisingly as the ball dragged wide of the left post:
Summerhill’s Andrew Patton was causing concern for the Cavan defence and he missed a gilt edged opportunity to get his name on the score/sheet when his pile driver from fifteen yards out was just too high to trouble net minder Masterson:
At the other end, Craig Murphy was enjoying his day with some lively link play with Darragh McNulty and Cathal Bogue: Unfortunately, the trio couldn’t convert their fluid passing into a move to deceive the Sligo defence as Paul Logan and Niall McManus were on hand to deny the Ulster men:
St: Patrick’s finished the half one nil in front with both teams making some early changes in the second period as Sligo introduced Clive Brennan for Andrew Patton and Ben Kiernan replaced Kevin Johnson for St: Patrick’s:
Cathal Bogue thought he got Cavan’s second of the afternoon but referee Ed Moore deemed him in an off side position to deny the youngster:
Just before the hour mark, Vinnie Cadden pulled off an excellent save to deny Bogue once again:
Summerhill were willing their team forward and Scott Maguire was introduced to add another dimension to the Sligo attack as Anthony Flynn’s outfit fought hard for an equaliser:
Sligo enjoyed much of the possession as evidenced in the final quarter which saw Michael Casey’s set piece sailing over the bar, while Maguire’s effort called on the expertise of Jo Masterson to deny the substitute:
The Cavan defence was on the back foot for much of the game now with Sligo exerting the pressure:
Cavan’s Daniel Talbot was dismissed with only five minutes remaining following two yellow cards:
Summerhill now had the luxury of an extra man as the final minutes ticked by: They were forced to advance forward to take the game into extra time:
Steven Cawley and Scott Maguire had excellent chances to equalise at the death only for both men to be wide of the mark: The final whistle blew with a deflated Sligo narrowing missing out on additional time:
The game concluded with an historic victory for St: Patrick’s College, the predominately GAA school:
O’Callaghan’s main concern now will be the return of Talbot for the All Ireland decider but the youngster should serve his suspension in the league campaign next week which should mark his return for the Dr: Tony O’Neill Cup Final:
St: Patrick’s College will now have to await the winners of the other semi final fixture which will see De La Salle, Waterford take on Dublin’s St: Benildus College in Arklow Town FC on Thursday, March 10 (KO 3pm):
St: Patrick’s College, Cavan: Jo Masterson, Andrew Graham, Paul Graham, Conor Higgins, Ryan Reilly, Daniel Talbot, Kevin Johnson, Killian Devine, Cathal Rogue, Darragh McNulty, Craig Murphy
Subs used: Ben Kiernan (K: Johnson)
Subs not used: Michael Hatton, Peter Sanja, Peter Sexton, Vinny Coyle
Teachers: Edward O’Callaghan
Summerhill College, Sligo: Vinne Cadden, Hayden Cawley, Paul Logan, Niall McManus, Killian Sweeney, Niall Murphy, Andrew Patton, Ben McGarry, Steven Cawley, Ryan Lynch, Michael Casey
Subs used: Clive Brennan (A: Patton), Scott Maguire (H: Cawley)
Subs not used: Andre Gorman, Steven Armstrong, Adam McLoughlin
Teachers: Anthony Flynn
Referee: Ed Moore (Donegal)