FAI Schools John Murphy Senior ‘B’ National Cup Semi Final (Under 19, Small Schools)
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Grennan College, Thomastown 2-1 PCC Falcarragh
Éanna O’Keeffe (65), Seán Denieffe (90+1) Jack Gallagher (85)
GRENNAN COLLEGE, THOMASTOWN avoided a late scare against Ulster kingpins PCC Falcarragh in Oriel Park, Dundalk this afternoon (January 23).
Denis Doyle’s side netted the winner in injury time following a late equaliser from Falcarragh five minutes from time as everyone expected this Cup tie to go to extra time.
It was two goals inside the last few minutes that had everyone on the edge of their seats. What a pulsating climax to proceedings.
The Kilkenny school made a good impression early on with an Éanna O’Feeffe free-kick and a Seán Denieffe header on target making Falcarragh netminder Caolan O’Reilly the busier of the two keepers with some fine saves in the opening quarter of an hour.
Unfortunately for Falcarragh, Packie Doohan was forced into an early change with a clumsy tackle on the impressive David Geaney which saw him limp off as Stephen Curran was introduced with 19 minutes on the clock.
Conor Stewart sparked Falcarragh into life when he smashed the crossbar five minutes later. This attempt was shortly followed up by a nice strike from Ronan McGee which forced Alex Begley into an excellent save.
Grennan’s Tadgh McMahon had a snapshot on goal but O’Reilly got down well to gather.
Isaac Magner had a sneaky shot at the far post but again Caolan O’Reilly was equal to the challenge two minutes from the break as the teams headed into the interval scoreless.
Thomastown number one, Alex Begley made a good interception to deny Callagher Friel from a set-piece just over the hour mark as both sides were creating some lovely chances.
The breakthrough came in the 65th minute as Colm Treacy’s initial strike was blocked down but Éanna O’KEEFFE was on hand to slot home the rebound for a 1-0 lead to the Leinster starlets.
Grennan looked to be seeing the game out with some slow build up play from the back but PCC always looked dangerous on the counter.
The Donegal crew got their equaliser five minutes from time with a worldie from Jack GALLAGHER. A fabulous individual effort which saw him weave his way through the Kilkenny defence and slot past the diving Begley. 1-1 and game on!
Momentum seemed to be swaying to Falcarragh following the goal but Grennan managed to get a few free kicks in Falcarragh’s half to settle themselves.
The winner came from one of these as Seán DENIEFFE headed home the match winner in the 91st minute.
Falcarragh conceded defeat by the narrowest of margins, a wonderful display from both sides as Grennan just edged the contest overall with some brilliant periods of play.
The talented Thomastown squad now march on to the FAI Schools John Murphy Senior ‘B’ National Cup decider against current holders St. Peter’s Community College, Passage West on Wednesday, February 5 (1.0). Venue to be confirmed.
GRENNAN COLLEGE, THOMASTOWN | Alex Begley, Conor Kelly, Seán Denieffe, Tyler Nolan ©, Tadhg McMahon, Conor Monks, Colm Treacy, Alex Muniz, Éanna O’Keeffe, Isaac Magner, Darragh Dock
SUBS USED | Odhran McGorry for Magner (90+1)
SUBS NOT USED | John Clifford, Daniel Begley, Adam Borden, Cian Caulfield, Fionn Minogue, Jason Keane
TEACHER | Denis Doyle
PCC FALCARRAGH | Caolan O’Reilly, Dylan Kavanagh, Tarlach Coll, Jack Gallagher, Carragher Friel, Caolan McNulty ©, Ronan McGee, David Geaney, Tomás O’Reilly, Donncha Boyle, Conor Stewart
SUBS USED | Stephen Curran for Geaney (19), Shane Curran for T O’Reilly (72)
SUBS NOT USED | Dylan Roger, Ciaran Dole, Caolan McNulty, Niall McGee, Shea McGinty
TEACHER | Packie Doohan
MATCH OFFICIAL | David Hughes (Louth)
