St: Kieran’s College, Kilkenny 2/1 Douglas Community School, Cork
County Kilkenny is renowned for its hurling prowess with St: Kieran’s College playing a pivotal role within GAA history:
The successful school have added yet another jewel to their crown in soccer cycles as they progress to the FAI Schools Junior Boys National Final at the expense of an industrious Douglas Community School:
Douglas came into the game having beaten a fancied Limerick CBS 3/0 in a hard fought Munster Final: Manager, Kevin Ronayne was well prepared for this game but he had anticipated a tough test in Cahir Park, Tipperary today (Monday, 27 April):
Kilkenny meant business and this was evident from the start: Declan McQuillan went agonising close as his effort after just two minutes sailed inches wide of the right post:
Sam Johnston and Robert Hayes linked well to demolish any Douglas challenge:
John Power’s physicality was a problem for Ronayne’s side and they stuggled to come to terms with the pace of the game:
Luke Hickey and Michael Drennan were working well for the Leinster livewires: Sean Lowry had his effort saved bravely by Padraig O’Flynn in the Cork goal:
It took Douglas time to respond to the onslaught with Eoin Cremin playing an inviting ball into Darren O’Sullivan who was wide on the right: O’Sullivan cut past defenders Stephen Chappell and Jason Quan but his strike glided across the face of the goal with fifteen minutes gone:
Darren O’Sullivan had another attempt on goal minutes later but this too went wide of the upright:
Name sake Luke O’Sullivan impressed with some fine football and he was lively down the right wing: The skilful play was intercepted well by defender Jason Quan:
John Power sent a wonderful ball through the centre for Michael Drennan to connect with: Drennan dribbled past Graham Cullinane and keeper Padraig O’Flynn but his wicked shot was nicked off the post after the half hour mark:
Manager Don O’Connor introduced Thomas O’Hanrahan for Stephen Chappell just before half time: The youngster impressed with some fine defensive performances to outmanoeuvre the Douglas attack:
St: Kieran’s were awarded a free kick on the stroke of half time: U15 International Michael Drennan stepped up to take the set piece from 15 yards out: The starlet struck the ball beautifully which stunned keeper O’Flynn to rattle the top right hand corner of the Douglas net:
1/0 to St: Kieran’s at the interval:
The Cats dominance on proceedings continued in the second half courtesy of Sean Lowry: His strike on goal was gifted straight to the Cork keeper after 45 minutes:
Lowry was again in the perfect position to increased the Leinster lads lead but his positioning upfront was ruled off side to the relief of the Douglas supporters:
St: Kieran’s star Michael Drennan was clear on goal with 57 minutes registered but his effort was less than impressive as it travelled high and over the upright:
Douglas responded with the introduction of Cormac McCarthy for Eoin Cremin a minute later:
Andy O’Connell saw his shot deflected wide as Sean Lowry defended well to deny the Munster men on the hour mark:
Five minutes on, Douglas were awarded a corner after good work from Michael Forrest and Darren O’Sullivan: The resulting kick was delivered at pace into the six yard box: Andy O’Connell was in the perfect position to slot home for the equaliser: Extra time was now on the cards with fifteen minutes remaining:
The Douglas duo of Luke and Darren O’Sullivan impressed with some excellent individual performances unfortunately they couldn’t capitalise on their possession football:
The hard working Sean Lowry was taken off to make room for Jason Nugent with five minutes remaining:
Cork’s Luke O’Sullivan got into a great position on the six yard line but his strike on goal was well saved by the versatile net/minder Craig Cummins:
With extra time imminent, St: Kieran’s youngster Michael Drennan produced the goal of the game with a splendid strike across the face of the goal, the ball gliding into the top corner, to the roaring applause of the Kilkenny students:
2/1 to St: Kieran’s College with mere seconds remaining,aspectacular goal which stunned the Douglas side into defeat as the final whistle was blown:
St: Kieran’s College, Kilkenny will face Ulster winners Carndonagh Community School in the UMBRO FAI Schools Junior Boys National Final which is scheduled for next Thursday, 7 May: Venue & KO to be confirmed
St: Kieran’s College, Kilkenny: Craig Cummins, Stephen Chappell, Jason Quan, Sam Johnston, Robert Hayes, Luke Hickey, Tim Kiely Brennan, Michael (Hehir) Drennan, John Power, Sean Lowry, Declan McQuillan:
Subs: Kevin Dunlan, Thomas O’Hanrahan, Jason Nugent for Sean Lowry (75), Stephen Thompson for Stephen Chappell (39), Eoghan Connolly
Teacher: Don O’Connor
Douglas Community School, Cork: Padraig O’Flynn, Eoghan Murphy, Andrew Lehane, Jack Wilkins, Michael Forrest, Andy O’Connell, Luke O’Sullivan, Graham Cullinan, Darren O’Sullivan, Paul Koff, Eoin Cremin
Subs: Rob Lehane, Cian Hannond, Cormac McCarthy for Eoin Cremin (58), Josh Kia, Conor O’Donovan
Teacher: Kevin Ronayne
Referee: John Lyons (Tipperary)