Brave show from Colmcille hurlers in Croker cracker

By William O’Connor

SCOIL Colmcille SNS put in a brave show in the Cumann na mBunscol Corn Herald decider but in the end were edged out by Scoil San Treasa, Mount Merrion 2-14 to 3-12 in Croke Park on Tuesday.

The Knocklyon side is managed by Dublin senior hurler Shane Durkin who has been at the school for the past three years.

“You could not fault the lads. They put in a huge effort and the clock beat us at the end,” said the inter county star.

Indeed Colmcille’s were seven points in arrears with minutes left on the clock and two goals from James O’Brien set up a frantic finish.

However, the clock beat the Knocklyon boys as Scoil San Treasa held out for a narrow one-point victory.

The first half was evenly contested with the sides deadlocked at six points apiece at half time.

Cian Kelly sent over a couple in the opening period while Thomas Nolan and James O’Brien were others who got on the scoresheet.

The second half was full of goals with five coming in what was an exciting period.

The Mount Merrion side made all of the early running and it paid off as they scored the first three goals.

Colmcille’s were playing catch up and points from centre back Darren Malone kept the side to within shooting distance.

Malone sent over three points and then O’Brien’s two goals came as Colmcille’s applied the pressure.

But it was not to be Colmcille’s day, despite a brave performance from the team who battled all the way to the finish.

The team is mainly made up of players from Ballyboden St Enda’s along with St Jude’s and Faughs.