Class kids shine in Croker finals
THERE was great excitement in the Cumann na mBunscol camogie and hurling finals in Croke Park on Monday with schools from Tallaght, Lucan, Inchicore, Terenure and Rathcoole taking part.
There was plenty of success for Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada when they won the Corn Sean O’Rinn and the Corn Atha Cliath competitions.
In the Corn Seán O’Rinn, the Lucan side overcame Scoil Oilibheir in the final while they brushed aside the challenge of Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig in the Corn Atha Cliath decider.
In the Corn Seán O’Rinn showdown, Eiscir Riada came out 2- 8 to 2-6 winners in what was a very close match all the way.
Tobin Doda at full forward accounted for 2-3 in the first half with a free on the stroke of half time from Cillian Ó Gadhra left it 2-4 to 2-2 up at half time for Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada.
Both sides added 0-4 in the second half with GSER scores coming from Cillian Ó Gadhra (0-2, 0-1 from free), Tobin Doda and Ollie Ó Riain.
Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada co-captains Grace Levingstone and Jessica Ni Chiardubháin receive the trophy in Croke Park
Scoil Oilibhéir had a chance to win it at the death with a shot on goal, but an excellent save from goalkeeper Ruadhán Ó Laoghóg won the game for GSER.
This is the second year in a row that the GSER boys have won a hurling cup in Croke Park.
Last year they won the Tom Ryder Cup.
Tobin Doda finished with 2-4, Cillian Ó Gadhra (captain) 0-3 (0-2 frees) and Ollie Ó Riain 0-1 accounted for scores.
Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig camogie team won 1-2 to 1-1 against Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig.
Caitriona Ni Dhuibhir scored a point in the first half while Emma Ni Riain scored a goal in the second half.
Beth Ni Laighin was among the scorers for the winners.
St Pius X got the better of St Oliver Plunkett’s Malahide in the Corn Marino final
There was also joy for St Pius X in Terenure when they got the better of St Oliver Plunkett’s Malahide 3-8 to 1-10 in the Corn Marino final at the third time of asking.
St Oliver Plunkett’s won the toss and opted the play with a stiff breeze but it was St Pius who opened brightly with a goal from Max Cahill.
Plunkett’s replied swiftly with a goal of their own but although the St Pius boys battled bravely against the elements Oliver Plunkett’s controlled much of the opening exchanges.
In the closing stages of the first half St Pius captain Dáire Fennell ran from the centre of the field to score a crucial goal just before half time.
This left Oliver Plunkett’s leading by the minimum at the break.
The goal just before half time seemed to spur on the St Pius boys for the second half and with the aid of the elements they began to dominate.
Adam Walsh, Sean Browne and Matthew Cahill began to get on top in the defence while Ronan Kealy, Odhran Jones and Billy Lappin supplemented the attack.
Dáire Fennell took his personal tally to 2-07 with another second half goal which pushed the lead out to four, a lead they never relinquished.
Oliver Plunkett’s fought bravely but it was the hard-working St. Pius boys who came out with a deserved victory in the end.
Scoil Maelruain were pipped at the post in the Corn Ui Shiochan decider after going down to Gaelscoil Mologa.
Captain Sophie Smith played her heart out for Scoil Maelruain but in the end the clock beat them.
The Old Bawn team was made up of fifth and sixth class girls with the majority playing for Thomas Davis.
Holy Family in Rathcoole took part in the Corn Padraig MacGilloa Bhearraigh decider.
The Rathcoole camogie side put in a brave show against Gaelscoil Mide, Cill Barrog.
Every player gave their best effort, showcasing determination and skill throughout the match with Ella Billings and Abby Manning each scored a fantastic goal.
Captain, Ava Tighe, and vice-captain, Natalie Fais played a key role in Holy Family’s run to the final this year.