Cumann na mBunscol Finals: Croker Joy

Loreto Primary School Rathfarnham kicked off Monday with a win in the Corn Neasáin with a 1-07 to 0-06 scoreline against Gaelscoil Sliabh Rua.

Captained by Mary, the side got off to an excellent start with a point from Holly early on. Defensive work from Sadhbh, Anna, Cara, Grace, Ellen, Lily and Milena kept the opposition at bay.

Attacking wise Anna, Willow, Holly, Rachel, Julianne, Lil, Rebecca, Millie and Harriet worked tirelessly putting pressure on the opponent’s defence.

A goal from Anna C would push them over the line alongside some top tier defensive marking from Alanna and Sienna as well as keeper Sadhbh to produce a magnificent victory for the school.

Loreto Primary School Rathfarnham won the Corn Neasáin with a 1-07 to 0-06 scoreline against Gaelscoil Sliabh Rua

Our Lady Queen of Apostle Clonburris emerged victorious in the final of the Corn Clonmore with a one point victory over Saint Mark’s. 

With a final score of 1-08 to 1-07, Dylan Byrne played a huge role for the team, captaining his school and scoring three points in the process.

Other scorers included Joshua Onwuzulumba, Conor Leonard, Luke Moody, Jake Collins and Evan Walsh while Sam Ivers scored a last minute goal to win it.

Byrne, Leonard and Onwuzulumba in particular had sensational performances for the team.

Action from the match between Our Lady Queen of Apostle Clonburris and St Mark’s

St Mark’s put in a valiant effort in what was their first trip to Croke Park since 2013.

The team was guided by teachers Sean Doran, Ruaidhrí Gibbons and Denis Hegarty.

Superb performances at the back from Kristofer Arne, Luke Mangan, Adrians Znotins and Daniel Deac were paired with excellent forward displays from Harrison Byrne and Jack Rasidovic.

Rasidovic would grab a goal also in the second half but the team would be pipped at the end by Clonburris.

It was an extremely impressive display in what was a brilliant game from both schools.

Scoil Maelruain missed out on the Corn Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh to Mary Mother of Hope

Scoil Maelruain narrowly missed out on the Corn Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh after a close three point defeat to Mary Mother of Hope on Monday afternoon.

Darragh Woodlock had sent Maelruain up by two points by half time with other strong performances in the first half coming from Shane O’Connor and Jamie Twamley.

The second half saw the side pressure the opposition with Captain Liam O’Brien and Zack Smyth continuously winning kickouts.

A goal from Jake Murtagh after would not be enough to keep the lead however and with the game all level, a last second goal for Mary’s  Mother of Hope would deny Maelruain’s the win after a valiant performance.

Action from the game between Holy Family Rathcoole and St Attracta’s

Holy Family Rathcoole enjoyed a massive achievement with both their boys and girls teams reaching the finals of the Corn Frank Cahill and Corn Comhar Linn respectively.

The school found themselves up against St Attracta’s in both games and unfortunately were unable to get over the line but did themselves proud with a hugely impressive performance from both teams.

In the boys final Callum, Michael, Jude, Reece,Ryan and Charlie in particular impressed while the girls team saw massive performances from the likes of Aibhin, Farrah, Eileen, Rebecca, Ellie, Louise, Kayla, Alice, Camdyn and Emily.

With Holy Family being somewhat of a soccer stronghold, this surge of GAA success is even more impressive considering that several players do not even belong to GAA clubs.

Scoil Chronain in Rathcoole managed to lift silverware after defeating St Olaf’s by a margin of five points

Scoil Chronain in Rathcoole managed to lift silverware after defeating St Olaf’s by a margin of five points with the final score reading 1-10 to 1-05.

It was a day of redemption for the team who had just come up short in recent finals in Croke Park over the last year or so.

Led out by co captains, Sam Cooper and Ciaran McCabe at number 6 and 11 respectively, Chronain’s overcame a nervy first half to see out a solid victory against Olaf’s, being awarded the Corn na nGearaltach for their efforts.