Schools show their skills in Croker finals

THERE was plenty of action in the Cumann na mBunscol football finals in Croke Park on Monday.

There was schools from Terenure, Lucan, Tallaght and Ballyroan involved in the first day of action.

In a dramatic finish in the Corn Chlanna Gael decider, St Joseph’s scored a late goal from Conor Ho Flynn as the side played out a 3-8 to 2-11 draw with St Attracta’s SNS from Meadowbrook.

This was a great game of football with the Terenure side making a late surge with Flynn proving to be the hero on the day with a late goal.

Sam McCarthy and Adam Ryan were among the goal scorers for Joseph’s while Paddy McHugh and captain Daragh Kenny putting in good shifts.

With the match ending in a draw, both teams will share the trophy which dates back as far as 1947.

St Thomas’s Jobstown played in their first final in over twenty five years

Meanwhile in the Lucan derby, Gaeslcoil Eiscir Riada overcame the challenge of Scoil Mhuire 2-7 to 3-2 in a tight encounter.

Eiscir Riada enjoyed the better of the proceedings in the opening half with centre forward Sadbh Ni Earchai scoring two goals while Jessica Ni Chiardubhain and Caitriona Ni Dhuibhir were among the scorers.

Action from the match between St Thomas’s and Scoil Aíne Naofa in Croke Park. Photos by Maurice Grehan

Eiscir Riada had a strong defensive unit made up of Trinity Ni Laoi who captained the side while Doireann Ni Fhiaich stood out.

However Scoil Mhuire came storming back in the second half with Mia Lindsay and Sarah Archbold finding the net before they grabbed a third to draw level.

Scoil Mhuire were on a high with these goals going in and Isabelle Godson, Leah Archbold, Sophie Casey stood out as did midfielders Elly Murrin and Aisling McCAbe.

St Thomas’s and Scoil Aine battle for possession

However, Eiscir Riada held firm with Ni Dhuibhir, Ni Mhaicin and Ni Earchai scoring points to secure the win.

Elsewhere, Scoil Aine Naofa in Esker proved too strong for St Thomas’s Jobstown who were playing in their first final in over 25 years in the Corn Mhic Chaolite decider.

Scoil Aine Naofa ran out comfortable winners but to Thomas’s credit they battled right to the end.

St Joseph’s from Terenure played out a draw after a late goal with St Attracta’s SNS from Meadowbrook

It was 4-5 to 1-2 at half time in favour of the Esker boys who won their first football title in 2008.

Captain Liam Collis impressed for Eiscir Riada at midfield helping himself to 3-2 while his partner Odhran Donoghue, full back Daniel Breen, Christian Scanlan who scored 1-2 and Mathew Homan stood out.

James Byrne came off the bench for Scoil Aine Naofa and scored a goal and three points while Sean Somers Doyle, Sean Collopy and Charlie Arbuthnot stoodout.

Scoil Mhuire in Lucan lost out to their local rivals Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada in the final in Croke Park on Monday

For St Thomas’s, Lee Kinsella scored a great penalty in the first half while Blake Carney Fegan fired over two points.

Emmanuel Gabari worked hard around midfield while Emmet Curran showed great dedication coming back from abroad while Isaiah Zola Ndongala impressed.

Meanwhile St Patrick’s girls team had plenty to cheer about when they overcame Scoil Neasain from Harmonstown 4-5 to 4-3.

Action from Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada and Scoil Mhuire

This was a real exciting match with Shona Heaney proving the hero for St Patrick’s with a goal in the last minute.

Anna Judge was among the scorers for St Patrick’s while co-captains Aoibhe Fallon in defence and Abbey Donohue at midfield stood out.

Keeper Aisling Kearney put in a good show for Scoil Mhuire who were last in Croke Park back in 2019.

For full access to all content on Echo.ie and to support the continuation of local news and local journalism in your community subscribe HERE.

Thanks for your ongoing support.