Skills on show in Croker showdown

IT WAS another busy day in the Cumann na mBunscol finals in Croke Park on Tuesday with schools from Lucan, Rathfarnham and Clondalkin in action.

Rathfarnham school St Mary’s reached the Corn Herald decider were they were up against Mhuire BNS in Marino, going down 2-4 to 0-7 in a great match.

St Mary’s were the defending Division One champions from last year and were going for their 9th title in the year of the schools 50th anniversary celebrations.

The Mary’s defence was excellent led by full back Seán Bolger and centre back Charlie Fox who cleared a number of dangerous attacks.

Both teams had two excellent midfielders and there was a titanic battle in the centre with both Cian Keary (0.1) and Fionn O’Brien having great games for St Mary’s. Captain Rossa Sweeney who scored 0.9 in last year’s final was double and triple marked at times but still came away with six points.

The Marino goalkeeper made a ‘save of the season’ to deny him what would have been an equalizing goal.

Scoil Aine celebrate their win over Glasnevin Educate Together in the Corn Nua camogie final Photos Mark Monahan

In the Corn Nua hurling final, Scoil Aine Naofa in Esker went head to head with Willow Park School. Scoil Aine, who were defending champions put in a solid display but were edged out by Willow.

The Scoil Aine Naofa senior hurling lined out against a strong Willow Park on Tuesday in Croke Park. Liam Collis scored two points for Scoil Aine while Rhys Henry also fired over the cross bar.

Jack O’Shea, Liam Collis, Orainn Donoghue and Gavin Hearte all played well for Scoil Aine.

Scoil Aine also competed in the Corn Nua camogie final against Glasnevin Educate Together.

Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain reached the Corn nan Og decider for the first time in 10 years against St Canice’s GNS from Finglas

The Lucan side put together a solid performance as they went on to claim the top prize.

Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain reached the Corn nan Og decider against St Canice’s GNS in Finglas.

It was Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain’s first final in over 10 years and they were right in this contest up to the final stages after conceding a couple of late scores.

Centre back and captain Paige Ni Shuilleabhain scored Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain’s point in the opening half as only a goal separated the sides at the break.

Scoil Aine Naofa camogie captains receive the Corn Nua trophy in Croke Park on Tuesday

Midfielders Maire Ni Chaoinleain and Sophia Jardine Conchuir worked hard for the Clondalkin school while Kirstyn Belle Ni Shearbhain battled hard throughout.

With most of the squad available to play again next year, Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain will be delighted to have reached this stage of the competition.

Full back Niamh Ni Dhiomasaigh and Daisy Nic Reamonn in goals played well for the Clondalkin side.