Ballyroan schools enjoy memorable Croker outing
IT proved to be a memorable day for Ballyroan schools at Croke Park, as the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol finals came to an exciting conclusion.
Ballyroan BNS faced St Fiachra’s SNS Beaumont in the Sciath Kettrick competition, and, thanks to a superb performance from Shane Mullarkey, they emerged as comprehensive winners on a scoreline of 2-10 to 1-6.
This was preceded by an accomplished victory for their neighbours, St Patrick’s GNS, Ballyroan, in the Corn An Chladaigh Cup against Scoil Bhríde, Ranelagh, with Karrie Rudden contributing an outstanding tally of 4-1.
St Laurence O’Toole’s CBS (7-4) and Scoil Santain, Tallaght (6-7) played out a thrilling draw in the Corn Matt Griffin Cup, while Scoil Bhríde held off a determined challenge by Scoil Chiaráin CBS to win the Sciath An Chéid by 2-9 to 2-6.
The medals for this game were presented by Labour Party senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, who is a former principal of St Laurence O’Toole’s GNS on Dublin’s Seville Place.
A number of stars from Dublin’s All-Ireland-winning squads, including Jonny Cooper, Ciaran Kilkenny and ladies footballer Hannah O’Neill, were also in attendance.
There was an intriguing derby encounter between Our Lady Queen of Apostles NS, Clonburris and GS Chluain Dolcain in the Corn Chlanna Gael.
And courtesy of a 1-1 haul by Tomás Ó Muireagáin (godson of Republic of Ireland international Wes Hoolahan), GS eventually prevailed with four points to spare (2-8 to 2-4). Scoil Santain also had a team participating in the Tadhg Ó Cionnaith Shield decider and, courtesy of goals from Natasha Ní Niell (two) and Abbie Ní Fhaolain, the Tallaght outfit got the better of St Damian’s NS, Perrystown.
There were a host of sublime individual displays throughout the course of the day.
Abby Rooney was up there with the very best of them, as she amassed a total of 4-3 for Holy Child NS Larkhill in their impressive Corn Neasain success over Mount Anville PS, Kilmacud.