Academy footballers into Munster final
THE Patrician Academy footballers booked their place in the Munster final following a hard fought victory over Newcastle West in Ballyagran last Friday.
The cold weather spell made for testing conditions on the day but the Academy boys set out their stall early, racing into an early lead of 3 points to nil after just ten minutes following some fine play by Eoin Kelleher, Conor Corbett and Jack Dillon.
The combination of the impressive midfield pairing of Kieran Twomey and Eanna O’Hanlon began to dominate proceedings along with the collective defensive work by the entire back line, martialled well by goalkeeper Josh Murphy, building a strong platform for the dominance of the Academy in the first half.
Two quick fire goals saw them race into a 2-4 to 0-2 lead after 20 minutes. Soaking up all that Newcastle West had to offer, the Academy boys worked the ball very well at times through the lines, punishing their opponents to hold a well deserved half time lead 3-5 to 0-3.
On the resumption though it was Newcastle West who dominated the game for a period. In the opening five minutes three unanswered points in a row saw them cut the deficit to 3-5 to 0-6. The Academy regrouped, however, and got back on task to extend their lead once more to 3-9 to 0-6 with 15 minutes to play.
However, then, with few other options open to them, came the Newcastle West onslaught. Time after time they launched what they could at the Academy defense, peppering keeper Josh Murphy with shot after shot. Despite his best efforts, which included some top class saves, the scoreline was a nervy 3-10 to 2-7 with 55 minutes played.
This Academy side are made of tough stuff, however, both mentally and physically, and pushed on once more. They steadied and took control of the ball, building again, culminating in a superbly taken goal by Barry O’Shea, 4-11 to 2-8. This score quenched all hope for Newcastle West and left the outcome in no doubt to all in attendance.
A final point from each side resulted in a final scoreline of 4-12 to 2-9. The Academy now look forward to a Munster final outing with St.Augustines Dungarvan on Saturday, February 23 at a venue yet to be confirmed.