Enniscorthy C.B.S. celebrate breakthrough win
ST. MARY’S C.B.S. (Enniscorthy) were crowned Leinster ‘A’ Under-17 Cup champions when they overcame a very talented Coláiste Choilm (Swords) in Arklow recently.
This is the first time that a Wexford school has won a Leinster title at this age level, creating history not only for the school, but also for the county.
In a campaign that started out with 64 schools, the C.B.S. boys and their mentors can certainly feel very proud of their journey to success, with their next challenge awaiting in the All-Ireland semi-final.
The Wexford boys had an absolute dream start with barely two minutes on the clock. A free-kick just inside the Swords half was perfectly delivered by Lee Jordan.
The ball eluded the defence with ace goalscorer, Kieran Murphy, timing his run perfectly, taking one touch, and finishing expertly, giving the ‘keeper no chance.
The remainder of the half saw Swords attacking but not creating many chances, with under-age Irish international, Valentino Odedokun, always looking a threat.
The Enniscorthy boys defended resolutely to a man and as a team, with the ‘keeper, Seán Maher, not having to make a save of note. At the other end, the Dublin ‘keeper, Andy Newbank, had to react smartly to save an Eanna Doyle effort just before half-time.
The second-half started with the Swords team upping the tempo and moving the ball much quicker and with more purpose. But the Enniscorthy team were equal to the challenge and again defended heroically, both from open play and set-pieces.
They always looked dangerous on the counter and almost doubled their lead when Brody Murphy forced the Dublin ’keeper into a good save at the near post.
Coláiste Choilm’s quest for an equaliser did come from a free-kick, taken by midfielder Brian McManus, which eluded everybody and crept into the corner of the net.
The game was keenly contested after this with both sides trying to gain the upper hand.
A tremendous block from centre-back Eanna Doyle, when the Dublin team seemed certain to score, really inspired the Enniscorthy boys to go for the winner.
The moving of Brody Murphy to a more central role was a shrewd one as he constantly stretched the Dublin defence, with the midfield pushing forward in support. Enniscorthy forced three corners in quick succession and virtually with time running out and extra-time looming, the all-important winner arrived.
The captain, Danny Bruce, rose highest at the back post to power home a Lee Jordan corner, sending players, teachers and supporters into wild celebrations as the final whistle sounded minutes later.
It was a monumental display by all the players, who showed a fantastic attitude, work ethic and discipline throughout. No doubt, the Dublin boys were totally dejected as they were fancied from the early stages of the campaign.
There will be brighter days ahead for them, but for now, the Enniscorthy team can sit proudly, knowing that they are the best schools team in Leinster at Under-17 level.
Afterwards, the Tom Ticher Bank of Ireland Cup was presented to captain Danny Bruce, who accepted the trophy on behalf of an outstanding panel of players.
They will now go on to play the Ulster champions, Donegal school Loreto C.S. (Milford), at a venue and on a date yet to be decided.
Incidentally, C.B.S. are also through to the Leinster League quarter-final, when they will lock horns again with the boys from Swords, this time in Enniscorthy.
Enniscorthy C.B.S.: Seán Maher (Wexford F.C.), Josh Waldron (Ballymurn Celtic), Danny Bruce (Wexford F.C.), Eanna Doyle (Cloughbawn F.C.), Craig Peare, Michael Delaney, Cian Hanley, Lee Jordan (all Moyne Rangers), Paudie Casey, Kieran Murphy (both Ferns United), Brody Murphy (Wexford F.C.) Reserves: Darragh Breen and Evan Dempsey (both Moyne Rangers), Aaron Wallace, Bartomiej Walkowiak (both Shamrock Rovers), Raphael Abidoge (St. Joseph’s F.C.), Cathal Roche (Ballymurn Celtic), Mick McGrath (Cloughbawn F.C.), Noel Rowsome (unattached and unavailable through injury). Team mentors: Shane Murphy and Lisa Burke.
Coláiste Choilm (Swords): Andy Newbank, Carl Rooney, Conor Kelly, Jack Tynan, Danny Taaffe, Keith Carter, Jamie Redmond, Brian McManus, Valentino Odedokun, Conor Fagan, Bradley Rodgers. Reserves: Josh Croft, Shane O’Connor, James Doyle, Michael Mallon, Darragh Power. Team mentors: Paul Lawlor and Derek Mahoney.