St. Mary’s C.B.S. just a step from All-Ireland title
ST. MARY’S C.B.S. (Enniscorthy) are one step away from achieving the ultimate prize in schools Under-17 soccer.
Last Monday they made the long journey to Monaghan where they defeated the Ulster champions, Loreto C.S. (Milford), in the All-Ireland ‘A’ semi-final on a 3-1 scoreline in a very entertaining and sometimes tense encounter, played in ideal conditions. This is the first time the school has reached a premier final in any sport.
Having already taken a major scalp in the Leinster final, when they accounted for Coláiste Choilm (Swords), the Wexford side approached the game with a lot of confidence.
But they were rocked back on their heels after three minutes when a delightful move down the right flank ended with the very talented Evan Hewitt crossing from the byline for Conor Black to power home with a header, giving ‘keeper Seán Maher no chance.
This was a huge setback and also put it up to the Wexford boys. But they held firm for the next 15 minutes, despite playing second fiddle to the side from Donegal.
Gradually Enniscorthy started to get a grip on proceedings, and a free-kick from Lee Jordan was met by Danny Bruce, who headed just wide.
Minutes later, Brody Murphy, with a stinging drive, brought a fine save from the Donegal ‘keeper, John Matthews, after centre-forward, Kieran Murphy, split the defence with a perfectly-timed pass.
Enniscorthy had now gained the upper hand, with the highly industrious Mick Delaney and the creative Paudie Casey dominating in the middle of the park.
Milford were dealt a cruel blow when influential midfielder, Matthew McLoughlin, suffered a nasty knee injury and had to be replaced.
The second-half started with Milford looking to double their advantage and the ‘keeper, Seán Maher, had to be alert, making two very smart saves at his near post.
With twelve minutes gone, the all-important equaliser came, courtesy of a well-worked move. Lee Jordan found Kieran Murphy in a crowded box with a clever pass.
Murphy shifted the ball onto his left foot, wrong-footing his markers, and calmly slotted home just inside the left-hand post.
The touch paper had now been lit, with the Wexford boys moving up another notch and producing their best football of the game.
Donegal were now reeling, with Brody Murphy causing havoc down the left wing and Cian Hanley showing some neat touches on the right.
Midfielder Mick Delaney was very unlucky when he made a welltimed run from deep and headed just over from Brody Murphy’s pinpoint cross.
The all-important score arrived shortly after, and it was a goal worth waiting for. The best move of the game, involving the midfield keeping possession, resulted in Lee Jordan providing the killer pass for Paudie Casey to rifle home an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
The move was magnificent to watch and devastating in its execution.
There was no let-up from the C.B.S. boys as they pushed forward relentlessly looking for a third. It duly arrived with 15 minutes remaining and again it produced a fine flowing move which started at the back, with Lee Jordan and Kieran Murphy combining expertly, forcing the Milford centre-back into handling the ball inside the box.
Up stepped Lee Jordan to take the penalty, and he calmly picked his spot to the ‘keeper’s right to seal victory.
As the clock ticked down, Milford threw everything forward to get back into the game and were very unlucky when a midfielder, Ronan Gallagher, let fly from 30 yards, just missing the target by inches.
As the final whistle sounded, the Enniscorthy boys celebrated with the dream of reaching an All-Ireland final a reality.
To reach an All-Ireland final is a remarkable achievement for the school.
Every player on the day played their part in an excellent team performance, with Eanna Doyle described by the match officials as ‘a collosus’ at centre-back.
The back four of Doyle, Josh Waldron, Danny Bruce and Craig Peare have been the cornerstone of much of their success to date. Behind them, ‘keeper Seán Maher has been coolness personified, inspiring confidence with his handling and distribution.
Enniscorthy will now go onto play the winners of the other semi-final, Mount Sion C.B.S. of Waterford and St. Joseph’s (better known as ‘the Bish’) from Galway at a venue and on a date to be decided.
No doubt, the Wexford boys can look forward to the final with a lot of hope and expectation.
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: Cathal Roche (Ballymurn Celtic for Hanley, also Darragh Breen and Evan Dempsey (both Moyne Rangers), Aaron Wallace, Bartomiej Walkowiak (both Shamrock Rovers), Mick McGrath (Cloughbawn F.C.), Noel Rowsome (unattached and unavailable through injury). Team mentors: Shane Murphy and Lisa Burke.
Loreto C.S. (Milford): John Matthews, Eoin O’Connor, Conor McFadden, Stephen Black, Ronan Boyce, Matthew McLaughlin, Peter Carr, Donal Gallagher, Frankie Campbell, Evan Hewitt, Conor Black. Reserves: Rory Pyper, Dylan Dorrcan, Tyler Durning, Ross Cullen, Jack McAule. Teacher in charge: Patrick Curley.