LEINSTER CHAMPS!
Scoil Chonglais prove unbeatable in Leinster campaign
SCOIL CHONGLAIS 7-08 HOLY FAITH CC 4-09
IT began on November 17 on a very cold day in the Wicklow GAA Centre of Excellence in Ballinakill, where Scoil Chonglais took on some of the other Wicklow schools such as Kilcoole, Blessington, and Avondale.
The Baltinglass side won all their games convincingly and this set up the two top teams of Avondale and Scoil Chonglais to battle it out on January 11 for the chance to represent Wicklow in the South Leinster competition.
Avondale were much stronger this time around and pushed the Baltinglass outfit to the limit, forcing extra-time. Scoil Chongas were caught off guard but had the class to finish out the extra three minutes, winning by 5-09 to 2-09 in the end.
This lead Scoil Chonglais into their first game in the South Leinster competition, which would prove to be their toughest of the whole competition.
They played St Farnan’s of Prosperous, Kildare, at home. They were an extremely welldrilled team with a very successful history in this competition with more Leinster titles than any other school at this level. This was a great game for the Baltinglass school side to be part of, with high tempo and some excellent scoring and defending.
Scoil Chonglais traded score for score and when it looked like it would end with more extra-time, they kicked a point, when it looked like the home team could have had a penalty, to put them up by a point. This was to be the last play and the Baltinglass side advanced to the South Leinster final for the second year running. They won that game by 1-12 to 2-08.
The South Leinster final on March 10 proved to be a much easier win over Johnstown of Kilkenny who gave the County Wicklow side a much harder game the year before in the previous final. The game was won very early on with a final score of 5-12 to 2-03.
This set Scoil Chonglais up with their first Leinster final for quite some time. We were to face Rathcoole of Dublin on May 8 in the decider in Hawfield, Newbridge, Kildare GAA’s centre of excellence.
It was the perfect day for football. The sun was out and the wind was blowing across the field giving neither side the advantage. Scoil Chonglais began the game like men demented, scoring 3-04 to their 1-04 in the first half. The Baltinglass side got the better of them in all areas of the field and the break came at the best time for the County Wicklow lads when they were starting to get into the game.
Again, Scoil Chonglais started very strong in the second half, scoring 2-03 in quick succession. Just when Scoil Chonglais thought Rathcoole were dead and buried they began their purple patch. They scored two goals unanswered. They then kicked four points to Scoil Chonglais’ two.
But the County Wicklow side’s determination and work ethic along with some fresh legs helped them gain the upper hand, winning the game 7-08 to 4-09.
Scoil Chonglais would not have made it to the final if it was not for two players that could not play on the day. The first is Cole Faulkner who was their original full-back; he was a huge loss to the team when he moved to Omeath in Co. Louth. The other was his replacement Jason Steed, who filled his shoes and was excellent in the South Leinster final. Unfortunately, he was out of selection due to concussion protocols. It must be said that Alan Doyle stepped up to fill the number three jersey and had a great game. Other exemplary performances from players all over the field, especially Jordan Deans in midfield and James Eager in the forwards.
There has to be a mention for the support Scoil Chonglais had on the day, as they were excellent.
“It must be noted that this bunch of young men have been a pleasure to work with over the last two years, and I could not be prouder to be involved with them, said the Scoil Chonglais manager, Brian Calvey.
“We had hard fought wins and the class and dedication has been great this year. They are well deserved Leinster champions, and it is my hope to continue to work with them and the other teachers involved with Gaelic football in the school to continue the success of Scoil Chonglais,” he added.
Scoil Chonglais scorers: James Eager 2-5, Deano Marcu and Jordan Deans 2-0 each, Jack Hanlon 1-1, Johnny Keogh and Alan Barrett 0-1 each.
Scoil Chonglais: Conor Carty; Kyle Lawlor, Alan Doyle, Paddy Whelan; Karl Furlong, Tadhg O’Toole, Jack Fleming; Jordan Deans, (C), Sean Doody; Senan Molloy, Alan Barrett, Johnny Keogh; James Eager, Deano Marcu, Jack Hanlon. Subs: Pádhraig Bolger, Cian Leonard, Evan Frahill, Jason Kenny, Darren Walsh, Pauric Whyte, Max Hart. Jason Steed, Cole Faulkner.