Abbey pip Carnew in rousing final

ABBEY CC COLÁISTE BHRÍDE 3-6 1-6

THE last final in what was a busy schools year in Co. Wicklow ended with a rousing victory for Abbey Community College Wicklow over Coláiste Bhríde Carnew in the firstyear football final in Pearse’s Park, Arklow, this week 20 years ago.

Torrential rain just before the game made the conditions slippery but that, according to the reporter on the day, didn’t stop two teams from putting on an exhibition of skillful football with play ‘rushing from end to end with each side having its period of ascendency’.

Points from Barry Nolan and Patrick Murray for Coláiste Bhríde had them settled early on but a

John Quinn goal for the Abbey soon had the Wicklow town students ahead.

‘The lead was to change twice more before half-time read the report with Coláiste Bhríde’s Willie Dillon scoring two points and Abbey’s James Taylor firing home his side’s second goal.

‘A John Quinn rasper came back off the crossbar for Abbey and points were added by both sides to leave the half-time score reading Abbey 2-2, Coláiste Bhríde 0-5.

The readers of that week’s Wicklow and Bray People newspapers were informed that Abbey had kicked eight first-half wides while Coláiste Bhríde had accounted for three misses so the scene was set for an exciting second half.

‘Inspired by the team talk of former county star Noel Keohane, the Carnew school gained the initiative immediately after the interval. A first-minute Barry Nolan point was followed by a fine goal from highly rated full-forward David Whitty to put them in front again.

‘Attacking wing back John Blake added another point as Coláiste Bhríde piled on the pressure. Their midfield won the majority of possession and they looked sure to increase their lead.

‘That they did not was due to some inaccurate shooting (they had eight second-half wides) and a resolute Abbey defence where goalkeeper Robert Newsome and full-back Richard McDonald were outstanding,’ it read.

The sides were level after a John Quinn free in the 26th minute and the ‘excitement was now at fever pitch with extra-time looming’.

‘In the last few minutes Abbey looked the fresher team and Paul Merrigan put them in front in the 28th minute after a good run.

‘With the match in injury time the Wicklow town school sealed victory with a goal by Alan Byrne.