Big win for Wee County in Laois

of the net.

Portlaoise were still causing trouble, but the back four of Cathal O’Reilly, Paddy Keane, Daragh Dorian and Ben McCabe were like a brick wall

all afternoon and very little got past them.

That said, Portlaoise did eventually equalise from the penalty spot and the teams reached halftime still deadlocked.

On a large pitch fitness levels were going to be important in the second half and Termonfeckin had plenty left in the tank.

The away team now increased the level of intensity. They never gave the home team any time to settle on the ball thanks to their impressive work ethic and energy level.

Tadhg Dunne and Tadhg Gallagher worked very hard and played very clever football up front for Termonfeckin and they both had the Portlaoise defence under constant pressure at this stage.

The away side launched attack after attack with a quality of football that was beyond their years, and at the same time they were solid and well disciplined.

Daniel Guervo and Sean O’Driscoll were very good in midfield throughout and when a good cross came in mid-way in the second half it was Sean who slotted the ball home to put Termonfeckin back in front.

Eight minutes later Gallagher played through his striking partner and then great play by Dunne saw him beat two men and strike the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box to put the game beyond Portlaoise.

It was an excellent goal and a fitting one also as this team now deservedly take their place among the country’s elite clubs in the last 16.

On the day the Termonfeckin team were just a little faster, fitter and more determined to succeed.

The final whistle was met with jubilant scenes by the team and their large crowd of supporters, and it was impossible to pick out their outstanding players as it was truly a team effort where each and every squad member played their part and gave everything they had.

This all allowed for a pleasant journey home for the boys as their attention quickly turned to the next round.

Indeed, the draw has already been made and the Drogheda Schoolchildren’s League representatives are on their travels again in the last 16 as they head for Kilkenny.