St Pat’s boys are final bound

THE boys from St Pat’s proved to be more than a match for illustrious opponents Blackhall Gaels in this U-14 semi-final played in Stamullen.

Right from the throw in both teams appeared to be very evenly matched and after a tight opening period the hosts lead by 1-3 to 1-2, with both defences proving to be the dominant forces.

Gareth Keogh continued his goal-scoring streak with a well-taken finish mid-way through the half.

With captain and man of the match Sean Baxter controlling the game from midfield, St Pat’s entered a purple patch where they scored five points without reply. Senan McKeon tapped two over

ST PATRICK’S BLACKHALL GAELS 1-12 2-4

with his left boot and Sean Emmanuel hit three in a row, including a stunning effort from 40 yards.

Entering the final 10 minutes Blackhall threw caution to the wind and drove at St Pat’s in waves, but the home defence stood strong, with the Aktar brothers Daanish and Aman, and James Rowe in particular catching the eye.

Blackhall managed to cut the deficit to three points, but Emmanuel and Sean Hackett replied with a point apiece and some desperate defending in the final few minutes ensured a memorable victory and a place in the county final.

ST PAT’S: Oisin Black, James Rowe, Daanish Aktar, Eoin Brennan, John Mannion, Aman Aktar, Ben McDonnell, Tadgh Lenihan, Sean Baxter, Sean Emmanuel 0-5, Donal Farrell, Joe Butler 0-3, Sean Hackett 0-1, Gareth Keogh 1-1, Senan McKeon 0-2, Adam Kirby 0-1, Charlie Costello.

•St Patrick’s U-13s beat Dunderry 4-8 to 3-8 to retain top spot in the Division 2 League, with the goals from Jamie Murphy, Sean Emmanuel, Sean Hackett and Adam Kirby. Man of the match John Mannion bossed the midfield to help his tired team over the line as most of them had played in the U-14 game less than 24 hours before.