Coola come from behind to qualify for second All-Ireland in three years
Coola Post Primary School will face PCC Falcarragh in the final of this year’s Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Boys’ National Cup after they beat Colaiste Mhuire Askeaton at Lee’s Road in Ennis on Thursday last.
The Sligo school now face into an All-Ireland final against the Donegal outfit on Tuesday, April 10th.
Coola qualified for the semi-final having beaten St Claire’s of Manorhamilton by three goals to one in the Connacht Final earlier in the week courtesy of a sensational Paul Mahon hat-trick.
Eanna Clancy had given the Leitrim boys a deserved early lead at the Sean Fallon Centre in Sligo, after he latched on to a ball from wide before finishing past the Coola net minder. But Coola fought back and were level before the break when Jason McGoldrick’s set-piece caused panic in the Manor penalty area.
St Claire’s looked like they had cleared their lines before centre half Mahon, brother of Sligo Rovers’ John, followed up to make it 1-1. Mahon and McGoldrick were both at it again ten minutes after the re-start.
The defender rising highest to head home the latter’s corner to put Kevin McCarthy’s charges into the lead for the first time.
The rampant Mahon used his head again late on when he completed his three goal salvo late on. This time nodding Thomas Flynn’s corner past the Manor goalkeeper. Coola captain Johnny Kenny was presented with the trophy by Rovers’ Raffaele Cretaro.
The win saw the boys from east Sligo progress through to their second game in three days and an All-Ireland semi-final against Limerick’s Askeaton in County Clare.
Askeaton started brightly and attacker David O’Shaughnessy went close in the opening minutes, before Coola’s Simon McKeon was denied by the Askeaton goalkeeper after he was played in by skipper Johnny Kenny.
Coola conceded the lead just before the break. O’Shaughnessy was upended inside the penalty area. Joey Rushe stepping up to sweep the ball past the Coola net minder.
Coola heads didn’t drop as they fought their way back into the tie.
Five minutes in, Ciaran Kenny put his body on the line to ensure the ball was scrambled across the line for the equaliser.
While Simon McKoen slotted home from close range on 67 minutes to turn this game on its head. Coola held on for a final berth, despite coming under pressure for sustained periods at the end of the game.
Speaking to the Sligo Champion in the aftermath of the win over Askeaton, manager Kevin had nothing but praise for his team. Particularity given the hectic schedule.
“The lads have done so well. It’s a huge achievement for this school. To come from behind in both games in testament to the level these lads play at.
“We had a really tough game on Tuesday and to have to go all the way to Clare on Thursday, in such a tight space of time was a bit unfair. The lads really had no time to celebrate.
“It was the walking wounded at times with so many lads tired and others injured. But they pulled through thankfully and have a final to look forward to.”