Scoil Aireagail 1-9
Naomh Cormac 1-5
On the 17th of January the Senior Hurling team played Noamh Cormac of Offaly in the Leinister Senior ‘A’ Vocational schools Quarter Final. The match got off to a flying start as Noamh Cormac didn’t give Scoil Aireagail any time to settle into the game. After five minutes of physical play, Colm Phelan hit the ball over the bar to give Scoil Aireagail the first score of the game. Chances then began to come Scoil Aireagail’s way and Ronan Corcoran took a point from a free before a great pass from Paul Kirwin saw Ronan add a second point. Jack Kennelly, James Grace and Aaron Doherty defended well and the only way Naomh Cormac could get on the scoreboard was from three easy frees. Quick thinking from Andrew Fitzpatrick saw a space in defence and he took on a solo run to blast the ball in the back of the Offaly boys net. This gave the lads the motivation to up the pace of the game while they were ahead. For the last few minutes of the second half Scoil Aireagail stayed on top of the game and Paddy Delaney added their final point of the half. The lads went into the second half with a four point lead.
Naomh Cormac wasted no time settling into the new half and grabbed themselves a quick goal. A foul on Kevin Farrell resulted in Ronan Corcoran pointing Scoil Aireagail’s first score of the half. Colm Phelan was misfortunate to see his shot barely scrape the outside post of the goal, before Ronan Corcoran added two more points to give Scoil Aireagail a narrow lead. Naomh Cormac was not willing to back down easily and fought back with two points. With two points between the teams it was anyone’s game and Scoil Aireagail could not afford to let any ball past them. Paul Kirwin, Eugene Aylward and Dylan Halligan made sure of this by not giving their markers any free shots on goal. Only on the field a few minutes, Eamon Power managed to score a skilful point to stretch the lead. As the clock ticked closer to the end of the game the lads made sure there was no chance of a comeback for Naomh Cormac and Mikey Jones closed the scoreboard with a well-deserved point.
Well done to everyone involved in what is turning out to be an exciting and successful season for our senior hurlers. Here’s to another victory in their next match!
