Offaly schools on the scent of All-Ireland glory

A NUMBER of Offaly schools teams are on the scent of All-Ireland glory in both hurling and football championships.

Gallen Community School led the way last weekend when they travelled to Fethard Town Park in Tipperary and defeated a gallant Dungarvan CBS side after extra time in the All-Ireland Senior 'D' football semi-final.

Gallen had the upperhand for most of the game but Dungarvan hit back to take the lead at one stage in the second half. However Gallen seemed to have sealed it when leading late on but a second penalty for Dungarvan brought the game to extra time.

The Waterford side led by a point at half time in extra time but the second half belonged to Gallen and two Luke Kelly goals propelled them to a 3-17 to 3-11 victory.

Gallen will now meet Scoil Mhuire Buncrana in the All-Ireland final which is pencilled in for Saturday March 9th.

On the hurling front, both the Leinster Senior Hurling 'C' and 'D' titles were claimed by Offaly based schools last week, adding to the 'B' title which had previously been won by Banagher College.

Cistercian College Roscrea won the 'C' final with a 1-13 to 0-12 victory over Colaiste Eanna, while the 'D' title was won by Killina Presentation Secondary School, who defeated Ramsgrange Community School, New Ross, by 5-6 to 0-11.

The attention turns to those All-Ireland Hurling semi-finals next Saturday, March 2nd. In the All-Ireland Senior 'B' semi-final, Banagher College take on Blackwater Community School, Lismore, in Johnstown (Kilkenny) at 2pm.

In the All-Ireland Senior 'C' semi-final, Cistercian College take on Kilfinane of Limerick on Saturday as well, while Killina will take on St Mary's Newport in the All-Ireland 'D' semi-final in Borrisokane at 2pm on Saturday.