Great football journey to Munster final ends in brave defeat for Tipperary school

Munster Schools Under 15 Football Final

CARRIGALINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 4-13 CTI CLONMEL 4-5

On Thursday last, February 29, the students from CTI Clonmel made their now familiar journey to the Páirc Uí Chaoimh astro turf to take on Carrigaline Community College in the Under 15 Munster Football Final. It was the Clonmel school’s second visit to the iconic Leeside venue, the Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn and Raheen College students having defeated Davis College from Mallow in an exciting semi-final just seven days previously on the very same astro turf pitch.

The campaign to reach the provincial final for CTI had been anything but easy, and along the way they manfully also dug out great victories over Scoil Ruáin (Killenaule), Killarney Community College and McEgan College (Macroom). The path to the Munster decider had been so much easier for Carrigaline Community College (a large school of 1,200 pupils on the south side of Cork city) who had easily dispatched all of their opponents with relative ease along the way.

The final began at a blistering pace, in what was a sunny Páirc Uí Chaoimh, but grey clouds over Blackrock had players and supporters on guard that rain was never too far away. Favourites Carrigaline served immediate notice of their intent and after winning the throw-in they advanced through a sequence of intricate hand passing before their corner forward blasted an unstoppable shot in the top corner of the net. CTI needed to respond and their response was almost immediate and commendable as had been their conviction throughout their Munster run.

Some great passing moves were linking Gavin Ó Suilleabhán, Darragh de Priondargás and Leon Hopkins, and the Clonmel men soon began to gain a foothold. Two minutes after that early setback, Shane Hennessy scored a great goal after a strong run, and it was game on.

The teams would trade scores for much of the first half. CTI reaped dividends through balls kicked in to Shane Hennessy while Cillian Ó Muirgheasa, Freddie Ó Báicéir, Rocko Ó Cuidithe and Jayden Inglis worked tirelessly around the middle. Tristan Maun contributed with another Clonmel goal and CTI trailed by just three points at half-time, but would be up against a strong wind for the remainder of the game.

If the first half had started with spring sunshine, the second period began with a torrential downpour. The deluge didn’t dampen the spirits of CTI who came out and mounted an attack through Conor Breathnach and Isaac Hennessy that unfortunately hit the post. Bravely, as they had done throughout the opening half, CTI were admirably going toe-to-toe with the Cork students. However, the Carrigaline CC side, showing flashes of the form that had seen them progress so impressively to the decider, began to take their scores that little bit easier, displaying some excellent kick passing and link up play.
But the Clonmel boys weren’t going to let them have it all their own way and Shane Hennessey forced another green flag for Clonmel. Indeed in an impressive performance over the hour, Hennessy’s goal threat was ever present.
Clonmel CTI’s fourth and final goal was scored by Barry Mac Réamóinn.

Eventually Carrigaline would run out winners on a scoreline of 4-13 to 4-5, the odyssey of a remarkable football adventure finally ended for a gallant Clonmel squad who had won many friends along the way with some great football and a laudable attitude.

The school and team management would like to thank all the boys for a great effort in what was their first Munster campaign. They can now focus their efforts on the U15 hurling and U15 county football championships.

The school would also like to thank coaches, Mr. Liam Lonergan and Mr. Dominic Walsh and also the parents, guardians and supporters who travelled all over Munster supporting the lads. Beidh lá eile ag an bPaorach.

Team: Gavin Ó Suilleabháin (Nire/Fourmilewater), Billy Mac Aoidh (Fethard), Oisín Breathnach (Moyle Rovers), Rory Mac Aonghusa (Commercials), Darragh de Priondargás (Commercials), Jayden Inglis (Nire/Fourmilewater), Conor Breathnach (Moyle Rovers), Freddie Ó Báicéir (Commercials), Cillian Ó Muirgheasa (Moyle Rovers), Leon Hewitt (Clerihan), Rocco Ó Cuidithe (Nire/ Fourmilewater), Tristan Maun (Clonmel Óg), Callum Hackett (Newcastle), Shane Hennessy, Isaac Ó hAnghusa (Moyle Rovers).
Subs used: Barry Mac Réamóinn (Commercials) and Nathan Eubadoloyi (Commercials).