Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar: 3-4
St. Joseph’s, Rochfortbridge: 1-5
On a dreadful day for football, Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar and St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge battled it out for this year’s Br Hubert Cup at Cusack Park last Wednesday, where the Mullingar side took the honours.
Relentless rain made it difficult for both teams but the game was entertaining and plenty of good scores were witnessed over the hour. At half-time, Coláiste Mhuire were leading on a 3-1 to 1-2 scoreline and that followed a blistering start which saw them register two goals in the opening three minutes. That lead was increased to seven points, but St Joseph’s rallied well thanks to a 12th minute goal.
That great start was the ideal platform for the Mullingar School, who were strong enough to consolidate their position in the second half.
Afterwards there were scenes of joy as Coláiste Mhuire were presented with the Br Hubert Cup by Peter Keaney. Sponsored by ASTI, Mullingar, this is a very worthwhile competition for first year footballers.
EARLY GOALS
It started well for Coláiste Mhuire with an early goal from Cian Cleary putting them in the driving seat, after St Joseph’s had a free saved at the other end. With just three minutes on the clock, the victors swooped for a second major as Dean Ennis finished to the net. In such demanding conditions, a six-point lead was invaluable.
The Mullingar side had increased their lead to seven points before a 12th minute goal by David Hickey got St Joseph’s up and running. It followed a 45’ from Shane Fleming and the Rochfortbridge side then added a point when Fleming shot over.
Conditions made it difficult for shooting and chances went abegging before a 20th minute goal for Coláiste Mhuire put them six points clear. Kevin O’Sullivan’s pass set up Dean Ennis, who supplied the finish, making it 3-1 to 1-1.
A Michael McCormack free gave St Joseph’s their second point, but they were five points adrift of their opponents at the break.
DEFENSIVE WORK
As the second half began, St Joseph’s failed to make an early attack count and Kevin O’Sullivan pointed for the Mullingar boys. Dean Ennis added another minor and they led by 3-3 to 1-2 with 20 minutes remaining.
St Joseph’s never gave up and a Michael McCormack free reduced the leeway, though it would have been a goal but for great defensive work by Coláiste Mhuire. The leaders also survived a goal mouth scramble in the 48th minute and won a relieving free out.
St Joseph’s applied further pressure but all it yielded was a point and Coláiste Mhuire sealed victory when substitute Jamie Leavy shot over. A Michael McCormack free gave the Rochfortbridge side the final score of the hour but wasn’t enough to rescue the situation and Coláiste Mhuire were soon declared champions.
TEAMS
COLÁISTE MHUIRE – Cian McCourt; John O’Reilly, Ian Flaherty, Gary Wynne; Jack O’Dare, Nathan Lynott, Adam Bate; Trevor Keena, Enda Gaffney; Tumelo Tlou, Scott Darcy, Josh Coll; Kevin O’Sullivan, Cian Cleary, Dean Ennis. Subs used: Jamie Leavy, Jack Gillen, Robbie Croake.
ST JOSEPH’S – Emmanuel Etcheri; David Grenham, Ryan Judge, Raphael Shafiev; Liam Moran, Ciaran Daly, Kehnruzzle Raquneo; Michael McCormack, Darragh Core; Aaron Kellaghan, Shane Fleming, David Hickey; Shane Whelehan, Brandon Kelly, Niall Smullen. Subs used: Ruairí Keyes, Jack Torpey, Mark Connelly. REFEREE – Jim Bob Baker (St Loman’s).
