It’s every player’s dream to compete in a county final in Semple Stadium and 40 boys from St. Colmcille’s will have that honour next week. Three of the school’s teams have qualified to play in the U13, U11A and U11B finals. Both U11 teams won their qualifying blitzes while the U13 team beat St. Peter and Paul’s, Clonmel in a replay in Boherlahan last Tuesday having drawn after extra time the previous week.
A replay is an unusual occasion. Both teams arrive knowing many of the usual unknowns. Both teams arrive having spent time reflecting on the first meeting; chances missed, decisions made and dangers avoided.
Replays can often prove to be a damp squid. That was not to be the case in this Roinn A county Semi-final. It was nip-tuck throughout the game with some sublime hurling on offer.
St. Peter and Paul’s were first off the blocks with a great point from play. Lorcan Roche, playing arguably his best game in the green and white, steadied the Templemore ship with two well worked points. Two goals in two minutes accelerated the game to another level. First St. Peter and Paul’s rattled the roof of the net with a high quality ground stroke. From the puck out, Mark Newman connected with a high ball to deflect the ball into the net at the opposite end. Templemore were determined to push on and another goal from the skilful Martin Bergin put them in the driving seat as half time approached.
Points were exchanged before the half time whistle and the two teams retired for a short break with Templemore leading 2-3 to 1-3. Cillian Coonan moved to centre back as the second half began where he gave an exhibition of clever positional play. Darragh Doyle added a point from a free while Ben Collins, Diarmuid Delaney and Paddy Martin tackled, chased and defended from start to finish.
Two pointed frees from St. Peter and Paul’s put the game in the balance and nerves began to tingle as we entered the final five minutes. Today however was to belong to St. Colmcille’s and two more goals from Mark Newman and Martin Bergin widened the gap to six points.
Tigerish defending was now needed as the boys from Clonmel threw everything into the final few attacks. James Corcoran and Jack Nevin were ferocious in their tackling and endeavour. A spectaclular save and clearance from the brave Nick Keane in goal ensured there was to be no reprieve for St. Peter and Paul’s.
In truth, these were two fairly matched teams who provided those present with quality entertainment on both days. Perhaps it was the unsung heroes who made the difference in and around the centre of the field. Ciarán Hoctor, Ciarán Byrne, Conor Cadell and Kuba Beben provided the engine for this well oiled machine.
The reward for this win is a trip to Semple Stadium on Thursday 6th June to play defending champions, Scoil Ailbhe Thurles, in a repeat of last year’s final. This is only one of three county finals for St. Colmcille’s however. The U11A team will play St. Peter and Paul’s at 10.20 on Friday, 7th June while the U11B team play Carrick-on-Suir at 11.00. Both games will also grace the sacred sod of Semple Stadium.
Three finals. Two days. One Stadium. Many possibilities!