St. Comcille’s Rock Scoil Ailbhe.
The ball was thrown high up into the air and Adam Derby of Scoil Ailbhe rose highest to claim the ball. Paddy Cadell put in a great tackle and knocked it out of his hands. Michael Fogarty picked up the loose ball on the sunny October day in Páirc Shíláin Templemore. It was played down to Edward Bergin who was dragged down to win a free for St. Colmcille’s. Paddy Cadell tapped it over the bar, St. Colmcille’s were thrilled with their start. The Templemore men kept the pressure on and added two further points from the impressive Paddy Cadell. Scoil Ailbhe got going then and came into the game. They scored 2 goals and 2 points without reply before Edward Bergin tapped over a point. Pat Lynch blew the half time whistle and the Thurles men led by 2-2 to 0-4. St. Colmcille’s looked dead and buried but Mr. Doyle, Mr. Healy and Mr. Kelly gave them an inspirational talk. James Corcoran came on at half time at corner forward. The second half began with Paddy Cadell’s fourth point inside 20 seconds. St. Colmcille’s won the next kick out and got a free which Paddy scored. St. Colmcilles’s were on a roll now. Scoil Ailbhe were ready for them though and scored another point. St. Colmcille’s replied with a point of their own. Scoil Ailbhe came straight down the field and Adam Derby kicked a spectacular point from twenty five yards out. Colmcille’s never stopped trying and were rewarded when Paddy Cadell dropped in a free which Edward Begin caught, turned and stuck it in the back of the Thurles net. It was now 1-7 to 2-4 and all to play for. Both teams were pressing hard with 5 minutes to go when Ben Collins at wing back hand passed to Eanna McBride who drove the ball up the field. The Scoil Ailbhe full back misjudged it which put Edward Bergin through one and one with the goalkeeper. He placed a rocket of a shot into the bottom corner of the net. The keeper made a great effort to save it but the shot had too much power. The whole stadium erupted. Scoil Ailbhe were pushing hard for a goal but they were dealt a major blow when Adam Derby was carried off injured. The St. COlmcilles defence was rock solid with Ruairí Mockler, Hugh Maher and Noel Morrissey clearing balls from every angle.St Colmcille’s got two more points Michael Fogarty and Andrew Ormond. Everyone was delighted when the final whistle went. The score was St Colmcille’s 2-9 Scoil Ailbhe 2-5. These schools will meet again in the play off to see who goes through to the county semi final.
Eanna McBride Rang 6 St. Colmcille’s Templemore.