Bernie Fogarty was the unlikely hero for the staff of St. Colmcille’s, bagging a hat-trick, in the annual Staff versus Sixth Class soccer match.
Following weeks of banter and debate, this match marked the start of Active Week 2014 in St. Colmcille’s. Noel Joyce was surprisingly recalled to referee the match having made a dubious debut last year. Pupils from every class watched in anticipation as the rule book was thrown out and the ball thrown in!
Sixth class made the brighter opening to the game, pilling pressure on a shaky staff defence of Faherty, Slattery, Healy and Doyle. A free kick from Lorcan Roche took a wicked deflection off Bergin and flew past a helpless Conor Doyle into the back of the net giving Sixth class the early advantage. Quick thinking from Kelly (for once) on the tip off allowed the staff to respond almost immediately as Fogarty got her first goal of the day. This was the first of many controversial decisions however, as there was a suggestion that the ball may have been deflected to the net with the assistance of her elbow. The goal stood but perhaps the protests from Sixth class swayed the malleable referee into awarding a soft penalty to Sixth Class just before the break. The penalty was coolly dispatched by Gavin Coleman and Sixth led 2-1 at the break.
Conditions were difficult for the players as temperatures soared. Fitness levels were beginning to be tested and it seemed youth would prevail. Yet it was the Staff who would strike next. A peach of a goal from the impressive Aidan Doyle levelled the game. Hassett, Doyle and Kelly were now dictating midfield. A scrambled goal from Marco Quinlan meant Sixth class reclaimed their one goal lead but Fogarty, playing as an orthodox goal hanger, poked home her second within minutes to restore parity.
After a tight and competitive first half, the second half was anything but. The Staff took control and could have been out of sight had it not been for the wayward finishing of O’Connor. Goals began to pour in. O’Connor managed to get one eventually, Kelly Snr. and Kelly Jnr. both chipped in while Fogarty completed her hat-trick. The final goal came from the relocated penalty spot as Martin Bergin converted from all of 2 meters. This goal was merely a consolation as the Staff celebrated an 8-4 demolition of a fancied Sixth Class team.
Bragging rights to the staffroom and silence in the classroom as it appears Mrs. Hogg’s belief remains correct – You can’t beat the old dog for the hard road!