Our Leinster champions headed into the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Wednesday to represent us in the All Ireland Seven Aside Soccer Final. Their first game was against the Munster champions Barra Naofa Bhuach from Cork. Declan’s took the lead early in the game with a goal from Cian Doran followed by goals from Patrick Toth and James O’ Donaghue Hernandez. Barra Naofa Bhuach equalised scoring three goals leaving the final result as a draw. Next they faced the Ulster champions Illistrin from Donegal. St. Declan’s  took the lead through Cian Doran and then capitalised moments later with a goal from James O’ Donoghue Hernandez. They continued to fight hard with a commanding display from Ashton Dillon in defence and some fine saves from goalkeeper Danny Crowe.Cian Doran performed a hatrick leaving the final score at 5-1. Their final game was against St Joseph’s of Ballinrobe Mayo. St Declan’s asserted their dominance throughout the game with strong performances from Aaron Nulty and goals from Liam O Connell and Callum Sloane. Patrick Toth and Cian Doran once again played brilliantly and the game ended in a 7-1 victory for us. We waited patiently for results elsewhere, finally meeting Barra Naofa Bhuach of Cork once again in a five minute play off. The tension in the stadium was palpable with St Declan’s dominating for long spells with numerous chances to take the lead. The play off ended in a draw. Penalties was to be the deciding factor and unfortunately for Declan’s they didn’t go their way losing 3-1 in the end. A heart wrenching result for the St Declan’s team who had fought so hard from day one but who can hold their heads high knowing that they left everything out on the pitch. St Declan’s finished All Ireland runners up and the silver lining was seeing captain Patrick Toth walk the steps to receive player of the tournament for our category. . A thoroughly deserved award for his efforts. The boys can hold their heads up high as they did their school and county proud. A fantastic day for the school !! Thank you to coaches Mr McKeown, Mr Barry and Mr Lydon for mentoring the team. Huge thanks to all the parents and children who travelled as supporters on the day and to all our staff who helped supervise on the day. It was certainly a memorable one !!