The junior boys took home the cup after a great display in the Fingal League Final in Parnell Park today. Backed by a great following making plenty of noise the boys were quick out of the block with the opening 1-3, points from Alex McAdam and Cillian Ryan with the goal coming from a long range Daniel Doherty effort who also kicked an early free. Scoil An Duininigh hit back with a goal of their own but the boys never panicked, with Liam O Connor raising a green flag and Teejay Doyle and Callum Russell kicking fine points. Scoil An Duininigh scored a quick 1-2 but the boys finished the half strongly kicking the last two scores from Callum and Daniel.

Half time score 2-8 to 2-2. With the wind picking up the boys knew a big second half was needed and they worked their socks off. Liam O Connor and Michael Muntean set the tone with fine scores before the backs took over with excellent blocking, tackling and marking every red jersey in tight. Only conceding three second half points is testament to their efforts with Dylan, James, Ben and Josh putting in a massive performance. Sean Jones’ excellent running helped get the ball out of the backs and into the forwards where Teejay bagged a goal to put some daylight between the times. Evan Burdock and Thomas Toth worked hard in the forwards, never stopped moving creating loads of space. Matthew Cowley, Max Larkin and Sean Keating all came on to see out the game, and a tribute to all the substitutes who all played their part throughout the year.

The game was fittingly sealed with a pinpoint kickout from Cian Fox, who has been excellent all year straight to the chest of Alex McAdam. The full time whistle was greeted with excitement but also respect as captain Cillian Ryan lined up his team to shake hands and console the opposition before going on to lift the cup side by side with Sean Jones.

Thank you Mr Ryan and Mr Melia who under the guidance of Mr Farrell have trained the boys all year to get them to where they are today. We are indebted to all our teachers who give up their time at break times and after school to help promote sport in St. Declan’s

Well done to all the boys and girls who travelled to Parnell Park today to support the team. They were so well behaved and created a super atmosphere in the stadium.

St. Declan’s 3-11 Scoil An Duininigh 2-5

Team: Cian Fox, Dylan Lenard, James Tyrell Foran, Sean Jones, Josh Burke Andrews, Daniel Doherty (1-3), Cillian Ryan(0-1), Alex McAdam(0-1), Teejay Doyle(1-1), Michael Muntean(0-2), Evan Burdock, Liam O Connor(1-1), Calum Russell(0-2), Thomas Toth, Conor Poole, Sean Keating, Alex Jones, Conor Jones, Matthew Cowley, Max Larkin, Logan Maloney & Rob Kelly.