Match report semi-final:
After 12 years of trying to make a cup final, our Minor boys have made the breakthrough and reached the Minor cup final. They are our first team at any age to make a cup final. To go and beat Mount Temple away 3-0 after being beaten in the A league play-off at home 1-0 in extra time, made the victory even sweeter.
The Line-up: In goals Daniel Sheeran, Left back Louis Prehn, Right back Michael Brennan, Centre back Mark Donovan and sweeper Rod McAuliffe. In midfield on the right Jake Dempsey, centre-mid and Captain Jake Nourse and left-mid Cian Walley. Up front on the right Cian Griffiths, centre-forward Ben McTiernan and left wing Hugh Harnett. On the bench, Cai Bocus, Alex Zamolotskikh, Reece Macarulay, Oisin Wynne, Thomas O Grady.
Before the game Dan Rees spoke about a fast start and what a start we got: big Ben McTiernan went straight for the circle from the tip-off and had a shot saved. Cian Griffiths was on the rebound and swept home to put us 1-0 up after 1 minute and 20 seconds. What a start. Jake Nourse was being marked by two players as Mount Temple played a 4/4/2. This left Mark Donovan free and he stepped forward to conduct the orchestra, sweeping balls left and right. Louis Prehn was having a stormer at left back drilling rockets to Big Ben who was covering acres. Hugh Harnett did a great job marking their right back on hit outs which caused them problems. Rod McAuliffe was sweeping up and danger at the back and our working of the ball around the back was excellent. We attacked down the right through Jake Dempsey and Michael Brennan and down the left with Cian Walley and Louis Prehn. After 18 minutes and lots of pressure big Ben won the ball on their hit out and we won a long corner. Michael Brennan smashed the ball home to put us 2-0 up. Cai Bocus had a run and did well up front.
Half-time: Mount Temple 0, St. Kilian’s 2
From the start Mount Temple came looking for a goal. Daniel Sheeran who is a brill keeper made a couple of saves to deny them. We got going and the game was end to end. Our back four were brill and our forwards were pouring back to close down Mount Temple. Thomas O Grady came on and played well. After 22 minutes Louis Prehn smashed a ball down the line to Cian Walley who belted the ball into the circle and Hugh Harnett deflected the ball into the roof of the net to put us 3-0 up. What a goal! Contender for goal of the season.
Final Score: Mount Temple 0, St. Kilian’s 3
Man of the match: Mark Donovan who stepped forward and conducted the orchestra as Jake Nourse had his hands full with two players marking him. Just pipping Louis Prehn, Michael Brennan and Rod McAuliffe. The rest of the team were not far behind.
Goal of the match: Hugh Harnett who deflected home a beauty.
Well done boys. You’re a credit to the school. They never miss training. They now look forward to the cup final, the Minor B league final, and the Minor All Ireland Tournament.
Thanks to Dann Rees for his assistance and for umpiring today.
Tom Parsons Head Coach
