History makers St. Colmcille’s SNS picked up back to back Division 1 Cumann Na mBunscol Football titles in Pairc Tailteann with a 7-17 to 3-03 win over Réalt Na Mara of Donacarney. This was the fourth title since 2018 and from the match day programmes Rolla Onóra a 10th title overall since 1985.
Right from the throw in, St. Colmcille’s laid down their marker as talisman Jack Farrell caught the throw up and his direct running left him one on one with the Réalt Na Mara keeper but the keeper was equal to Farrell’s shot, luckily for Kells the ball fell to Charlie Kearney who volleyed to the back of the net.
Two points from Fionn Harte and Jack Farrell was followed by a goal from Farrell to see the Kells School take a 2-02 to 0-00 lead. Corner Forward, Kodi Tormey got St. Colmcille’s third point of the day which was followed by the fourth from Joe Watters soon after. Farrell found the target once again and this time off his weaker left foot.
St. Colmcille’s SNS was dominated the midfield area and it allowed the wing backs get forward and Kayden Tolan-Brady made the most of his run forward to rattle the back of the net. Kearney added his second goal before Jamie Smith got his first point of the game. Réalt Na Mara got their first score in the 17th minute with a goal but Kells responded with points from Joe Watters and Louis Lynch. Réalt Na Mara finished the half the better and struck for 2-01 with no reply which saw them trail 4-09 to 3-01 at half-time.
Jack Farrell picked up where he left off in the opening half by getting the first score of the second half, a three pointer as he found the back of the net. The Kells School were finding their range and a point from Smith was followed by a goal from Rian McGlue and a further point by Farrell. Credit must be given to the St. Colmcille’s defense which stood strong with Goalkeeper Cormac O’Reilly, full back line of Cian BRady, Donagh Tinnelly and Will O’Riordan providing a wall while Centre Back Conor Kearney was also immense.
Three points in a row from Tormey, McGlue and Farrell extended Kells lead and in the 40th minute Jamie Smith rattled the back of the net. The hard working James Chamberlayne added a point his performance deserved. Watters added another point before substitute Joe Devine finished the scoring off for the Kells School. There was still time for a final score for the Donacarney school before St. Oliver’s NS Referee Padraig Farrell blew for full time to the wild celebrations of the St. Colmcille’s mentors Ms Briody, Ms Newman and Ms O’Rorke and the team as they claimed victory.
As Captain Jack Farrell accepted the trophy from past St. Colmcille’s teacher Francis Flynn, The Meath Chronicle announced that Farrell would also pick up the Spirit of the Final award after his stellar performance.
Scoil Cholmcille SNS: Cormac Ó Raghallaigh, Cian Ó Brádaigh, Donagh Ó Tionaille, Liam Ó Riordáin, Caiden Toláin Ó Bradaigh (1-00), Conchubhar Ó Ceatharnaigh, Seamus Mac Chathail (0-01), Jeaic Ó Fearghail (C) (2-04), Seamus Mac Gabhann (1-03), Seosamh Fuarisc (0-03), Fionn Ó Hairt (0-01), Louis Ó Loinsigh (0-01), Rían Mac Glú (1-01), Cathal Ó Ceatharnaigh (2-00), Codaí Ó Tormaigh (0-02).
Fir Ionaid: Eoghan De Brúic, Josh Ó Cearbhúil, Cian Ó Fearghaile, Máisiún Mac Beinéid Deilgsméar, Luc Mac Domhnaill, Leighton Ó Gornaill, Seosamh Ó Deibhín (0-01), Caolán Ó Dubhadáin, Kojus Kursevicius, Fionn Ó hAircín, Eilias Ó Maolthuile.
St. Colmcille’s SNS: Cormac O’Reilly, Cian Brady, Donagh Tinnelly, Will O’Riordan, Kayden Tolan-Brady (1-00), Conor Kearney, James Chamberlayne (0-01), Jack Farrell (C) (2-04), Jamie Smith (1-03), Joe Watters (0-03), Fionn Harte (0-01), Louis Lynch (0-01), Rian McGlue (1-01), Charlie Kearney (2-00), Kodi Tormey (0-02).
Subs: Eoghan Brooks, Josh Carroll, Cian Farrelly, Mason Bennett-Thornberry, Luke McDonnell, Leighton Gornall, Joe Devine (0-01), Kyle Deignan, Kojus Kursevicius, Fionn Arkins, Elliott Flood-Norton.
