St. Colmcille’s S.N.S claimed their first Cumann Na mBunscol Division 1 title since their back to back to success in 2018 with a comprehensive victory over Ratoath S.N.S at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday afternoon.
St. Colmcille’s intent was clear from the start with a goal inside the opening 30 seconds after a superb run from Killan Madden cut through the Ratoath defence, Madden laid off to Full-Forward Louis Lynch who turned in on his left foot and his shot hit the top corner of the net to give the Kells School the perfect start.
Things got better for Scoil Cholmcille three minutes later when corner forward James Chamberlayne found himself in the perfect spot to grab Kells second goal of the game. Two points in a row from Joint-Captains Senan Arkins and Tadhg Morgan left St. Colmcille’s 2-02 to 0-00 with just six minutes played.
Ratoath were shell shocked, but after hitting a couple of wides and an excellent save from Luke Byrne in the Kells goal, Ratoath got their first score in the 9th minute after a high ball into the box somehow ended up in the back of the net. Ratoath followed that with a free and suddenly Kells lead was cut in half.
The hard-working Charlie Dunne got St. Colmcille’s next score of the game and a free from Madden stretched the lead to 6 points with two minutes remaining in the first half. There was still time for a final point of the half when Morgan got his second to leave St. Colmcille’s 2-05 to 1-01 ahead at the break.
Just like the first half, Kells made a blistering start and this time it was midfielder Tadhg Morgan who burst through the Ratoath defence to rifle the ball to the back of the net. Ratoath hit a purple patch with three points in a row to see them trail 1-04 to Kells 3-05 with seven minutes played in the second half. With Ratoath sensing a glimmer of hope, Morgan grabbed his second goal of the game while Lynch added a point to his goal earlier.
St. Colmcille’s sensed victory and some excellent skills and display of kick passing resulted in Harry Harte finding the back of the net. Substitute Cian Brady added a goal while Harte pointed beautifully off his left foot. With just a couple of minutes remaining there was still time for the Kells School to make sure of the result with three goals as a Harry Harte goal was sandwiched in between a Cillian Dixon-Rae goal and Morgan’s third goal to see the title make its way north back up the M3. Tadhg Morgan’s 3-02 saw him pick up the Player of the Match award.
Former Scoil Cholmcille teacher Francis Flynn was on hand to hand the trophy over to Captains Senan Arkins and Tadhg Morgan. This was the Kells school ninth title having won in 1985, 1988, 1992, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2018 x 2 (Jun & Nov)
Scoil Cholmcille: Lúc Ó Broin, Clayton Ó Bhraonáin, Lúc Ó Boséil, Seimi Mac Gabhann, Rian Ó Faogháin, Dominykas Lomajevas, Cillian Díocsan-Rae (1-00), Tahhg Ó Morgáin (3-02), Jeaic Ó Fearghail, Cillian Ó Maidín (0-01), Senan Ó hAircín (0-01), Searlas Ó Duinn (0-01), Harraí Mac Airt (2-01), Luois Ó Lionsigh (1-01), Séamus Chamberlayne (1-00).
Fir Ionaid: Codaí Ó Tormaí, Liam Ó Riordáin, Conchubhar Ó Ceatharnaigh, Cian Ó Brádaigh (1-00), Seosamh Mac Fuaruisce, Conchubhar Ó Duinn, Ruairi Ó Duinn, Searlas Chamberlayne, Conchubhar Ó Deignéain, Paidí Ó Greacháin
St. Colmcile’s: Luke Byrne, Clayton Brennan-Tallon, Luke Boshell, Jamie Smith, Rian Fagan, Dominykas Lomajevas, Cillian Dixon-Rae, Tadhg Morgan (4-02), Jack Farrell, Killian Madden (0-01), Senan Arkins (0-01), Charlie Dunne (0-01), Harry Harte (2-01), Louis Lynch (1-01), James Chamberlayne (1-00),
Subs: Will O’Riordan, Charlie Kearney, Cian Brady (1-00), Joe Watters, Charlie Chamberlayne, Kodi Tormey, Conor Dunne, Rory Dunne, Cormac Deignan, Paddy Grimes.
