Franciscan College, Gormanston 5-8
Longwood/Rathcairn  2-6

Gormanston College have qualified for the North Leinster Post Primary Senior Football D Final after beating Longwood/Rathcairn in an extremely tough encounter. On a freezing cold, windy day the two teams took to the field and it was Gormanston who played with the advantage of the strong gale in the first half. With the wind at their backs, they dominated play and opened up a sizeable lead at half-time 2-05 v 0-01. Sean Power scored an opportunist goal with McGinley, Whyte, Downes and Curran adding points. Shortly before half-time, Tom Downes raced clear and finished to the net for the team's second goal to open up a 10 point lead. Gormanston were dominant during this period with Longwood putting in a sterling defensive show to keep the score down in the teeth of the biting gale.

Both teams regrouped at half-time and Longwood tore into Gormanston College in the second half with a barrage of scores. They smashed the ball to the net and slotted over points with ease and there was only a goal between the sides 10mins into the half, 2-05 v 1-05. It was all to play for and at this stage it looked like there would be only one winner as Longwood had the gale at their backs. Jack Mitchell dropped back as sweeper to aid his defence, Curran and Sullivan got a grip in the middle of the park and leaders stepped up all over the field for Gormanston when they were needed most.

Nick Smith, Jamie Canning and Daniel Mannix tightened up in the full back line while Jack Conway and Morgan started to carry the ball forward with steely determination. Osuoha and Downes were causing all sorts of problems when in possession and running at the Longwood defence. Eventually, the scores began to come and with some direct running through the heart of the Longwood defence, Curran set up Downes for two goals which gave the home side some breathing space on the score board.

Longwood reacted with a goal and point of their own but substitute Aaron Rock finished the game as a contest with 5 mins to go when getting on the end of a Downes pass to slap the ball to the net. Michael Briscoe added one more point to ensure a memorable victory for the Gormanston boys who looked on the way out only 20 mins previous. In goals, Phillip O'Brien pulled off a string of fantastic saves and two that were crucial mid-way through the second half when he was faced with one-on-one situations.

The team showed enormous character throughout and the defence were immense under constant pressure, especially in the second half. Curran and Sullivan have built up a highly effective and productive Louth/Meath partnership in midfield. While Dub Downes will get the plaudits for his scoring feats on this occasion, none of it would be possible without the work-rate of those around him.

The team now have a North Leinster Final to look forward to which will be against either Ardscoil Chairan Clara from Offaly or Mullingar Community College.

Franciscan College, Gormanston: P. O'Brien, D. Mannix, N. Smith, J. Canning, D. Morgan, J. Conway, S. McGinley (0-01), C. Sullivan, C. Curran (0-01), T. Downes (3-04), M. Briscoe (0-01), R. Osuoha, S. Power (1-00), J. Mitchell, C. Whyte (0-01). Subs: A. Rock (1-00) for C. Whyte, F. Cassin for S. McGinley, A. Smith for R. Osuoha.

Tweet

Most Read Stories