This year St Kieran’s College, a diocesan school, were hoping to retain the Fr. Cosgrave cup, the Leinster Junior A schools title. Trials quickly began and numbers were whittled down to a final squad of 35 players by our trainers Mr. O’ Keeffe and Mr. McCormack. Our season began mid September at home to Good Counsel, New Ross. It was a tough battle but Kieran’s came out on top with a fine inspirational performance from Diarmuid Cody.
Next was the match against Castlecomer, another tough encounter away in Comer’s backyard. Kieran’s came away with a less than convincing win. However man of the match on the day was Patrick Mullen with six wonderful points from play. We were through to the knockout stages which left us with only two weeks to prepare for the semi-final, enough time for challenge matches to be organised.
First challenge match was against Thurles C.B.S, who travelled to the college and this game showed up some problems that needed to be ironed out. We were lucky to come away with a win. The 2nd challenge was away to Blackwater Community School. We suffered a defeat at the hands of the Waterford men, mainly due to the fact that we had 19 wides on the day. Although having lost down in Lismore, most would agree that on that day it was clear that we were just beginning to play as a unit, beginning to play as a team.
Our semi-final was held in Palmerstown on the 14th of October 2010, against worthy opposition in the form of C.B.S Kilkenny. From the throw in they hit us hard, Robbie Fitzpatrick scored some great points for C.B.S in the early stages. Gradually we grafted our way back into the game. We suffered a set back as unfortunately our captain Diarmuid cody had to be substituted due to a shoulder injury. It took extra time at the end of a riveting normal time to separate the sides.
Final day arrived on the 18th of October 2010 in Dr. Cullen Park Carlow. Our opposition St. Peter’s of Wexford went in as favourites. They had beaten Kilkenny C.B.S in the group stages. It would come down to who wanted it more on the day. Three bus loads of our supporters began to arrive just as we were coming out onto the pitch. They were a great help as they gave us that little boost when we needed it. Both sides were evenly matched. Andrew Kennedy stood out for St. Peter’s, at centre back. In the 38thminute Gearoid Kennedy scored the games first goal for Kieran’s. St. Peters responded with a point, only for Kieran’s to score a goal and two points in quick succession. St. Peter’s fought back with three points of their own but it was too little too late and we held out to win on a scoreline of 2:10 to 0:11. The strongest line on the pitch was the St. Kieran’s half back line made up of Harry Wallace, Ricci Drennan and the man of the match Eoin Gough.
The Kieran’s Team
Back Row: Simon Rafter, Jack Cotter, William Dooley, Vincent Teehan, Thomas Talbot, Brendan Neary, Gearoid Kennedy.
3rd Row: Ciaran Breen, Cillian Cantwell, Patrick Mullen, James Maher, Sean O’ Callaghan, Chris Bolger, Mark Butler, Josh Haines.
2nd Row: James Deasy, Kevin Mullen, Ricci Drennan, Stephen Farrell, Michael O’ Neill, Harry Wallace, Shane O’ Brien,
Front Row: Mr John O’Keeffe (Trainer), James Tyrell, Bill Carrigan, Graham English, Eoin Gough (Vice Captain), Diarmuid Cody (Captain), Patrick Hickey, Shane Parsons, Cormac Connolly, Mr David McCormack (Trainer)
Absent from the team photo: Dylan O’ Shea, Shane O’Brien
