Monastery NS 3-4 V 1-5 St Joseph's CBS Drogheda
On Thursday the 10th of November, 2016 our under 13 Team finally got their hands back on the Corn Mhic Ardail Cup after a three year absence. The team had showed great character to force extra time in the first game and were unlucky not to take home the cup. However they were not to be denied in the replay, showing composure and commitment to bring the County Louth division one title back to Monastery NS.
On a cold night night in Darver, the boys got off to the perfect start when Sean Callaghan showed quick thinking to score a quick goal from a 13 metres free kick. It was a lead the team refused to give up for the rest of the game. In a tough and entertaining first half, scores were at a premium. Full forward Peter Reid kept the score board ticking ticking over with a sublime score after great work from Tadhg McDonnell . A great move down the right hand side involving Davin Starkie and Adam Gillespe resulted in a well taken point for Sean Callaghan.
At the other end of the pitch our defence was working extremely hard to thwart a dangerous St Joseph's attack. Prince Onoro was controlling the full back line, while Noah Coyle was coolness personified at right half back. Just before half time Ben Caffery crashed the ball into the back of the net after another free flowing move. Sean Callaghan added a point to leave the half time score 2 - 3 to Monastery NS and 0-2 to St Joseph's.
The St Joseph's team came out fighting at the start of the second half and they scored a great goal, despite an excellent double save from Monastery goalkeeper Tiernan Markey. Monastery boys were not going to allow the Joes to mount a comeback and a terrific point from 35 metres by Tadhg McDonnell gave the team some breathing space. As the half wore on St Joseph's piled on the pressure and went in search of goals. There were a few close encounters and the Joes managed to pull another goal back. However our defence stood strong and in particular captain James Kieran, who put in another man of the match display, kept the Joes at bay for the rest of the game. In a fantastic counter attack, Ben Caffery got his second goal of the game to end St Joseph's hopes of a comeback.
As the final whistle blew there were jubilant scenes as the players celebrated their deserved victory. Monastery NS had saved their best performance of the year to when they most needed it. Every player worked tirelessly for the good of the team, the great bond, friendship and team spirit was there for all to see. Captain James Kieran accepted the cup on behalf of Monastery NS to the loud cheers to the Monastery National School community who gave great support to the team on the night. Captain James Kiernan thanked Cumann the mBunscol for all their great work with the schools and our boys gave three cheers to the gallant St Joseph's team. A fantastic night finished with the team completing a lap of honour.
The full team was as follows: Tiernan Markey, Keelin Martin, Prince Onanro, Micheal Reid, Nathan Carroll, James Kieran, Noah Coyle, Sean Callaghan, Nathan Halpenny, Davin Starkie, David Hennessy, Tadhg McDonnell, Adam Gillespie, Peter Reid, Ben Caffery.
Subs: Nathan Commins, Andy Murphy, Oisin Roe, Darragh Roe, Oisin McKeever Traynor, Conor Halpenny, James Sands, Josh Taffe, Luke Sherman, Eoin Sherman, Eamon Smyth, Eamon Finlay, Joey Dunne.
The team was trained and managed by Mr McCoy and Mr McAdam.
See photographs of the final, the replay and of our Victory Assembly below.
