The boys’ football team, coached by Mr. Cooper reached the final of the Fingal division of the FAI school’s football league. The match was against Scoil Mhuire from Lucan and was played in the AUL complex in Swords on the 28th May. Supporters and teachers from Fifth and Sixth classes travelled by bus to support the team on the day. Also present in support were some past pupils and parents of players.
From the off, the St. Marnock’s boys looked dangerous, with Nathan Murray, Nathan Dunne and Emmet Guyot in midfield supplying through balls to Jack McGrath, Sonny Ó hUithuile on the wings and Jeremy Maj Chang in the striker role.
The opposition had some tall and fast players and, despite valiant defending from Culann Barrett, Dylan Leavy, Max Gayler and Rhys Foran, they nipped in around the back and stole a goal before half time. The St. Marnock’s boys didn’t let this setback affect them too much and continued pressing. Then, just before halftime Jack McGrath scored from a great cross from Sonny to make it one-all. His first shot hit the post, but he made sure to plant the rebound firmly into the back of the net.
Early in the second half, Scoil Mhuire scored again to make the score two-one. The St. Marnock’s boys never stopped trying and always looked dangerous. Mr. Cooper introduced a few subs including Max Bamford as striker. At one stage, he got himself into a nice position on the wing and sent in a lovely cross to Jack McGrath who scored his second goal to make it two-two.
With ten minutes two go, St. Marnock’s had a corner which was whipped into the near post where Sonny was waiting. With the outside of his boot, he sent it low and hard into the bottom corner of the Scoil Mhuire net to make it three-two. Surely this was the winner.
In the final few minutes, Ollie Kenny (sub for Rhys Foran), Max Gayler, Dylan Leavy and Culann Barret were heroic in their defensive efforts. The Marnock’s goal, tended by Daniel O’Hehir never looked under threat. Henry Dingley came on with fresh legs for Jack McGrath and kept the pressure on the Scoil Mhuire defence. At last, the final whistle blew and St. Marnock’s had won! The supporters rushed onto the pitch to celebrate with the team. There were wild scenes as Lennon Donnelly cracked open the fizzy fruit juice and players and coaches were drenched.
Captain, Nathan Dunne was presented with the shield by the referee and he said a few words praising coach, Mr. Cooper and his team. After that, each player was presented with a medal. The St. Marnock’s supporters headed for home in high spirits.
Team:
Goalkeeper: Daniel O'Hehir
Right back: Rhys Foran
Centre back: Dylan Leavy
Centre back: Culann Barrett
Left Back: Max Gayler
Centre Mid: Nathan Dunne
Centre Mid: Nathan Murray
Centre Mid: Emmet Guyot
Right Wing: Sonny Ó hUithuile
Striker: Jeremy Maj Chang
Left Wing: Jack McGrath
Substitutes: Senan Ryan, Scott Thompson, Ollie Kenny, Bobby Stafford, Noah Burke, Darren Liu, Lennon Donnelly, Max Bamford, Henry Dingley.
