St Eunan’s College Under-17 suffered an agonising penalty shoot-out defeat in today’s All-Ireland final.
St Eunan’s College 0 St Francis, Rochestown 0, St Francis win 4-2 on pens
by Connor McGinty
With Eunan’s starting the brighter several shots saw the Letterkenny side dominate possession but unable to find the net.
Some good link up between Charlie White and Darragh Ellison – who impressively adapted to today’s position change to central midfield due to Michael Gallagher being sidelined – helped the homeside create chances.
A poor Dylan O’Brien cross then found it’s way out to the edge of the box where Ellison struck the ball beautifully to hit the post 30 yards out.
Despite Eunan’s having a slight advantage Rochestown were never far away.
Several free kicks from the Cork side saw Conor Russell head against the crossbar from a wide freekick.
Eunan’s had a chance to capitalise with Alan Kelleher spilling the ball only to be saved by one of his defenders.
Rochestown then put the ball in the back of the net only for the linesman to have his flag raised to the disappointment of Josh Hanlaon who thought he had his school in the lead in what has been an entertaining first half.
Rochestown came out the second half determined to replicate their senior team’s victory to claim the double but their dominance was soon overturned 10 minutes into the second half.
Conor O’Donnell had another shot not able to find the target this time either.
Eunan’s having woke up had a great effort cleared off the line, Conor O’Donnell linked up with Daragh Ellison to set up Brendan Barr at the far post unlucky not score with a great driven effort.
Peter Lee and Paul Browne’s team had the pick of the chances frustrating St.Francis backline but they were unable to secure a crucial goal.
Fiercly contested and exactly like the dying minutes against St.Joseph’s in the semi final Eoin O’Boyle was called into action spreading himself exceptionally to deny what would of been a winner for the Leesiders.
A dull period of extra time has only had one opportunity at the death with an Ellison cross finding Ryan O’Donnel who’s diving header was just wide sending the game to penalties.
The Rochestown goalkeeper stepped up to secure the victory for the cork side on penalties running out 4-2 winners to secure the double for the cork side
