Marist drive on while ACC suffer penalty heartbreak

THERE was mixed emotions yesterday (Thursday) for two Athlone schools competing in the latter stages of both provincial and national competitions.
Athlone Community College’s senior soccer team was unfortunately beaten by CBS Sextion Street, Limerick in the All-Ireland semi-finals of the Umbro Dr Tony O’Neill Senior Schools’ Cup at Killavilla.
Athlone goalkeeper Michael McMahon saved a penalty in the opening half of a game marred by desperate weather conditions.
The contest finished scoreless at the end of 90 minutes and ACC thought they were on the road to victory when Eoin McCormack put them ahead in extra-time. However, an equaliser in stoppage time of extra-time led to a penalty shoot-out, which Conor Foley’s side lost 4-2.
The Marist College rugby team, meanwhile, continued on the road to retaining their Connacht Schools Senior Cup with a 28-19 win over Sligo Grammar School, who they memorably defeated in the 2012 final in Galway.
Robert McMickan was the main Athlone hero yesterday, scoring two of the Marist’s three tries, while captain Barry Goode also chipped-in with 13 points from placed-kicks. The Marist now face Garbally College in the final next Wednesday at the Sportsground in Galway.