Dean Kelly and Ardnagrath NS set for Aviva Stadium finals
Dean Kelly NS, Athlone and Ardnagrath NS will compete in the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s National Finals in the Aviva Stadium today (Wednesday), May 11.
Despite the atrocious weather conditions, the Leinster Finals of this competition proved a resounding success on April 28 in Navan.
The Athlone area provided two excellent Leinster champions with Ardnagrath winning the 'A’ Girls and the boys from Dean Kelly NS capturing provincial honours for the first time in the 'B’ Cup.
Dean Kelly NS reached the national finals for the first time after three closely fought encounters saw them emerge as Leinster champions. The three games saw them win by a single goal as they overcame the challenge of Carlow starlets Ballon NS 2-1, Durrow NS (Offaly) 5-4 and Ballyfermot’s Mary Queen of Angels 3-2.
The turning point in the tournament came in their second game against Durrow with the teams level at 4-4. Man of the match Biyi Odekunle went on an amazing run and set up Sandro Da Costa for the winner with only 10 seconds remaining! Keeper Jake Hourigan was in inspired form throughout and there was excellent defending from Biyi Odenkunle and Brooklyn Lowbridge.
Sandro Da Costa was another to shine for the Athlone school while Mark Greene was top scorer on the day. Subs played a crucial role as Jack Kearney, Samuel Osho and Paul Oliyide played their part in the school’s historic achievement. Lukasz Walczak was a key player in the earlier round of the competition.
Great credit is due to the team coach, Shane O’Gorman and his assistant Maureen Ryan who have prepared and coached the team to such a high level.
The whole school will attend the finals at the Aviva Stadium, with Dean Kelly NS staff and pupils having been busy making flags and bunting in anticipation of the day.
Meanwhile, Ardnagrath were most impressive in winning their first ever Leinster title but had to settle for a 2-2 draw in their first game against eventual runners-up Clongeen NS of Wexford. Bea Drummond and Maria Farrell had given the Westmeath school the perfect early start but the Wexford winners levelled with two late goals.
Ardnagrath, managed by teachers John Keane and Emmett Keena, responded to the challenge by winning on goal difference overall, as they notched up two convincing victories, 6-0 over Moone NS (Kildare) and 10-0 against Dublin champions St Damien’s of Walkinstown.
Most of the goals came from the superb Holly Keenan, Maria Farrell and top scorer Bea Drummond. Róisín McNamara was in sparkling form in defence while keeper Ellie Temple pulled off some tremendous saves in the crucial decider against Clongeen. Sinead Seery, Chloe Moran and Orlaith Craven also played a huge role when introduced.
The whole school is planning to travel in a fleet of buses to the Aviva Stadium today (May 11).