1st Year Boys Football Final vs Gorey Community College

On the 23rd of March, Mr. Cummins and Mr. McMenamin’s 1st Year Boys Football team met Gorey Community College in the Wicklow - Wexford League Final. The team knew it would be a tough game but were eager to come out on top.

David’s started off well with our defence showing up when needed, clearing every threat Gorey threw at us. After superb midfield play from Ollie Lynch, a goal chance was created, but the header was just slotted wide by Cian McLaughlin. From the first 10 minutes alone, the boys could tell that the game would prove to be a challenge, but nothing they couldn’t take on. Goalkeeper Noah Byrne made a great save to keep the opposition out. This then led to a spectacular goal from Senan Das Dores after he calmly sent the ball looping over the opposition’s goalkeeper. The boys kept up the momentum of their early lead, and with great cheering and encouragement from their fellow classmates and parents who had come to support, the team dominated the pitch in all areas. Captain Harry Dawson was a standout defender, constantly putting in tackles and playing precise passes into the midfield. Although the team continued to keep up the intensity, they were unfortunate to concede an unlucky goal at the end of the first half.

After an inspiring half time talk from their coaches, the boys’ hopes were high and were ready to put up a fight. The game was very even and there was not much in it with equal possession and chances from both sides. Noah kept the teams hopes alive with another great save. The goal chances came frequently and it felt like a deserved goal was on the way. The tension was high as the match entered the last 10 minutes with the score still being a draw. As the referee blew the final whistle, it marked the beginning of an additional 20 minutes of extra time.

The team agonisingly conceded a quick unexpected goal in the opening minutes of extra time, leaving a mountain to climb to come out of the match with the win. The boys held their heads high and upped the pressure, showcasing true St. David’s spirit. They kept the ball in the opposing teams half, but just fell short again after Gorey scored another goal. Although the odds were against them, David’s finished the match off by an incredible goal straight into the top left corner from outside the box by Ollie Lynch. 

Although it was not their day in the end, the boys showed characteristics of a real team throughout the entire match and never let their heads drop. The score in the end did not reflect their quality on the pitch and the coaches and supporters should be very proud of them.

A huge thank you to Mr. Cummins and Mr. McMenamin for all their commitment throughout this year, the other team for putting up a very even match, the supporters for coming down and the club who kindly let us use their facilities on the day.

Reporter: Laoise O’Gorman

Photographer: Niamh O’Neill