St Finbarrs Boys National School created hurling history this week with a thrilling County Final win in the Cork Primary Schools ( CorkPPS) Sciath na Scoil Final where they defeated Scoil Eoin , Ballincollig 

Going in as underdogs, they were up for the challenge knowing that they had prepared well over the last few months under coach Cathal McCarthy. Over the winter they took part in the Friday evening Parish sessions between all the parish National Schools and had sessions by TY students from Colaiste Pobail Bheanntraí. Mr McCarthy grew the boys confidence with his encouragement and enthusiasm and excellent skills sessions.

Deservedly the Bantry boys were in front at the break on a score line 0-04 V 0-01 they were under pressure in the second half when the boys from the “village” rattled the net twice. Going into the dying seconds of the game the blues trailed by 2pts & in the games final attack as they searched for goal they were awarded a free c.20m from goal. Scoil Eoin packed the goal hoping to force the St Finbarrs free taker to go for a point, but the young Bantry player had other plans. Cillian OSullivan , with ice in his veins, stood over the ball and hit it with such power and accuracy that even “Hoggie” would have been proud of. As the sliotar rattled the net there were wild scenes of jubilation from the players , their panel members, coaches, and all the supporters in the stands .

Congratulations to all the players & their coaches on this wonderful achievement

Watch a replay of the game here << CLICK TO VIEW <<

Watch reaction in the stand & return to school video here << CLICK TO VIEW 


IRISH EXAMINER REPORT 

FRI, 24 MAY, 2024 - 14:22

DARRAGH LEEN

H3 Final: Scoil Eoin Ballincollig 2-2 St Finbarr's Bantry 1-6 

It was a case of late late drama in the second game of the day as St Finbarr's Bantry scored a last gasp goal in the 4th minute of added time to clinch the H3 title. 

Scoil Eoin were ahead by two points going into the dying moments but Killian O’Sullivan smashed home a free from close range to win it at the death for Finbarr's.

Conor O’Mahony opened the scoring for St Finbarrs with a well taken point after 3 minutes. The contest went scoreless for 10 minutes until Cillian O’Donovan levelled things up for Scoil Eoin after.A couple of Calvin O’Brien points plus a Killian O’Sullivan point meant Finbarrs would end the half on a high, despite it being a very evenly contested first half (0-1 0-4).

Scoil Eoin flew out of the gates for the second period. Cillian O’Donovan, proving to be the danger man, hit his opponent with a point-goal combo in a three minute period helping Scoil Eoin to take the lead for the first time.

Conor O’Mahony drew the game level once again for Finbarrs with a score from a difficult angle. The sides weren’t level for long though, Luke O’Donovan had the ball in the Finbarrs net for Scoil Eoin’s second goal three minutes from the end of normal time.

It looked at this point like it was all going Scoil Eoin’s way but a point from Eoin McCarthy breathed life into the Finbarr's revival and then came the free with seconds remaining. O’Sullivan dispatched and Finbarr's drove home with the silverware.

Scorers for Scoil Eoin Ballincollig: C O’Donovan 1-2, L O’Donovan 1-0.

Scorers for St Finbarr's Bantry: K O’Sullivan 1-1, C O’Mahony 0-2, C O’Brien 0-2, E McCarthy 0-1.

Scoil Eoin Ballincollig: J Tickle, T Quigley, E Moore, J MacSweeney, F Twomey, R O’Malley, J Archbold, T Pciak, C O’Donovan, J McCarthy, L Collins, L O’Donovan, F O’Donovan, A Farmer, G O’Dwyer, R Twomey, J O’Leary, O O’Dwyer, E O’Mahony, D Murphy, E O’Sullivan.

St Finbarr's Bantry: T Connolly, J O’Sullivan, M Collins, A Cronin, D Barry, S Cronin, K O’Sullivan, E McCarthy, M Murphy, E Dullea, J Donaldson, C O’Mahony, C O’Brien, D Coleman, T McCarthy, C O Connell, D Hourihan, D Collins, C Connolly, F Harrington, H Curran, J Wiseman.

Referee: Harry Ormond (Gaelscoile Douglas).