St Cronans Capture County Title

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

The top six primary schools in Gaelic football for 2012 took part in a mini blitz in the county grounds in Aughrim recently. The sun shone and we witnessed some wonderful football from all the schools taking part. The sportsmanship was outstanding and the games were well refereed

The schools were divided into two groups with the winners from each group meeting in the final. In group 1 were St. Cronans Bray, Crossbridge N.S. and Blessington. In group 2 were Scoil Naomh Iosaf Baltinglass, Gael Scoil Arklow and St. Pats Wicklow Town.

St Cronans by the skin of their teeth qualified from group 1.As the 3 teams ended on the same points it went to score difference. Scoil Naomh Iosaf Baltinglass qualified from group 2.

Having won the toss Scoil Naomh Iosaf opted to play with the wind and went in at half time leading 1-2 to 0-1.It was serious question time for St. Cronans and they answered with style, efficiency and powerful conviction. Mick O Gara fielded a high ball and sent a long clearance down to the full forward line. Darragh Rochford fielded, rounded his man and blasted the ball to the back of the net. This was the turning point of the game. St. Cronans tails were now up and they laid siege on the Baltinglass goal. St Cronans ran out deserving winners 2-4 to 1-2.It was a thrilling finish to a game that had it all.

Sid Hunt in goals had a super game bringing off some crucial saves. The vice-like grip exerted by Mick O Gara, Andrew Conway, Elliot Ryan, Ronan McMahon and Sean Byrne ensured that the Baltinglass attack was kept to a minimum .As well as excelling in their defensive duties they consistently initiated many a counter attack. Midfielders Mark Robinson and Aaron Walsh were strong and powerful, worked their socks off and covered acres of ground. Up front St. Cronans had lethal attackers in Dave Maloney, Michael Brendan O Neill, Jordan Temple, Conor Mulvaney and Darragh Rochford. Zack Cullen Stephenson and Lochlann Megannety also played their part when brought on.