St Finian’s boys’ juniors lose out in final

St Finian’s boys’ juniors soccer side fell at the final hurdle when they met Tullamore College in the West Leinster final.

Played out in pleasant sunshine in the Mullingar Athletics soccer club in Gainstown the game gave spectators a very enjoyable experience, though the strong wind did have a bearing on play.

A difficult first half saw the side behind 4-0 at the break, but a very spirited second half ended with the score sheet showing 6-3 to the Tullamore side.

The early exchanges suggested that Finians had real prospects for the silverware, however a Conor Rigney goal for Tullamore started a trend that continued through the first half. Next name on the score sheet was Jamey Harvey, who was impressive throughout the contest, followed by Cian Rigney and Adam Malone.

Finian's had a much better second half. A Ben Gilsen score from a set piece was the Mullingar team's opener, and although a brace by Tullamore pushed them further ahead Denis Komar and a second from Gilsenan put a decent complexionon the final score.

Though Finians lost out to an industrious and well drilled side they did put in a respectable performance, particularly in the second half.

Starting team: Conor Matthews, PaddyColleary, Cathal Murtagh, Rohan Corr, Manus Kelly, Fionn Campbell,Jamie McDonnell (C), Ben Gilsenan, Fionn Campbel