Historic victory sees Coláiste Mhuire reach first Hogan Cup final

Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar 1-23, Abbey CBS, Newry 3-12

(After extra-time)

History was made in Abbotstown on Saturday where Mullingar’s Coláiste Mhuire qualified for the Hogan Cup Senior Football ‘A’ Colleges Football final for the first time in their proud history, following a sensational extra-time victory over Abbey CBS, Newry.

The groundbreaking victory was carved out of indefatigable spirit and no little skill. With Abbey CBS leading by 3-12 to 0-18 midway through extra-time, Coláiste Mhuire found something special to turn the contest on its head, scoring an unanswered 1-3.

The goal, a marvellous team score, came from substitute Padraig Monaghan, who joined a move that involved midfielder Rory O’Brien and corner-forward Will Scahill, before blasting a powerful shot to the Newry net.

Coláiste Mhuire can now turn their attention to Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day where they face stern opposition in the form of Tralee CBS. It promises to be a special build-up to Coláiste Mhuire’s greatest sporting day.

At half-time in normal time, Coláiste Mhuire appeared to be struggling: they trailed by 1-5 to 0-5 having conceded a penalty goal and their lack of composure in front of goal was a major concern, with several scoring chances squandered. But their character shone through in impressive fashion. Will Scahill, their deadly marksman in attack all season, delivered three two-pointers from play and another from a free as they battled hard against a Newry side that looked destined to reach the final.

A goal by the impressive Diarmuid O’Rourke had Abbey CBS two points ahead with 10 minutes of normal time to play; Scahill brought Coláiste Mhuire level by the 55th minute before a fisted point by Daniel Carr pushed the Newry side ahead again. They were a point clear (2-10 to 0-15) on the hour mark, but in the second minute of additional time Scahill equalised from a routine 13-metre free to set up extra-time.

Although Charlie McGrath netted his second penalty to put Abbey CBS in firm control, Coláiste Mhuire refused to buckle. The experience of last year’s All-Ireland semi-final defeat came to the fore and the impact of players like Monaghan, Seán Hayes and James Flynn off the bench was a definite factor.

At the end, Hayes fisted over a point to complete a truly remarkable victory, one that seemed unlikely as the game neared the end of normal time. It was a proud day for all associated with Coláiste Mhuire and this outstanding group of players, who are on the cusp of something great.

Tralee CBS won their semi-final by 4-11 to 1-15 against St Gerald’s, Castlebar, with Gearóid White (1-4) in fine form for Marc Ó Sé’s side. Meeting Kerry opposition in their first ever decider will quickly focus Mullingar minds, but it promises to be a great final at Croke Park on March 17.

Scorers - Coláiste Mhuire: W Scahill 0-12 (3tp; 1tpf; 2f), S McWade 0-6 (1tp; 1f), P Monaghan 1-0, M Weir 0-2, F Higgins, M Moloney and S Hayes 0-1 each.

Abbey CBS: C McGrath 2-0 (pens.), D O’Rourke 1-4 (1tpf), D Carr 0-3, J O’Mahoney and D McKernan 0-2 each, F Toale 0-1.

Coláiste Mhuire: Adam Buckley; Michael Moloney, Seán Byrne, Eoin Donohue; Ty Masterson, Kian Loughlin, Ben Sheerin; Críostóir Ormsby, Rory O’Brien; Paul Keating, Michael Weir (capt.), Stephen McWade; Will Scahill, Finn Higgins, Conor Cleary. Subs: Seán Hayes for Keating (51), James Flynn for Donohue (inj., 60), Padraig Monaghan for Cleary and Ronan Byrne for Sheerin (10 e-time), Eoin Meehan for McWade (19 e-time).

Abbey CBS: James McBennett; Finn Madine, Conor Laverty, Cathal Burns; Michael O’Neill, Diarmuid (capt.), Fergus Toale; Keelan McEntee, Dara Havern; Oisín Byrne, Charlie McGrath, Daniel McKernan; Ryan O’Hare, Daniel Carr, Jack O’Mahony. Subs: Brody McGreevy for McBennett (inj., 30), Oran Donnelly for Havern (15 e-time), Tiarnan O’Neill for M O’Neill (18 e-time).

Referee: Eamon O’Connor (Offaly).