St Finian’s boys’ junior lose out in final

St Finian’s boys’junior soccer side fell at the final hurdle when they met TullamoreCollege in the West Leinster final.

Played out in pleasantsunshine in the Mullingar Athletics soccer club in Gainstown thegame gave spectators a very enjoyable experience, though the strongwind did have a bearing on play.

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

The early exchangessuggested that Finians had real prospects for the silverware, howevera Conor Rigney goal for Tullamore started a trend that continuedthrough the first half. Next name on the score sheet was JameyHarvey, who was impressive throughout the contest, followed by CianRigney and Adam Malone.

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

Though Finians lost out toan industrious and well drilled side they did put in a respectableperformance, 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