On Wednesday 4th November, the First Year Gaelic Footballers of Donabate C.C. made history when they became the 1st First Years to make a Dublin county final. The team were up against Lucan Community College in the semi- final and won with a dominating performance to wrapping up a 10:16 to 3:2 win to progress to the final.
Donabate led from start to finish and were always in control of the game. The team flew out of the blocks with goals from forwards; Conor Culleton and Rob Mahon in the 1st ten minutes, with additional points from Louis Finnan, Ollie Brooks and Ciaran Lyons. Donabate stretched their massive lead with further goals from Conor and Rob and a clinical penalty from star centre- half forward, Ciaran Lyons. The scoreline at half time read 7: 9 to 1 goal with Donabate demolishing Lucan in all areas of the game, particularly in midfield with Ollie Brooks and Louis Finnan winning the huge battle in the middle of the park.
Further goals were to come in the second half with Conor Culleton and Rob Mahon finishing up with four goals each. It wasn’t just the forwards who were doing the work though, with Ben Hand, Karl Murray and Killian McKeon all playing vital roles at the back, keeping Lucan at bay while also setting up some delightful balls into the midfielders and forwards. Lucan finished with 2 sloppy goals but it didn’t take anything away from the spectacular performance from the Donabate squad.
Well done to all involved on a spectacular win and best of luck to the team and their managers, Mr. Redmond and Mr. Clarke as they prepare for the final against Lusk Community College. Details of the final are to be confirmed!
Donabate CC: Brian Hanratty, Ben Hand, Sam Dolan, Karl Murray, Diarmuid Burke, Killian McKeon, Daniel Murphy, Ollie Brooks, Louis Finnan, Mark McKeon, Ciaran Lyons, Rob Mahon, Conor Culleton, Peter Keogh, Alex Groves.
Thanks to Fifth Year student, Daniel Burke, for this report!