Primary School Finals: Drums roll on to North Leinster finals
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Drumconrath NS players, with teacher Austin Hickey (right) and FAI Development officer Richie Smith, after they won the Meath Primary Schools 5s for small schools at the MDL.Image 2 of 9
Drumconrath NS captain Skaiste Duff receives her winner’s medal from FAI Development officer Richie Smith.Image 3 of 9
Bohermeen NS players, with teacher Eoin Finnegan and James Brennan and FAI Development officer Richie Smith, after they won the Meath Primary Schools 5s for medium schools at the MDL.Image 4 of 9
Bohermeen NS captain Leana Coyne receives her medal from FAI Development officer Richie Smith.Image 5 of 9
The St Colmcille’s Kells players and coach with FAI Development officer Richie Smith (right), after they won the Meath Primary Schools 5s for large schools at the MDL.Image 6 of 9
St Colmcille’s Kells captain Rose Teinado receives her winners medal from FAI Development officer Richie Smith.Image 7 of 9
The Athboy players, with teacher Laura Gilsenan, FAI Development officer Richie Smith (left) and Paul Holland (FAI Schools Meath co-Ordinator), after they finished runners-up in the Meath Primary Schools 5s for medium schools at the MDL.Image 8 of 9
Large schools runners-up Ratoath SNS were singing in the rain after their final at the MDL.Image 9 of 9
Transition Year students from Ashbourne Community School provided their refereeing services for the Primary schools 5s final at the MDL.MEATH PRIMARY SCHOOLS 5s
The girls from Drumconrath NS emulated the success of their 2019 team when they were crowned Meath small school champions. The North Meath school had to dig deep to see off the challenge of a gallant Baile Ghib side in the crucial final group game.
Baile Ghib had been in pole position as they had beaten Mulhussey(4-3) and Cortown (4-0) in their opening two games. Chloe Ní Cheallacháin was superb for Ó Fearraigh’s Gaeltacht school in a pulsating encounter against Drumconrath. It took a hat-trick from top scorer Ava Hickey and a goal from Sophie Kieran Smith in the final minute to seal their place in the North Leinster finals.
Goalkeeper Ella Sheerin was rock solid for the Drums in winning their first game against Cortown with Ava Hickey in scintillating form, scoring five goals from midfield. Cara Reilly notched up two more goals in a convincing victory before Mulhussey proved to be much tougher opposition with Emma Neville and Cadhla Eviston starring in midfield in a closely fought 1-1 draw.
Drums captain Skaiste Duff was inspirational throughout and set up Ava Hickey to score a well worked equaliser. Saidhbhe McMahon and Emilija Lucanskaite also played a crucial role for Austin Hickey’s team.
Bohermeen NS girls made history as they captured their first ever Meath title in the FAI Primary 5s for medium schools. Bohermeen were convincing winners over Rathbeggan and Gaelscoil na Ríthe but had to work very hard to overcome a skilful Athboy side managed by Laura Gilsenan.
Goals from Tara Duignan, captain Bridget-Kate O'Donnell and Emer Dullaghan had given Athboy a closely fought 3-2 victory over Rathbeggan with Ciara Boylan outstanding in defence.
Bohermeen were well organised with sterling displays from captain Léana Coyne and Ciara Clarke. In one of the best games of the tournament with little or nothing between the two teams, Mia Baugree scored from long range for Athboy. Cleo Herring kept Athboy in contention until the final minute with some breathtaking saves but Ciara Clara grabbed a late winner for Bohermeen to advance by 2-1.
The girls from St Colmcille’s Kells won their first ever Meath FAI Primary 5’s large schools title but only after edging out St Paul's Ratoath on goal difference .
Both schools finished the group with three wins and a draw, with Kells advancing by the tightest of margins, superior goal difference ahead of an excellent Ratoath side.
Kells goalkeeper Kayla Grimes made several key saves with great displays also from Libby Callaghan, Chloe Delaney, and the attack-minded Ava McGlue.
Erin McInerney and Holly Farrell Jordan both played crucial roles for Ciarán Bird’s girls.
Hailey Twomey was top scorer on the day with 11 goals while captain Rose Peinado (from Spain) also showed great prowess in front of goal with a tally of seven goals.
Football is very much in the family genes as her grandfather was recently Chairman of the mighty Seville-based team Real Betis in La Liga!
Local rivals Ratoath SNS also thoroughly enjoyed playing in the tournament. Many well worked goals were scored by Bridgín McConville Hennessy, Áine McGlinn and Emma Fitzpatrick.
Midfielders Aileen McConville Hennessy and Áine McGlinn worked tirelessly throughout. Zoe Tatten and Freya Jordan rotated in goals while Méabh Sliney and Sky Browne played well when called off the bench.