Pats march on in Leinster

St Pat's got the better of Colaiste Eoin in the Leinster PPS Preliminary quarter-final at Pairc Tailteann.

St Pat's 1-16

Coláiste Eoin 4-3

Thomas Connell

This terrifically entertaining and nerve-wrecking Leinster PPS Preliminary quarter-final at Pairc Tailteann had it all. Goals, incredible scores, stand-out performances, and even a little bit of indiscipline. St Pat’s did eventually get over the line and secure a well-deserved spot in a Leinster quarter final, but there are still plenty of things to revisit and reflect on in the coming days.

An early goal for the opposition was not the ideal start for St Pats. Nonetheless, did not drop their heads and give up. They fought back hard and brought the game level. At half-time the scoreboard read St Pat’s 0-8, Colaiste Eoin 2-2.

In the second-half, St Pat’s went searching for a goal to set themselves up for the victory. It eventually came with 10 minutes to go in the half but was promptly mimicked by Coláiste Eoin soon after. Another goal with very little time left on the clock ensured a nervy finish for St Pat’s but they held strong and saw the game out. The full forward line put the match out of reach with some superb scores.

Billy Birmingham commanded the full back line with intensity and desire to lead which proved crucial. The two cornerbacks mirrored Birmingham’s stellar performance and got the better of their markers. Oran Meade was a constant nuisance for the opponents and stood out in the midfield. Max Condon’s passion was made apparent today as he started in wing back and went after everything at 100 miles an hour.

St Pat’s - Charlie Finnegan; Tadgh Foley, Billy Bermingham, Conor Reuter; Cormac Smith, Conall O’Sullivan, Max Condon; Oran Meade, Sean Smyth; Will Byrne, Charlie Twomey, Liam Devine; C J Lynch, Stephen Cahill, Nathan Reilly. Subs - Alex O’Neill, Max Chamberlain, James Donnelly, Harry Butler, D J O’Reilly, Ryan O’Neill, Bobby Gaffney, Jack Byrne, Luke Casey, Niall Smith, Darragh Wright, Ferdia Gibney, Padraic Stephens, Michael Byrne, Colm McDonnell, Sean Horam, Charles McCarthy, Harry Smith.