First Years Pay The Penalty after a Fine Performance

An excellent run in the shield ended in disappointment for the First Year team at the final hurdle. In an even first half both teams had chances to open the scoring with Josh Holden and Aaron McDonnell both coming close for MacDaras. Senan Duffy dealt well with some long range efforts from Athlone. 0-0 at half time but it was Athlone who made the better start to the second half and a litany of mistakes eventually led to them taking th lead from a from a free kick on 35 mins. There was nothing Senan in the MacDaras goal could do to prevent the deflected effort from hitting the back of the net. This shook the MacDaras team and they lost all control of the game for the next 5 mins and were lucky not to fall further behind.

As the second half progressed MacDaras regained control of the ball and the game but never really troubled the Athlone goal. Just as time was running out Callum McElligott took down a high ball superbly and fed the tireless Cian White who slotted away the equaliser.

Both teams looked for the winner in extra time but eventually it came down to penalties. After 9 penalties Athlone led 5-4 with MacDaras set to take their final penalty. Unfortunately it wasnt to be as Tadgh Fagan, who had had an excellent game at right back, saw his strike beat the keeper but come back off the post.

An excellent first season for these boys who have worked extremely hard and will look forward to future success in the school.