South Leinster Senior “B” Football 1st Round
Gorey CS v Dunlavin CC 
By Michael Dwyer
After FCJ Bunclody and Enniscorthy CBS were defeated marginally, Gorey Community School are the sole Wexford representative for this year’s South Leinster semi final’s following their close-cut victory over Dunlavin C.C. on Wednesday last. Dunlavin dominated the opening half with two points coming from both Patrick O’ Connor and Eoin Kelly. This dominance peaked for Dunlavin in the dismay of the Gorey men, trained by Conor Wickham and Rory McCarthy, when Darragh Figgis stormed through to tap the ball past ‘keeper, James Flood. Gorey suffered from poor wides because of the breezy and wet weather conditions. Nevertheless, Wicklow’s Ciarán Spellman pointed and reaped another goal around the twentieth minute mark to create an eleven point scoring difference. However, the sheer diligence and dynamism of Gorey never faded as Gearoid Cullen, Conor Devitt and Gavin Stamp pointed afterwards ending a scoring drought. Stamp’s two further points sandwiched Darragh Figgis’ single score as the half closed with Dunlavin leading by seven points.
Gorey were rejuvenated after the resumption. Their persistency in attack was mirrored by a flurry of points from Gavin Stamp, Eoin Conroy and Yusuf Frih. Despite a point from Dunlavin’s Darragh Figgis, Cathal Dunbar managed to swivel through to slot the ball to the net of Cian Tyrell. The Gorey defence kept their opponents at bay with Ben Egan, Marc Halpin and Liam Condren standing tall. Dunlavin reacted instantly as Eoin Kelly managed to kick over two much needed points. However, Gorey’s attacks blitzed the defence of the Wicklow side especially Conor Devitt who controlled possession. Yusuf Frih showed true grit when he kicked with confidence to raise the white flag twice. The visiting crowds erupted with delight when a miraculous victory was secured by Fionn Doyle’s point. The elated Gorey students now progress to the semi final stages where they will meet Naas CBS.
Final Score: Gorey Community School 1-13; St Joseph’s Dunlavin C.C. 2-09.
Venue: Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow
GOREY CS: James Flood (Castletown), Marc Halpin (Castletown), Mark Nolan (Naomh Eanna), Liam Condren (Castletown), Fionn Doyle (0-01; Naomh Eanna), Eoin Conroy (0-01; Naomh Eanna), Dylan Moore (Tara Rocks), Conor Devitt (Captain, 0-01; Ballyfad), Yusuf Frih (0-03; Castletown), Kevin Molloy (Naomh Eanna), Gavin Stamp (0-06 3 frees; Castletown), Tomás Morris (St Patricks), Gearoid Cullen (0-01; Naomh Eanna), Philip Kinsella (Castletown), Ross Bealin (Castletown) SUBS.: Cathal Dunbar (1-00; Realt Na Mara) for Bealin, Ben Egan (Naomh Eanna) for Moore, Alan McPartlan, Jamie Heffernan, Michael Dwyer, Ciarán Sheridan, Mark Woods, Conor Kinsella, Jason Redmond (All Naomh Eanna), Rhys Owley, Lee Owley (Both Tara Rocks), Michael Hamilton, Michael O’ Brien (Both St Patricks), Dylan Sweeney, Gavin Walker (Both Realt Na Mara), Ben Clarke (Castletown).
ST JOSEPH’S DUNLAVIN C.C.: Cian Tyrell, Conor Burke, Keith Farrell, Mike O’ Connor, Louis Capills, Tim Medcalf, Jordan Dunne, Eoin Murtagh, Sean Felon, Darragh Figgis (0-02), Paul Foster, Patrick O’ Connor (0-02), Ciarán Spellman (1-01), Eoin Kelly (1-04, 2 frees), Richie Whelan.
