Who will claim the Paddy O’Brien Cup?

The first of our U-15 Finals takes place this evening when Seneschalstown and St. Colmcilles meet in what is their fifth final encounter since the U-12 grade.  The others were all excellent encounters and we look forward to the latest chapter in an intruiging rivalry as they go in search of the Paddy O’Brien Cup.

O’Reilly & Co. Solicitors U-15 Football Championship – Paddy O’Brien Cup Division 1 Final

(Image via Brian Mulligan)

 Seneschalstown v St. Colmcilles (Extra-Time if necessary)

Tuesday September 29 – 20:00

Venue – Paddy O’Brien Park

Referee – Keith Sheerin (Drumconrath)

Having been played as an U-14 competition in previous years, this evening marks the first time the Paddy O’Brien Cup has been played at the U-15 grade and fittingly the two sides which contested last years decider meet again this evening as Seneschalstown and St. Colmcilles meet the eagerly anticipated final.  Since U-12, these two teams have become very well acquainted and are meeting in a final this evening for the fifth time with each side having come out on top twice previously.

Unbeaten to date in the competition, St. Colmcilles have been in excellent form this year having scored an impressing 27-71 (152) and conceded only 9-56 (83) across their six matches. Their season started back on July 28 when this evenings opponents were defeated by twelve points and since then they haven’t looked back with Donaghmore/Ashbourne, Gaeil Colmcille, St. Peter’s Dunboyne and Ratoath all beaten before Donaghmore/Ashbourne were again accounted for in the semi-final.

(Pic via Hoganstand.com)

Ronan Murphy has a big panel to choose from with no fewer than thirty players listed on the digital programme which Coiste Mionúir an Mhí C.L.G. have produced for the final.  The hardest challenge for Murphy and his fellow coaches must be whittling that thirty players down to a starting fifteen as the work being done at primary schools’ level and in the clubs academy continues to bear fruit.  Indeed, the ‘Cilles have fielded no fewer than three U-15 teams in this year’s Championship, with sides also competing in Division 3 and in the Premier Championship.  Oisín Brennan who lined out in goals for the LMFM MFC Division 1 Final last Sunday anchors their defence from centre back while the midfield pairing of Rory Kelly and Andrew Noone Garland is one to watch out for with both players having impressed thus far this year.

Seneschalstown were smarting after that twelve point reversal in July but have recovered from that loss and gradually improved as the Championship progressed before finishing the group stage in second place, earning themselves a home semi-final against Ratoath.  In that semi-final their discipline shone through as the number of frees conceded barely reached double figures over the hour.  The Yellow Furze outfit have not been as free scoring as St. Colmcilles with 5-64 (79) to their credit across the Championship to date and 6-57 (75) conceded.

(Pic via Hoganstand.com)

No fewer than seven of the team which will line out this evening featured for their Minor side in their LMFM MFC Division 2 Shield Final defeat to Walterstown last Thursday.  The experience these players gained playing against teams older and physically bigger than them could prove vital if this evenings match is close coming down the closing stretch.  Luke Healy in goals has been an impressive performer for Seneschalstown to date while Danny Waters has been excellent at centre back.  Up front Joe Norris is a player who continues to improve and his duel with Leon Hart is one to savour.

Previous Finals between the teams:

St. Colmcilles celebrate after winning the 2019 U-14 Football Spring League. (Pic via Hoganstand.com)