The Sciath Chlanna Gael final was an absolute thriller.
St Canice’s Finglas and Scoil Chrónáin Ráth Cúil played out an enthralling draw at the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol finals at Croke Park on Tuesday morning.
With a strong breeze at their backs, the Rathcoole school led at the half-time interval but they were clawed back in the second half by a gallant Finglas effort.
Captain Liam Mac Lochalainn was the standout player for the Rathcoole kids. The flame-haired midfielder is small in stature but he’s big in heart and his spirit and bravery dragged his side back into this game.
He was given plenty of help from his teammates, with the score of the game coming from the Rathcoole centre forward Dáire Ó Conlúin, a fine effort off the right that Diarmuid Connolly would have been proud of.
In truth, neither side deserved to lose this one with Aaron Buckley and Brandon Scanlon impressive for the Finglas school.
The sides couldn’t be separated and so the spoils were shared at the final whistle. It is Cumann na mBunscol practice for the teams to share the cup, or in this event, the plaque – in the event of a draw and the scenes were heartwarming with both sides celebrating in front of a giddy crowd after the game.
Brilliant scenes after a draw in the Sciath Chlanna Gael final as St Canice's and Rathcoole share cup after a thrilling draw @CnmbDublin pic.twitter.com/P8Aj2d8KuV
— Niall McIntyre (@NiallMcintyre) October 23, 2018
That’s what it’s all about.
