The quay to success

The Quay National School from Ballina were the big winners in Bekan at the annual Cumann na mBunscoil mini-sevens primary schools tournament, writes Nigel Naughton.

At a sun-drenched Connnaught Centre of Excellence, the Ballina school won both the boys and girls titles, with hugely impressive performances in both categories.

The school has a rich heritage of producing footballers, overseen by principal Hugh Lynn, with the likes of Evan Regan, Sarah Rowe and David Brady all attending the school.

Indeed, it was Brady’s nephew Dylan Thornton who was one of the star men for The Quay boys on the day, and there were a couple more players who could easily don the green and red in the future, such was their ability and class on the ball.

The Quay’s girls team qualified for the final after they were comfortable winners over Snugboro National School from Castlebar in their semi-final, winning the game 6-3 to 0-2, with Finola Collins and Eimear Treacy in devastating form.

In the other semi-final, it was the girls from St. Aidan’s, Kiltimagh, who qualified for the final after they defeated Bekan 6-1 to 2-5. In similar fashion to The Quay, they had some extremely impressive performers, with Hazel Finn and Amy Shannon in particular catching the eye.

The final was a Titanic and pulsating battle between two committed, determined and talented teams. Goals and good technique were aplenty, and it was The Quay who emerged winners with an 8-3 to 2-2 victory.

The victors were in ruthless form from the off and were in full control at the break, going in 4-2 to 2-1 in front. Eilidh McPhee scored two goals, with Finola Collins scoring 1-1 and Eimear Treacy adding the other goal. For Kiltimagh, Hazel Finn scored both goals, with Amy Shannon raising the white flag.

On the restart, McPhee and Treacy scored two further goals each, with Collins adding another point to take her tally up to 1-3. Sarah Ruane registered Kiltimagh’s solitary response as The Quay held out for an impressive victory.

The Quay boys team qualified for the final after they defeated Scoil Phadraig, Westport, by 3-2 to 2-1 in a tight semi-final. Harry West was the star performer in the game, scoring 2-2 for his side.

The Quay faced The Neale in the final after the south Mayo boys defeated Midfield National School, Swinford, by 4-5 to 2-3, with Dylan Keane showing up extremely well for his side.

A scintillating first half performance from the Ballina boys was the catalyst for their win in the final. They were 4-2 to 1-1 up at half time, Harry West again impressive as he scored 1-2, with Ciaran Boland scoring two goals and captain Dylan Thornton also raising the green flag.

The second half was a much different affair, with The Neale on top and threatening every time they pushed forward. Dylan Keane was in bullish mood, and he scored all of The Neale’s goals in the game, with Ronan Hughes adding the point. Had it not been for the impressive performance of Sam Callinan in goal for The Quay, it could have been a much tighter affair.

TEAMS

St. Aidan’s, Kiltimagh: Emily Moore, Amy Shannon (0-1), Ellie McNicholas, Ciara Tarpey, Sarah Ruane (0-1), Hazel Finn (2-0), Orla Quinn, Erin Russell, Ava Dwyer.

Quay Girls, Ballina: Laura Calleary, Molly Tully, Orla Boyce, Jenny Murphy, Finola Collins (1-3), Eilidh McPhee (4-0), Eimear Treacy (3-0), Georgia Murphy, Sinead Honan, Natasha Lavelle.

The Neale: Cillian Smyth, Kieran Feerick, Harry Costello, Ronan Hughes (0-1), Shane McGahon, Zachary Cork, Dylan Keane (4-0), Jamie Kelly, Iarlath Forde.

Quay Boys, Ballina: Sam Callinan, Paul Brennan, Eli O’Neill, Dylan Thornton (2-0), Harry West (1-2), Niall Treacy, Ciaran Boland (3-0), Jack Hayden, Matthew Blakeney, Caleb Daly, Liam Golden.

TWO TO WATCH

Finola Collins (Quay Girls): A tall and quick midfielder who also knows how to split the posts with ease.

Harry West (Quay Boys): A classy performer who is very accurate in front of the posts.