The Balla SS team that lost on penalties to Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair in the FAI Schools First Year B Boys National Cup semi-final (Under 14, Small Schools).

Spot of bother for Mayo school in national cup semi-final

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A scoreless draw was played out in sun-kissed Ray MacSharry Park, Sligo, yesterday afternoon before Balla Secondary School lost out on penalties to Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair (Gweedore) in the FAI Schools First Year B Boys National Cup semi-final.

The Connacht stars edged the game ever so slightly but it was the Ulster boys who held their nerve to slot home all five penalties in what was an entertaining and tense conclusion to the cup tie.

Balla enjoyed a period of good possession in the opening quarter, with Daniel Lyons forcing Darragh Ó Rabhartaigh into a great save with six minutes gone.

Midway through the first half, Gweedore had their first attempt on goal when Cormac Ó Gallchóir’s effort sailed over the upright.

Balla came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock three minutes from the interval as Seán Nolan’s piledriver clipped the bottom of the post, but it remained goalless at the break.

There were few chances in the second period, with both goalkeepers in fine form.

Gweedore's Colman MacCumhaill hit the side-netting with six minutes left as the game needed extra time. Three minutes after the restart, Balla's Eoin Walsh rattled the woodwork, but it remained scoreless when the final whistle sounded.

Pobalscoil slotted their first penalty but Balla, unfortunately, missed theirs, and just couldn’t make up the deficit as the Ulster school managed a 100% conversion rate to advance to the showdown.

The Donegal crew await the winners of the other semi-final between Limerick's Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher, and Blessington Community College, which is scheduled to be played tomorrow (Thursday) at Killavilla United FC, Roscrea. The final is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2.

Balla SS: Noah Murphy, James Heaney, Ross Malone, Donal Keane, Blake Mannion, James Staunton, Tony Cunningham, Ryan Nolan, Daniel Lyons, Eoin Walsh, Seán Nolan.

Subs: Jacob Kenny, Kian Sandival, Lewis Campbell, Shaun Conroy, Liam Cunningham, Jack Heneghen, Ryan McDonnell.

Teachers: Kevin McGauran, Adrian Philips.

Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair: Darragh Ó Rabhartaigh, John Joe Mac Giolla Bhríde, Dylan Ó Gallchóir, Zach Ó Colla, Padraig Ó Gallchóir, Fionn Mac Grianna, Cormac Ó Gallchóir, Jay Ó Docharaigh, Ronan Nathan, Adam Mac Giolla Bhríde, Colman MacCumhaill.

Subs: Callan Mac Grianna, Cillian Mac Ruairí, Patrick Mandilla, Eoin Ó Searcaigh, Brian MacAoidh, Dylan T. Ó Gallchóir, Aodhán Ó Domhnaill.

Teacher: Ciaran Mac an Bhreithiun.

Ref: John Barry (Sligo).

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