St Pat’s through to Corn na nOg final

St Patrick's Cavan conceded two goals in the opening 90 seconds of this Corn na nÓg semi-final in Tyholland but powered their way back into contention to claim a place in the final against Omagh CBS. Sheagh Dobbin and Ryan Trainor bagged those early Abbey goals, but goals from Ballinagh's Ronan O'Reilly and anotehr from Cavan Gaels midfielder James Veale helped the Cavan school - who are coached by Andy McGovern and John O'Shea - into a narrow half-time lead of 3-4 to 3-2. A magnificent performance from the defence held the Down boys to just two points in the second half as St Pat's pulled away to book their places in the decider. St Pat's won the corresponding D'Alton (Under 13 and a half) title last year. However, they will face a tough test in the final (TBC) against Omagh CBS. While St Pat's narrowly defeated Omagh in Brookeborough earlier in the campaign, the Tyrone school have improved and are many commentators' favourites going into the final. Among the key players in a terrific all-round performance were Jason Rahill, Ballinagh midfielder Colin McCabe, Lacken forward Paul Leddy, Crosserlough's Pierce Smith, Drumlane's Ryan Connolly and Ballinagh's Ronan O'Reilly.