Roscommon club hurlers set for All-Ireland final bid
Joint managers of the Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar, senior hurling team, Evan Niland and Johnny Waldron, with captain Conor Kelly from Four Roads in Croke Park last week ahead of Friday's All-Ireland final.
There will be a healthy Roscommon representation as Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar, line out in the Michael Cusack Cup (Masita All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Senior C Hurling) final on Friday (tomorrow) at Dr. Daly Memorial Park, Tulla, County Clare at 1.30 p.m..
The side, captained by Four Roads’ Conor Kelly, face Scoil Pól Kilfinane from Limerick after the Ballygar school defeated Gaelcholáiste Dhoire 3-13 to 2-8 at the last four stage.
There are nine players from Four Roads in the squad. Captain Conor Kelly lined out at centre-back in his side’s All-Ireland semi-final triumph. Corner-backs Adam Kenny and Ethan Kelly were superb in defeating their Derry foes last time out.
The duo were part of a Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar, rearguard that conceded just four scores in the second half of their semi-final clash after the sides were deadlocked at the interval. Rory Coyle, who slotted over a point in his side’s Connacht final triumph over St. Joseph’s College (The Bish), has lined out at wing-back on their journey to the final.
Jamie Kelly, twin brother of corner back Ethan, and Gavin Meares also fly the Four Roads flag as does Oisín Finneran, who came off the bench in the win over Gaelcholáiste Dhoire. David Mannion and Michael Dunning are also members of the squad, as are Athleague duo Adam Beckett and Matthew Beirne.
Ballyforan native Johnny Waldron is joint manager of the outfit alongside Galway intercounty hurler Evan Niland.
The joint managers travelled up to Croke Park alongside Conor Kelly for the launch of the Masita Post Primary Schools All-Ireland finals last week.
Niland admits the opportunity for a student to grace the hollowed turf even just for a day is a testament to the hard work of the group.
“Myself, Johnny and Conor went up (to Croke Park). It is great for the lads to see one of our own up there. I remember my first time up there. It was unreal to stand on the pitch. Conor took it all in. These days do not come around too often, so you try and take it all in while you can.
“He and all the lads have worked hard, so sometimes these are the nice things that come along as a result. As captain and one of the guys in Leaving Cert, it was a great moment for him.”
The Clarinbridge man is in his first year with the school, but he is aware that All-Ireland finals at this grade do not come around every year.
“It is my first year here but I don’t know if we get this chance again for a while. For the Leaving Certs, this is their last game, but we cannot let that be a burden. We hope they seize the day and seize the opportunity,” said Niland.
