Our senior football team had a hectic start to their season with their opening league game on Thursday followed by the Lucan Sarsfields blitz on Friday.

League Game
Scoil Attractas 4-15
Scoil Mhuire 3-9
This was a high-scoring encounter but in truth , Scoil Attracta were much the better team and fully deserved their win . The game was over as a contest by half time when we trailed by 3-8 to 0-2 . In fairness to the Scoil Mhuire boys they battled back bravely in the second half and outscored their opponents by 3-7 to 1-7 in that period. Best performers for the Lucan boys were Luke Cahill, Daniel Nulty and Evan Colgan.

Lucan Sarsfields Blitz
What a difference a day makes! The Scoil Mhuire team knew they hadn’t performed up to their ability on Thursday and they responded in the best manner possible with a series of excellent displays to finish as B champions.
In the group stages, we had wins over LETS, St Mary’s and our neighbours Scoil Áine (in a thriller). Ironically our best performance came in defeat when we pushed reigning A champions GSNP all the way , and but for some wayward shooting , we could have reached the A final. In the B final we faced GSER. In a ding-dong struggle, Scoil Mhuire finished stronger to emerge as deserving winners.
Every member of the squad made a great contribution. Mr Egan reckons that the last time we won the B final he wasn’t even born, Unfortunately, as there are no written records from the Stone Age , we cannot confirm if this is true!
Mr Kirwan and Mr Ellis were puzzled as to the amazing improvement in performance from Thursday to Friday, but Mr Egan has denied that he provided the players with performance enhancing substances in their lunchboxes.

Eoin Harrington: Started out the week as probably third-choice keeper but he produced a series of superb performances in the blitz. Some great saves and accurate kick-outs inspired the team. Stephen Cluxton was on the phone to Eoin on Friday night to pick up a few kick-out strategy tips.
Tomás Roche: A revelation. Winning his first senior cap, Tomás grew in confidence as the blitz progressed and put in a series of vital interceptions and blocks.
Benjamin Ubaekwe: Last year’s first choice keeper, Benji used his physique to great effect and provided great protection for his keeper.
Daniel Kane: the only 5th class representative in the squad. Made the catch of the day in the group stages and was a busy bee all day. From now on Phillip Kane, former Scoil Mhuire star, will be known as the brother of Daniel Kane.
Eoghan Daly: Classy defender with a sweet left foot. Always found a team mate with a pass and defended heroically all day.
Daniel Nulty: Unbelievable energy, great skill and fierce determination . Contender for player of the tournament
Gareth Kennedy: Has footballing intelligence way beyond his years . Tenacious and skilful defender. Gareth popped up to score some vital frees, particularly in the cliffhanger against Scoil Áine. Epitomised spirit of team with super block down in dying moments of final.
Sami Clarke: Oozes class and produced a series of excellent performances. a real team player, always looking out for a better-placed team mate.
Reece Lamphiere: Started out the season as first-choice keeper but was converted to a midfielder to add physical strength . The move proved a great success and Reece worked tirelessly all day, chipping in with a vital goal.
Luke Cahill: Simply magnificent. Never put a foot wrong all day and one of the few to play to his potential in Thursday’s game . Leads by example.
Anthony Nkosi: Despite leaving his football boots in school, Anthony had a great tournament and covered every blade of grass in the 12th Lock. Even when conditions became slippery, he got on with it and made a huge contribution to Scoil Mhuire’s success.
Alex Hickey: After a below-par performance on Thursday, Alex was back to his best in the blitz, and his driving runs terrorised defences all day. Huge step-up in work-rate too, rounded off with a brilliant block at end of final, Showed his composure with a superbly taken penalty in the final.
Toby Nnadozie: Toby’s transfer to Scoil Mhuire has given us a great talent. Lovely footballer with great pace, Toby had an excellent tournament. Unfortunately, he had to sit out the final due to injury, but Toby will be a big player for Scoil Mhuire this year
Joey O Sullivan: Blinding pace and an unbelievable work-rate. Joey got through a mountain of unselfish work , chasing back, tackling and hassling all day. Also provided a number of vital assists for scores.
Ben O Toole: Ben had a tournament to remember, scoring a series of vital goals and every time the ball came in his direction there was only going to be one winner. Could be one of the stars of the season.
Dylan Rankin: A couple of crucial assists, rounded off by scoring the insurance point in the final. Classy player who played in defence and attack.
Conor Cooper: Scored the point of the day in the group stages, finishing off a mazy run with a classy finish. Also distributed unselfishly.
Abdul Ejide: Winning his first cap, Abdul was energetic and determined all day. A real team player.
Adam Doran: Some great unselfish work by Adam led to some really important scores for Scoil Mhuire. Always carried a threat in the full forward line.

Many thanks to all the parents who came out to support /provide lifts on Thursday and Friday. Much appreciated.

Next up is our second league game v Palmerstown on Thursday next, September 17th at 3pm in Griffeen Park.