Balla beaten in first of an All-Ireland final double

FAI SCHOOLS SENIOR B NATIONAL CUP FINAL

Gaelcholáiste Reachrann, Domhnach Míde 3

Balla Secondary School 1

In Athlone

LESS than two days after winning the All-Ireland football semi-final in Clare, the boys from Balla Secondary School ran out in Athlone for the national soccer final. It was a hectic schedule for the boys in blue, and in truth it caught up with them in the second half when the young men of Gaelcholáiste Reachrann, Domhnach Míde scored twice to secure a 3-1 victory and possession of the John Murphy Cup.

There had been little or nothing between the sides in the opening half and they went to the interval on level terms, 1-1. The Dublin boys hit the front midway through the half when Luke O'Donoghue got on the end of a ball into the box and found the net. Balla hit back almost immediately when Sean Brohan latched onto a long delivery from the back. He out-witted the advancing goalkeeper and gleefully balanced the scores.

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However, the Leinster side were more decisive in the second period and Oran Ó Conail nudged them in front when he got on the end of a fine delivery from the right before O'Donoghue converted a late penalty to seal the deal.

It was a disappointing result for Balla who put in a huge effort and with a little good fortune would have taken the lead in the first half. However, it was Domhnach Míde's day and Balla will now have to turn their attention to the football final on Saturday March 14.

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