St Kevin's 2-10 Breifne College 2-08

St. Kevin’s withstood a second-half rally by Breifne College Cavan as they secured the Naglle Cup in Newtownbutler last Thursday.

Playing against the breeze, St. Kevin’s had opened up a four-point half-time lead but their Cavan opponents also performed better against the wind in the second half as they trimmed the deficit back to a single point in a tense conclusion to the contest.

But Daire Treacy popped up with a late point for St. Kevin’s to put two in it and the Lisnaskea school saw out the remainder of the tie to secure the victory.

Coach Tony Collins was delighted with the win.

“The boys got off to a great start, which really helped, and they played well although it was backs to the wall-defending in the second half.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the win and the lads will take great confidence out of it,” he said.

St. Kevin’s got off to a flying start to the contest when Conrad Reihill plundered an early goal and by the break they had managed to carve out a 1-06 to 0-05 advantage.

Daire Chapman landed three frees for the Lisnaskea outfit in the first half, while Treacy and Callum Connolly Bannon also got on the scoresheet.

Having played against the wind, St. Kevin’s would have been delighted with the scoreline at half time, but Breifne College rallied during the second period.

Chapman, Finn Brogan and Treacy tagged on points for St. Kevin’s but with Breifne bagging a goal and a couple of points they recuced the gap back to two points.

Callum Connolly Bannon though put five between the sides when he raced through to stick the ball in the net for St. Kevin’s but back came Breifne College with a goal of their own.

And when they added a point, it left one in it late on.

Up though came Treacy with his late point and St. Kevin’s defended resolutely through to the finish to seal the win.

In a strong all-round team display there was excellent performances from Caidin Connolly Bannon, Ben Caughey, Conor Casey and Daire Treacy.