St Mary’s College Claims Leinster Schools Senior Cup in Thrilling Replay

Energia Park, Donnybrook – St Mary’s College secured their first Leinster Schools Senior Cup title in 24 years with a hard-fought 25-22 victory over Blackrock College in a replay of the final on Monday afternoon. Captain Andrew McGouran lifted the trophy, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Rathmines school’s supporters.

Dramatic Finish Denies Blackrock Three-in-a-Row

Paul Neary’s final kick to touch as the clock turned red sealed the win for St Mary’s, ending Blackrock’s hopes of achieving a three-in-a-row title. The Blackrock players and fans were left crestfallen after the narrow defeat. The initial final on St Patrick’s Day ended in a 24-24 draw, necessitating the replay.

Key Moments in the Match

The match was a tense affair, with both teams displaying strong defensive play in the second half after a high-scoring first period that saw six tries. St Mary’s led 22-19 heading into the final stages, but Blackrock leveled the score with a penalty from Luke Coffey in the 51st minute. Neary then regained the lead for St Mary’s with a penalty of his own in the 61st minute.

Throughout the game, crucial turnovers from St Mary’s players, including captain Andrew McGouran and Thomas Quigley, disrupted Blackrock’s attacks. Joe Christle also proved pivotal, scoring two tries for St Mary’s.

First Half Action

The first half saw both teams attack with intent, resulting in a 22-19 scoreline for St Mary’s at the break. St Mary’s opened the scoring with a penalty from Paul Neary in the 3rd minute. Blackrock responded with a endeavor from Bernard White, converted by Luke Coffey, to take the lead. St Mary’s then hit back with a try from Joseph Christle, with Neary adding the conversion. Blackrock scored another try through Alex Aschenbrenner, with Coffey again converting. St Mary’s finished the half strongly with a try from Andrew McGouran and a conversion from Neary.

Second Half Battle

The second half was a much tighter contest, with both teams struggling to break through the defenses. Blackrock were reduced to 13 men temporarily with two yellow cards, but St Mary’s were unable to capitalize fully. The final minutes were filled with tension as Blackrock launched a series of attacks, but St Mary’s held firm to secure the victory.

Lineups

St Mary’s College: Josh Kelly; Christopher Maguire, Conor Cantwell, Daniel Tourish, Nicolas Sheehan; Paul Neary; Jack Fogarty; Thomas Quigley, Joseph Christle, David Kenny; James Whitty, Max Egan; Eoin Farrell, Andrew McGauran (capt), Sean Thornton.

Blackrock College: Cael McCloskey; Alex Aschenbrenner, James Browne, Bernard White, Rhys Keogh; Paddy Scally; Luke Coffey (capt); Louis Magee, Harry O’Neill, Ben Guerin; George Eggars, Cian McCarron; Conal Power, Patrick Agnew, Geoffery Wall.

This victory marks a significant moment for St Mary’s College, ending a 24-year wait for Leinster Schools Senior Cup glory.