Congratulations to the boys football team who won the Division 2 shield final in O’Moore Park on Wednesday. After a titanic battle with Rathenska, Scoil Bhride eventually prevailed on a scoreline of 5-10 to 2-11. 

Scoil Bhride dominated the first half and were ahead by 2-04 to 0-05 at half time. In truth however we should have been much further in front with some wayward shooting preventing us building up a bigger lead. Our defense played very well in the first half, denying Ratheniska any score from play. 

The second half began began with Ratheniska dominating. They outscored Scoil Bhride 1-04 to 0-00 during this period and heading into the final 10 minutes we found ourselves trailing by two points. However our players really dug deep to regain a foothold in the game with an excellent goal  and point from Rio Lacumber to put us in front by two. Again Ratheniska responded with a goal of their own to regain the lead, but a free from Rio Lacumber again leveled matters. As time ticked away a point from Jack Condon Egan looked to have won the game for Scoil Bhride, but again Ratheniska responded with a superb point to send the game to extra time.

Extra time was dominated by Scoil Bhride, with the team finally getting the scores that their control of possession deserved. 1-02 from substitute David Nevin, a goal from George Okpara as well as a point from Rio Lacumber finally saw off the Ratheniska Challenge.

Scoil Bhride had heroic performances all over the pitch in what was a great team effort. In goals Nicolae Ceban made a number of crucial saves. Hotniel Mbeba, Jesse Murphy and Corey McGuirk were all outstanding in defense. Rio Lacumber had an excellent game in midfield as had his midfield partner Jake Byrne. Up front Jack Condon Egan, Ryan Carroll and George Okpara all gave excellent displays. Substitute David Nevin also played brilliantly after coming on.

Scoil Bhride: Nicolae Ceban, Jesse Murphy, Corey McGuirk, Hotniel Mbeba, Rio Lacumber, Jake Byrne, Ryan Carroll, Jack Condon-Egan, George Okpara. Subs: David Nevin, Ciaran O’Brien McCormack, Peter Joseph McDonagh, Oran McEvoy, Daire Timmons, Patrick McDonagh, Vladimir Voros

Scorers: Rio Lacumber 1-5, Jake Byrne 0-1, Ryan Carroll 1-1, George Okpara 2-0, Jack Condon Egan 0-1, David Nevin 1-2