Junior Football Match Report

Match Report – GAA Junior Football: Saint Patrick’s NS vs Belgrove Senior BNS
Tuesday 16th September 2025, Throw-in 3pm

Our school’s junior football team had their first outing of the year today against Belgrove of Clontarf, and what an exciting contest it was! Played in perfect conditions, the game began at a blistering pace with both sides eager to make their mark.

From the start, Patrick in corner back cleared his lines brilliantly, sending balls down the wing to get us going. In midfield, Daniel and Austin showed great composure, linking well with Joe down the centre to set the tone early on. Belgrove responded with some strong attacks, but our full back line made up of, Patrick, Ben and Alexis, stood firm, with support from the half-back line of Dylan, Bobby and Adam.

Our first real breakthrough came after fine interplay between Joe and Tadhg on the wing, with Daniel storming through from midfield to slot home a brilliant goal. Belgrove answered immediately with a goal of their own, showing the competitive nature of the game.

Despite heavy pressure, our defence battled bravely, while further up the pitch Peter, Tadhg and Dylan linked up beautifully, though the move ended in a narrow wide. Belgrove pushed hard again, scoring another goal, but our lads never gave up. After a long ball in from Daniel, Jim in the corner forward position finished with a fine goal. Belgrove came back with a point, levelling the scores once more.

Some excellent teamwork followed a sweeping move from Tadhg to Joe, through to Daniel, finished by a superb point from Austin. All the while, Austin worked tirelessly, feeding quality ball from the backs to the forwards and keeping us moving.

At half-time, we had edged ahead by a goal and were full of confidence.

The second half began with a free won by Peter, which Daniel calmly slotted over the bar. Belgrove responded with a goal and a wide during another strong spell, but we struck back brilliantly. Liam, our outstanding keeper, drove a mighty kick upfield to Daniel, who found Joe. Joe charged forward, one-on-one with the keeper, and finished with a cracking goal.

The second half was full of drama. Joe who came into his stride, had wide soon after, but his energy kept us driving forward. A second free for Peter was once again put over by Daniel, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Belgrove hit back with a goal, but not before Liam made a terrific save and another booming kickout that eventually found Matthew, who linked up in a great move.

Substitutes also made their mark – Alex came on and got stuck in right away, while Oscar joined in the second half, adding fresh energy. Conor, Davin, Bobby, Callum and James all worked tirelessly across the pitch, showing real determination in what was a thrilling contest.

As the minutes ticked down, Belgrove managed another goal. We struck back with one of the best team moves of the day, Austin to Matthew, onto Tadhg, then to Joe, who coolly put the ball over the bar. The game was in the balance right until the final whistle.

Unfortunately, despite a heroic team performance, we were edged out by just a single point.

It was a tough but brilliant first day out for the team – full of spirit, determination and no shortage of skill. A huge thank you to all the parents and guardians who came along to cheer us on. The players can be very proud of their efforts, and we are already looking forward to the next match!

Well done to all involved,

Ms. Cronin & Mr. Comerford