The Edmund Rice Cup 2016

Where Schools Collide!

St.Clare’s Abbey came to the Rice Cup with high hopes of taking the trophy back to Newry.

The “A” team was drawn against Omagh P.S and John Paul ii.

The “B” team was drawn against Armagh C.B.S “A” and “B”.

The “A” played Omagh P.S in their first match. The team from Newry started well with points from Aaron Foy, Louis Lambe, Ross Cunningham and a spectactcular point from Caolan McGrory. They still didn’t stop there -with a smashing goal from Aaron Foy. The same man scored another goal, with good work from Ross Cunningham and Caolan McGrory. After half time the Omagh school scored three quickfire points and a goal and a tiny margin separated the two teams. But the Newry school dug deep and scored two goals , from Aodhan Gorman and a point apiece from Gerard Mallie and Ross Cunningham.The final score was St.Clare’s Abbey 4-05 Omagh P.S 1-03.

The “B” team took on Armagh “B”. It was a tight match but Armagh got two goals which secured the win for the Armagh school.

Next up was John Paul ii. The Down school started well with a goal and a point from Terry Rafferty. Lee O'Hare and Gerard Mallie added further points and some good defending from Donal Baxenden and Oisin Hillen prevented scores from the Belfast school. Caolan McGrory scored a cracking goal. He turned his man and fired into the top corner of the net. The Warrenpoint man was one to watch. The full time score was St Clare`s Abbey 2-05 John Paul ii 0-02.

The “B” team then took on Armagh “A”. Good defending prevented Armagh scores and some good attacking football nearly caused a major upset but it wasn`t enough as Armagh pulled away and snapped up a win.

In the semi-finals St Clare`s Abbey took on Armagh “B”. The Newry team had some good chances but couldn`t take them, as Armagh got ahead by a point. Ross Cunningham then scored an inspiring goal which settled the Down school. Then they completely took control! They then got goal from Oisin Hillen, Fiachara Reilly and then 2 from the boot of Ross Cunningham. The final score was St Clare`s Abbey 5-04 Armagh “B” 0-01.

The final was to be contested by St.Clare`s Abbey and Armagh “A” . The game favoured Armagh as they got a goal and the Down school missed chances. It was a game too far for the Newry school but they should all be proud of their efforts.

Our thanks to Mr Digney and the school management team.

By Terry Rafferty