Rhode Primary School boys gave it everything they had in O’Brien Park last Saturday and they finally reaped the reward for hard word and years of sheer perseverance in claiming their Cumann na mBun scoil title. They had an unbeaten passage through to the final with victories over Daingean, Croghan, Cloneygowan and Bracknagh. A combination of skill, bravery and endurance ensured that the Rhode boys maintained the proud tradition of their parish and successfully wore the mighty green and gold colours with pride.
Away to a flying start Rhode got stuck in with team captain Gavin Young clearly up for the challenge sending two points over the bar. Liam Curley in midfield was quick to follow suit with a wonderfully taken point from midfield. Both corner forwards Shane and Jack Murphy rattled the net shortly afterwards with great goals and Rhode were well and truly on their way. Owen Dalton and Cillian Murphy also got in on the action with some tremendous scores in the first half. The work rate of midfielder Liam Hagney and the bravery of Rhode backs Barry Coffey, Jordan Kilmurray, Cian Murphy and Christian Taylor ensured that the Daingean tally was just 1-1 at half time. This of course was hugely assisted by Rhode’s ever reliable goal keeper Shane Dunne who throughout the game made some amazing saves. James Lynch was outstanding in his defensive position against one of Daingean’s most influential players.
They say ‘beware of the sting of a dying bee’ and in the second half of the match Daingean came out fighting. Daingean really upped their game and in a matter of minutes rattled up a tally of scores, reducing Rhode’s fine lead to just two points and for a few moments the nightmare of Rhode’s defeat two years ago appeared to loom. However ‘when the going gets tough the tough get going’ and true to their tradition Rhode battled back and in the final minutes came a glorious goal by Jack Murphy and a brilliant point by substitute Harry Jones sending a clear message that Rhode had the bit between their teeth and they were not going to be beaten. Huge cheers from the large band of Rhode supporters emanated from the stand when the referee blew the final whistle.
No team is complete without its full panel of players and this Rhode team possesses a bench of quality substitutes. Each and every one of them contributed to the team’s marvellous success and proved that hard work really does pay off. They are Brian Ennis, Thomas McAuliffe, Harry Jones, Luke Spollen, Adam Glynn, Dylan Kilmurray, Garry Kiernan, Ryan Lynch, Dylan Lynch and Oisin McDevitt. Well done to all.
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