Dangan pupils survive stern examination

Dangan repeated last year"s victory when they took the Meath Primary Schools" Boys" Div 3 title following an exciting tussle on Saturday, this time against Dunshaughlin side Scoil na Rithe. Shane Kavanagh"s goal gave Dangan an early boost as they established a 1-6 to 2-1 interval advantage with a brace of points apiece from Kyle Benson and Ross Ryan and one each by Eoin Crowe and Kavanagh. Dangan dictated the opening half for long periods, but Scoil na Rithe were always in contention in terms of chances created. A combination of some poor finishing and tenacious Dangan defending left the Dunshaughlin side struggling on the scoreboard until they struck a couple of late goals through Jordan Mac Giolla De and Seamus O Leochain which aided the rehabilitation process. Both sides claimed early second-half goals with Cathal Ryan on the mark for Dangan and Mac Giolla De finding the net for Scoil na Rithe which tied the scores at 2-6 to 3-3 with 10 minutes remaining. Dangan squandered a couple of gilt-edged point chances while at the other end Scoil na Rithe were equally wayward as the clock ticked down. The crucial score arrived when Kavanagh claimed his second goal of the afternoon in the closing stages and sealed a merited victory. It was a memorable journey for the Dangan players who defeated Baconstown, Castlejordan, Trim, Boardsmill and Rathbeggan on the way to this year"s title. Dangan - Dean Morris; Sean Larkin, Iarlaith Hughes; Cathal Brien, Ronan Ryan, Eoin Crowe (0-1); Ross Ryan (0-2), Cathal Ryan (1-1); Mark O"Donoghue, Shane Kavanagh (2-2), Joseph Fox (0-1); Kyle Benson (0-2), James Fitzpatrick. Subs - Shane Lynch, Donal Bruton, Dylan Larkin, Jack Bruton, Dylan Douglas, Ben Harte, Glen Kavanagh, Liam Shaw. Mentor - Vincent Brennan Scoil na Rithe - Liam O Ciardha; Lorcan O Cathasaigh, Cormac O Miachain; Tom Cinsealach, Cillian O Dufaigh, Darragh Campion; Donall Ormsby, Conor Mac Aodhbhui; Lucas Mac Uaid Slator, Aodh O Suilleabhain, Seamus O Leochain (1-0); Jordan Mac Giolla De (2-1), Conchur Mac Sheoinin (0-4). Subs - Marc O Gealbhain, Maitiu Bridgett, Eoin Mac Suibhne, Sean O"Neill, Stiofain O Tailliuir, Glen Mac Seain.Mentors - Pol O hAolain, Ronan Mac Giolla Ruaidh.