Tremendous performance by Dunboyne school at national finals

So near and yet so far. The girls from Dunboyne SNS came agonisingly close to landing a national title when they finished runners-up to Monageen (Limerick) in section B for large schools in the FAI Primary Schools Five-a-side finals at Athlone. After advancing from the Meath section in March following some high-class competition at the MDL fianls in Navan, Dunboyne progressed to emerge victorioius in both the North Leinster and Leinster finals. Dunboyne kicked-off their campaign in the national finals with a 2-1 victory over Quay NS, Ballina. The Leinster side opened the scoring straight from the start when Anna O'Dwyer's cross from the left found Rachel McDermott and she finished superbly. Moments later Dunboyne added a second goal. This time O'Dwyer crossed from the right and Margaret Leonard turned goal-poacher. The Connacht girls pulled a goal back and continued to press, but a fine late save from Niamh McDermott helped to maintain Dunboyne's slim advantage. In their second game Dunboyne SNS drew 1-1 with Gaelscoil Ultain, Monaghan following an exciting tussle. The Ulster champions went in front and it took a last minute equaliser from Dearbhla Curran to earn a draw for Donal Scanlon's charges. Again in this match McDermott played her part with a series of top-notch saves as she continued to enhance her reputation. The final game in the competition was a title decider. Munster champions Monaleen only required a point from their final game while Dunboyne needed to win to snatch the title. The Limerick side went ahead, but some neat passing by Dunboyne created an opening for Dearbhla Curran to grab an excellent equaliser. McDermott was called into action a few times as she made some super saves. With Anna O'Dwyer and Aisling Flynn in excellent form Dunboyne applied plenty of pressure, but just couldn't get the winner that would have secured the title. Dunboyne SNS - Niamh McDermott; Abbie Reilly, Rachel McDermott, Margaret Leonard, Anna O'Dwyer, Grace Dunne, Dearbhla Curran, Niamh Farrell.