Ardscoil na Tríonóide held to frustrating draw after late goal
Calum Keaveny in determined mood for Ardscoil na Tríonóide against Colaiste Eoin today in UCD. Photo: Ger McNally
Ardscoil na Tríonóide had to settle for a share of the spoils after leading for much of their opening Bro Bosco Cup clash at UCD on Tuesday, only for Coláiste Eoin to snatch a dramatic late goal and earn a draw.
Played in difficult conditions with wind and rain making life challenging for both sides, Ardscoil looked well on their way to victory thanks largely to the scoring exploits of full-forward Sean Rowan. The Athy school ace amassed nine first-half points, including three impressive two-pointers, to keep his side in front for long stretches of the contest.
Ardscoil were forced onto the back foot during the early stages of the second half as Coláiste Eoin piled on the pressure. However, goalkeeper Adam Zybik proved equal to the challenge with a couple of assured catches in heavy rain.
When the goalkeeper was beaten in the 35th minute, Ardscoil still found a way to survive. Full-back Stephen Byrne came to his side's rescue with a goal-line stop that would have done any goalkeeper proud and preserved their advantage.
That defensive resilience allowed the Kildare side to gradually regain a foothold in the game. A powerful run from Cameron Pedreschi midway through the half created a promising opening and his pass found Danny O'Brien, who was subsequently fouled just outside the square. Rowan made no mistake from the resulting free to leave Ardscoil 0-15 to 1-9 ahead.
The Athy school thought they had effectively sealed victory shortly afterwards. Leinster U20-winner Calum Keavney, part of the county's successful 2026 campaign, showed his class when he worked possession across the face of goal for Rowan to palm to the net. Celebrations were cut short, however, as the score was ruled out for a square-ball infringement.
Coláiste Eoin quickly punished that reprieve by reducing the deficit to two points, but Keavney was growing increasingly influential as the contest entered its closing stages and he responded with a valuable point.
Another Coláiste Eoin score kept the pressure on, but Keavney then produced his best score of the game in the 58th minute, stretching Ardscoil's advantage to three points and appearing to put them firmly on course for victory.
There was one final twist, however. Just when Ardscoil seemed set to make the perfect start to their campaign, Coláiste Eoin struck for a late goal to rescue a draw and leave the Kildare side frustrated at the final whistle.
The result makes for a disappointing return journey from Dublin and could yet prove significant in a tightly-contested three-team group. Ardscoil na Tríonóide now have little room for error ahead of their home meeting with Good Counsel College in the coming weeks.
Adam Zybik; Caoimhin O’Shaughnessy, Stephen Byrne, Bobby Donnelly, Hugh Kennedy, Cameron Pedreschi, Jay Leigh; Peter Dunne, Padraig Grufferty; Cian Murphy, Calum Keaveny 0-6, Jack Kelly, Danny O’Brien 0-1, Sean Rowan 0-11 (3tps), Max Conway. Subs: Roan Brennan, Donnacha Conway.
