Sligo Rovers' duo on mark in Republic of Ireland Schoolboys victory

There was a lovely Leitrim link to the Republic of Ireland Schoolboys 2-1 victory over Northern Ireland on Thursday night in the Centenary Shield as both goals were scored by the sons of former Leitrim footballers as Sligo Rovers duo Niall Holohan and Eli Rooney were on target for the national side.

Two first half goals courtesy of Eli Rooney (Summerhill College Sligo) and Niall Holahan (Carrick-on-Shannon Community School) cancelled out Michael Morgan’s effort to ensure the three points on offer at Blanchflower Park. Eli is the son of 1994 Connacht medalist Aidan Rooney from Glencar Manorhamilton while Niall is the son of former Drumreilly and Leitrim star Gerry Holohan.

The hosts made an explosive start to the game with Corey Smith coming close to breaking the deadlock in the first minute as he snuck in at the far post, but the effort went wide of the target. Northern Ireland enjoyed much of the early possession, but the Irish defence just did enough at times to keep the hosts at bay.

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The Republic of Ireland then took the lead on 13 minutes through an Eli Rooney header as Aidan Russell Vargas’ corner was well placed at the back post to smash home for the Summerhill College scholar. 

Northern Ireland responded in the 24th minute with Michael Morganslotting in past Dáithi Folan and Jonathan Adedeji. The Republic will feel hard done by as Eli Rooney was wrestled to the ground enroute to the build up to that goal. Belvedere College star Dáithí Folan managed to carve out a double save five minutes from the break to deny Morgan and Donnelly in quick succession.

Niall Holohan and his dad Gerry pictured after the game

It was the Republic of Ireland that would lead at the interval as Niall Holohan scored a crucial goal two minutes into added time. The Carrick-on-Shannon star darted down the right wing to slot the ball precisely into the far corner, leaving Ryan Kerr with no chance.

It was a much more cagey affair in the second half as a raft of substitutes were made by Northern Ireland. There was very little clear-cut chances created with Brian Cunningham and Peter Grogan coming close on occasion albeit from distance.

John McShane made some changes late on as Dara Kavanagh (De La Salle College, Waterford) made his debut between the sticks. Also marking a first appearance and first start in the Shield was Rice College, Westport grad Daniel Kelly who played the full ninety.

A nice conclusion for John McShane’s troops as they captured that elusive win that evaded them against the Welsh.

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REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS

Daithí Folan (Belvedere College, Dublin), Daniel Kelly (Rice College, Westport) Jonathan Adedeji (St. Mary’s Edenderry), Jesse Dempsey (Wexford CBS), Eli Rooney (Summerhill Sligo), Niall Holohan (Carrick on Shannon Community School), Arran Healy (Coláiste Choilm Ballincollig), Peter Grogan (St. Mary’s CBS, Carlow), Brian Cunningham (Presentation Headford),  Adam O’Halloran (Clarin College, Athenry), Aidan Russell Vargas (Lusk CC). Subs: Ronan Mansfield (Blackwater CC Lismore) for Grogan (88), Dara Kavanagh (De La Salle College, Waterford) for Folan (88), Rhys Kelly Noonan (Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven) for Russell Vargas (90+2), Mark O’Halloran (Clarin College, Athenry), James Lukau (Merlin College, Galway)

NORTHERN IRELAND

Ryan Kerr, Callan Farley, Ben Walker, Logan Wallace ©, Oisin Devlin, Corey Smith, Caolan Donnelly, Michael Morgan, Luca Doherty, Sean Brown, Jack Hastings. Subs:Ben McGonigle for Donnelly (HT), Jake Martin for Hastings (53), Odhran McCart for Morgan (71), Adhamh Towe for Doherty (71), Rian Brown, Kyle McCloskey, Oscar McKenna

Referee: Aaron Rainey (Northern Ireland)

Niall Holohan and Eli Rooney pictured after receiving their international caps for the game against England