The annual Canon Esler gaelic football qualifiers took place in Downpatrick on Tuesday. Each year we compete alongside our friends from St Jospeh's Ballycruttle.
After defeating St Colmcille's Downpatrick in the first match, the boys a mush sterner test against Our Lady & St Patrick's Dpk. Going two points down quickly, the boys rallied and a goal from Patrick followed by a long range point by Shane put them in front. OLSP went on the attack and it took a couple of fine saves from Ruairi in goals and tackles from Conor & Michael at the back to earn the win.
Next up was Holy Family Teconnaught and it was the toughest game of the day. A fine goal from Shane after good work by Sean and Ryan got the boys off to the best possible start. Two points in reply were followed by a point after a fine run from Conor. The boys were on top now but just couldn't get the scores. Holy Family then took advantage of the poor shooting and scored a quick goal and point to run out winners.
The last game against St Patrick's Legamaddy needed a victory for the boys to qualify and an early goal by Ryan, point from Robert, goal from a flick by Conor and another goal from Sean was enough to put them through.
The boys played very well in spite of having no time to prepare for this day. Good basic skills helped them get through. Well done to the whole squad who despite the bitterly cold day were a credit to both schools.
Thanks to Downpatrick for hosting and to Mr Robinson from OLSP for organising the morning.
