Fitzgerald's cool finish seals Ratheniska victory

Roinn 2 Buachaillí Shield

Ratheniska NS 3-7 

Gaelscoil Phortlaoise 3-6 

CONOR Fitzgerald emerged as the hero for Ratheniska National School, keeping his composure to convert a last-minute free and snatch victory in a thrilling Roinn 2 Buachaillí Shield encounter with Gaelscoil Phortlaoise.

Ratheniska looked set for a comfortable afternoon when they flew out of the blocks. Oisin Guinan and David Fitzpatrick both found the net in the opening stages, while Jack Costelloe landed a pair of excellent points as their side seized the early initiative.

Gaelscoil refused to be rattled. Cathal Breathnach's goal sparked the comeback before Aodhán O Ceallaigh struck two frees, added a point from play and then blasted home a superb goal as Gaelscoil overturned the deficit to lead 2-3 to 2-2 at half-time.

The momentum continued to swing after the restart. Costelloe and Fitzpatrick were on target again for Ratheniska, but goalkeeper Ryan Keenan produced two vital saves, first denying Guinan and then racing from his line to thwart Fitzgerald.

Those interventions kept Gaelscoil in contention and they moved back in front courtesy of two Kelly frees with ten minutes remaining.

What followed was a frantic finish. Fitzgerald knocked over two frees to restore Ratheniska's lead before Cathal Walsh levelled matters once more. Guinan appeared to have won it when he edged Ratheniska ahead, only for Aodhán Kelly to produce a sensational goal directly from a sideline.

Even that wasn't the final twist. Deep into stoppage time, Fitzgerald was fouled within range and stepped up to split the posts, sealing a dramatic victory and sparking scenes of celebration among the Ratheniska players and supporters.

SCORERS:

Ratheniska NS: Oisin Guinan 2-0, Conor Fitzgerald (0-2fs) and Jack Costelloe 0-3 each, David Fitzpatrick 1-1.

Gaelscoil Phortlaoise: Aodhán Ó Ceallaigh 2-5 (0-3fs), Cathal Breathnach 1-1.

GAELSCOIL PHORTLAOISE: Rían Ó Cianáin, Dónal Mac Eochaidh, Liam Ó Raghallaigh, Scott Ó Murchú, Lorcán Ó Briain, Conchúr Ó Duinn, Cillian Ó Teimhneáin, Ruairí Ó Múrchú, Tadhg Ó Cuinn, Aodhán Ó Ceallaigh, Cathal Breathnach, Dónal Mac Tomáis Duíbhir, Dilean Cinnsealach, Malachy Mac an Ultaigh, Sebastian de Plása, Roman de Plása, Jeaic Ó hIfearnáin, Maitiú Ó Foghlú, Liam Mac Giolla Bhríde, Ruairí Ó Conchubhair RATHENISKA NS: Zak Fitzpatrick, Jack Morning, Gareth O’Donovan, Michael Quigley, Matthew Musekiwa, Jack Costelloe, Conor Fitzgerald, David Fitzpatrick, Ciarán Duff, Oisín Guinan, Bobby Dargan, Sam Mozik, David Maher, Tadhg Kennelly, Felipe Ferrari Valenza, Gearóid Buckley, Ronan Phelan, TJ Baldwin, Edwin Mutota, Dylan Fitzgerald, John Brennan, Francis Abatayo, Iarlaith Guinan, Davin Lawlor, Danny O’Grady