St. Peter’s College footballers were presented with their Leinster medals and All Ireland runners-up medals in The Riverbank House Hotel. Pic: John Walsh

MEMBERS OF the St. Peter’s College Senior Gaelic Football team gathered together at the Riverbank House Hotel on Saturday night to celebrate their sporting achievements for 2016/2017.

The team made history by becoming the first college team to reach the All Ireland Football final, getting the chance to play in Croke Park against St. Brendan’s from Killarney.

Unfortunately, it was not to be, for the young team who suffered some misfortune when a perfectly good goal was disallowed in the early stages of the game and St. Brendan’s proceeded to turn the screw. A plucky comeback in the second half brought the boys to within four points of the Kerry team but they were unable to bridge the gap.

Nonetheless, school principal Robert O’Callaghan said they were very proud of the boys’ achievements which also include winning their first Leinster title since 1992 and winning the South Leinster League.

“We had a panel of 40 fifth and sixth years – 19 of them are doing their Leaving Cert this year. They came from 12 different clubs and we are very grateful to those clubs for the great work they do at under-age level. I’m sure there will be plenty of sporting success in the future for them.”

Medals were presented on the night by Wexford Senior Football manager Seamus ‘Banty’ McEneany who also congratulated the team on their achievements. Many of them have already played at Minor level for the county.

The team was captained by St. Martin’s clubman Conor Firman who spoke about the year the team had had during the event.

Mr. O’Callaghan added that the school had had a great year supporting the boys, pointing out that they had brought 11 busloads of students to Co. Monaghan to support them in their All Ireland Semi Final.

“We’ve had a fantastic year and we are very proud of the team. Hopefully, there will be further rewards in the future.