By Michael McMullan

THERE will be a novel pairing at Owenbeg next Wednesday when two Derry schools meet in an Ulster Schools A hurling final for the first time.

St Patrick’s Maghera will take on newcomers Gaelcholáiste Dhoire to see who takes home the Leonard Cup.

Just nine years after their first intake of 15 pupils, Gaelcholáiste Dhoire – based in Dungiven – continue to make progress on the Gaelic Games scene.

There will also be the novelty of players from the same club locking horns and there will be the welcome boost for hurling in Derry with another school on an upward curve.

The Gaelcholáiste Dhoire have made huge strides over the last two seasons. At u-13.5 level, they were hurling in the third tier where they lost a semi-final to Carndonagh Community School.

“Last year we took the decision to move all our hurling teams into A as we thought in the long run it would benefit the lads,” outlines Cuala All-Ireland winner and former Derry hurler Cian de Bhaldraithe.

He coaches the team alongside Sleacht Néill defender Conor Mac Alasdair and Bliadhan Glas, a Na Magha player who previously hurled with Sleacht Néill.

Last year, the group finished third in their group in the Gallagher Cup – Grade A – but were hit by injuries to key players Sean Mac Conmidhe and Aidan O Ceallaigh.

Gaelcholáiste Dhoire ended up losing by a last-minute goal in the final of the shield against St Louis Ballymena. It was heartbreak but, stripping it back, there was progress.

“Overall, as a management, we were very happy with the year’s efforts,” de Bhaldraithe pointed out.

“Especially after coming from C the year before and we knew with the lads coming back in, we would be a force to be reckoned with this year.”

Gaelcholáiste Dhoire were drawn in a tough group that included St Patrick’s Maghera and St Mary’s Belfast, the latter having won the Gallagher Cup last season.

Gaelcholáiste Dhoire began with a 4-8 to 2-3 win over St Killian’s Garron Tower in the first game, “coming of age” to turnaround a 17-point deficit from the year before.

Maghera were 1-10 to 2-4 winners in the last group game which points to an excellent final next week.

Gaelcholáiste Dhoire were 6-16 to 4-13 winners over Knock in the quarter-final to set up a last four meeting with Cross and Passion Ballycastle.

A first half blitz put the Derry side 11 points ahead and on their way to their 3-12 to 2-7 victory.

“We were very happy with the performance against a very strong CPC team,” de Bhaldraithe said of their semi-final win.

“The lads took their chances in the first half and managed the second half very well, not allowing CPC build up any momentum.

“We have a very strong panel with quality throughout the team and spread of very dangerous forwards.

“This is a massive occasion for the school. It’s our first A final and everyone is looking forward to it.

“It is also a brilliant occasion for Derry hurling and it’s a sign of all the great work that is going on within the county at club level, schools’ level and development squad level.

“It shows Derry hurling is really building and the future is bright. There is great talent on both teams and 40 Derry hurlers will play in an A schools’ final.”

Gaelcholáiste Dhoire: Oisin Ó Lochlainn  (Mhíceál Mhic Dhaíbheid, Suaitreach), Killian Ó Dughaill Ó Cinnéide (Naomh Colm Baile na Scrine), Ailbhe Mac Conmidhe (Roibeard Éiméid Sleacht Néill), Donal Ó Murchú (Roibeard Éiméid Sleacht Néill), Odhran Ó Cleirigh (Naomh Colm Baile na Scrine), Oisin Mag Uiginn (Roibeard Éiméid Sleacht Néill), Brogan Ó Dughaill – Ó Cinneide (Naomh Colm Baile na Scrine), Sean Mac Conmidhe (Roibeard Éiméid Sleacht Néill), Peadar Ó Ceallaigh (Cumann lomanaíochta Chaoímhín Uí Loínsigh), Fionn Ó Conaire (Naomh Colm Baile na Scrine), Aidan Ó Ceallaigh (Cumann lomanaíochta Chaoímhín Uí Loínsigh), Harry Ó Cearnaigh (Roibeard Éiméid Sleacht Néill), MJ Mac Oscair (Roibeard Éiméid Sleacht Néill), Kian Ó Ceallaigh (Naomh Colm Baile na Scrine), Sean Paul Ó Ceallaigh (Roibeard Éiméid Sleacht Néill), Joe Ó Ceallaigh (Roibeard Éiméid Sleacht Néill), Odhran Ó Giollain   (Cumann lomanaíochta Chaoímhín Uí Loínsigh), Damhnaic Ó Ceallaigh (Cumann lomanaíochta Chaoímhín Uí Loínsigh), Padraig Mag Gilligan (Cumann lomanaíochta Chaoímhín Uí Loínsigh), Dara Lockhart (Cumann lomanaíochta Chaoímhín Uí Loínsigh), Dáithí Frank Mac Ainmhire (Roibeard Éiméid Sleacht Néill), Daithí Mac Fealoin (Roibeard Éiméid Sleacht Néill), Shane Ó Fiacha (Naomh Mhuire Beannchar), Cillian Ó Gallchóir (Naomh Colm Baile na Scrine), Fionn Mag Aonasa (Cumann lomanaíochta Chaoímhín Uí Loínsigh), Laurence Ó Brolcháin             (Roibeard Éiméid Sleacht Néill), Breandan Óg Ó Ceallaigh (Cumann lomanaíochta Chaoímhín Uí Loínsigh), Lughan Goldring (Setanta), Oisín Ó Coinn (Roibeard Éiméid Sleacht Néill), Noah Buistéir (Na Cúnna Léim an Mhadaigh)

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