*Joint captains Alex Leyden and Conor Rynne. Photograph: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
ENNISTYMON COMMUNITY SCHOOL go in search of their first All-Ireland football title this weekend.
Connacht champions, St Clare’s CS of Manorhamilton stand in their way of claiming the Dr. Eamonn O’Sullivan Cup (All-Ireland Senior C PPS final). St Jarlath’s Park in Tuam hosts the decider which commences at 13:00.
Open since 2023, Ennistymon Community School saw the merger of Scoil Mhuire, CBS Secondary School and Ennistymon Vocational School.
“It has been on the agenda for 35 years, it is the largest investment in West Clare Municipal District over the last five years, it is a huge moment for Ennistymon,” Cllr Shane Talty (FF) said of the school’s opening. The Lahinch man is also Chairperson of Ennistymon football club and would be well aware of the significance of Saturday’s final.
Opening the new school was labelled by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) as “a generational investment in Ennistymon”. An All-Ireland title at schools level is something that is remembered for generations by those involved, the Lisdoonvarna man would agree.
For Saturday’s final, Ennistymon CS head into the decider with a clean bill of health. The side has joint captains in the guise of dual players Conor Rynne and Alex Leydon, both of whom play their football with Ennistymon and their hurling with Inagh/Kilnamona.
Conor Burke, one of the most promising young forward in the county will occupy a pivotal role in attack for the Clare school, the Kilmurry Ibrickane club man will be joined here by Dominic Griffin, Seanán Kirby, Joe Concannon and Josh Daniels.
All-Ireland winning boxer Louis Griffin is among those likely to occupy defensive roles alongside Daniel Brody while the midfield pairing of Clare U20 panellist Colm Breen and county minor panellist Donncha O’Dwyer will have key roles to fill.
