Fitzpatrick breaks Monkstown hearts

VINNIE MURRAY CUP FINAL/Gonzaga College 11 CBC Monkstown 10:GONZAGA COLLEGE lifted the Vinnie Murray Cup when Jack Fitzpatrick's late try handed them the narrowest of victories in yesterday's final at St Mary's RFC on Templeville Road .

The Sandford Road College were down to 13 men, Chris Coburn was in the sin-bin while substitute Cillian McDowell saw red for a late, high tackle on Town’s Eoin Fitzpatrick, and trailed 10-3 going into the final phase of the match.

Stephen Murphy’s drop goal cut the deficit before Fitzpatrick broke Monkstown hearts following an excellent passage of play involving Hugh Byrne, Mark McPhilips and Daragh Seaver O’Leary in the 68th minute.

Monkstown had dominated the first half with Aaron Sheehan’s early penalty prior to adding a try and conversion on the stroke of half-time, giving them a deserved 10-3 lead at the break before Gonzaga’s remarkable come back.

GONZAGA COLLEGE: J Fitzpatrick; R Lenehan, D Diviney, S Murphy, S Murphy; M McPhilips, H Byrne; C Murray, C Coburn, K Hargaden, C O’Leary, H Mays, P Lavelle, M McGroarty, D Seaver OLeary. Replacements: C McDowell for Lavelle (47 mins), J McDowall for Murray (70 mins).

CBC MONKSTOWN: D O’Brien; E Fitzpatrick, R Hallam, J Kearns, Stephen Woods; A Sheehan, M Rogers; R Banahan, K ONeill, A Howard, E Keogh, A Ryan, R Keogh, D O’Toole, P Crown. Replacements: C Jordan for Fitzpatrick (48 mins), J Keane for Ryan (69 mins).

Referee: A Lynch (A.R.L.B).