Duff Cup Final GCNR vs GCS

 Good Counsel New Ross 19

Gorey Community School 19

Eoin Horkan 

Wexford Rugby Club 

Gorey Community School were crowned champions after a gripping and fiercely contested Wexford derby final, edging out Good Counsel New Ross in dramatic fashion. In a match played at a relentless pace from the opening whistle, it was Gorey who ultimately prevailed under the Leinster Schools rule, awarded victory on the basis of scoring the first try in what proved to be an unforgettable encounter.

The sides were inseparable for long stretches, trading blows in both territory and possession, but it was Gorey who struck the opening blow following a sustained spell of pressure deep inside the Good Counsel half. Phase after phase stretched the New Ross defence before Hugh Ryan powered over, a reward for patience and clinical execution at close range. That early breakthrough would later prove pivotal 

Good Counsel responded with intent, showing real physicality through the middle channels, but Gorey’s structure and discipline held firm. The second try of the game showcased Gorey’s attacking cohesion, coming from a well-worked set piece move orchestrated by captain Ryan Finn Owely. Quick hands and precise timing created the space for Brooklyn Fleming to finish, underlining Gorey’s ability to turn planning into points.

The contest ebbed and flowed throughout, with both sides demonstrating impressive skill and determination. However, Gorey continued to find moments of attacking inspiration, none more so than a brilliant individual effort from Samuel Gough, whose pace and footwork lit up the tie as the game built towards a thrilling conclusion in the first half.

The New Ross side emerged from the break with renewed purpose and immediately made their mark. Padraig Whelan grabbed their opening try of the half, finishing well after strong attacking play, with Daniel Bolger adding the conversion to reduce the deficit and ignite their challenge.

Momentum continued to swing in Good Counsel’s favour as they took control up front. A powerful scrum five metres out laid the platform for captain Tadhg Wyse, who picked from the base and drove over for a crucial score. Bolger once again showed his quality from the tee, landing an excellent conversion from out wide to put a try between the sides This  set up a tense finale.

With time ticking down, Good Counsel pressed relentlessly, testing the Gorey defence with wave after wave of attack. Their persistence appeared to pay off in the dying moments when Daniel Bolger crossed the line following intense pressure. The resulting conversion caused chaos as the ball fell off the tee which led to a penalty to Good Counsel due to a high tackle.

From the penalty, New Ross couldn't capitalize as the north Wexford side stood strong near their line.

Despite finishing level on the scoreboard, Gorey were ultimately crowned champions, their first-half opening try proving decisive under competition rules in a final that will live long in the memory.

Good Counsel New Ross:Michael O’Connell,Ryan Quigley,Max Bolger;Daniel Leacy,Fionn MacEochaidh;Sam Dowling,Tommy Kavanagh,Tadhg Wyse ©;Oscar Bennett,Tom Hickey;Stephen Murphy,Finn O’Reilly;Xavier Wilkowski,Darragh Ross,Daneil Bolger.

Subs Used:Oisin Foley,Padraig Whelan,Paidí Phelan,Harry Power,Daniel Shannon,Peadar Browne,Aidan O’Callaghan,Oisin Clarke.

Gorey Community School;Dylan Kelly,Andrew Jones,Adam Kelly;Conor Redmond,Sean Curley;Jimmy Collier,Dylan Cowap,Charlie Kennedy;Freddie Dolphin,Harry Swaine;Ryan Finn Owely(c),Brooklyn Fleming;Zach Curran,Samuel Gough,Dan Kelly.

Subs Used:Tom Rothwell,Michael McGuiness,Hugh Ryan,Tiernan Gahan Owley,Ethan Hayes,Anthony Golasko,Jack Darcy,Dylan Tyrell.

Referee:Dave Morris.