St Patrick’s Arva book spot in All-Ireland decider with impressive win over Milltown

The Cavan side had too much in the junior championship last-four clash. 

Arva march on to Croke Park with 12 points to spare.

AIB Junior Club Football Championship semi-final 

St Patrick’s Arva (Cavan) 2-16 Milltown (Kildare) 1-7 

St Patrick’s Arva of Cavan reached the AIB All Ireland Junior Club Final courtesy of another strong scoring showcase against Kildare’s Milltown in cold but favourable conditions.

Finbar O’Reilly’s Ulster champions simply had too much for their Lilywhite counterparts and utilised their periods of dominance. A tally of 2-5 without reply in the final quarter adding a deserved shine to the scoreboard in The Downs GAA, Westmeath.

The victors, having won their province convincingly over Monaghan champions Blackhall Emeralds, were never behind. The crucial goal in the opening 30 coming from Barry Donnelly off a sublime assist from top-scorer, Kevin Bouchier.

The Cavan side had seven different scorers before the whistle went to end the half and with 1-5 from play to Milltown’s sole point from Patrick Donohoe, Arva were full value for the lead.

A freak goal from Ronan O’Shea reduced arrears but Arva never looked in danger, particularly with the towering duo of Ciarán Brady and Tristan Noack-Hofmann dominating the middle-third. Paul Finnegan was less than 10 seconds on the field when his goal sealed victory in the final minutes.

Arva march on to Croke Park with 12 points to spare as Milltown ended the game with 13. Goalkeeper, Alan Dignam, shown a black in the aftermath of Ronan O’Shea’s red-card.

Speaking afterwards, Arva manager Finbar O’Reilly praised his side's endeavours. “I’m delighted for everyone in the club. They’re just really good, special people, and they will be looking forward to next Sunday (final against Listowel Emmets of Kerry).”

Scorers for Arva: K Bouchier (0-7, 5f); B Donnelly (1-2); P Finnegan (1-0); J McCabe (0-3); S Sheridan (0-1); T Noack-Hofmann (0-1, 1f); P Morris (0-1); P Cassidy (0-1).

Scorers for Milltown: R O’Shea (1-0); K Byrne (0-2); P Donohoe (0-2, 1f); A Dignam (0-1, 1f); C Sheerin (0-1, 1f); A Jacob (0-1).

Arva: C O’Hara, D Maguire, J Morris, F McAvinue, C Madden, S Sheridan, C Stanley, C Brady, T Noack-Hofmann, T Partington, B Donnelly, J McCabe, P Morris, K Bouchier, P Cassidy.

Subs: J Gray for P Morris, h-t, S Ellis for F McAvinue, 52, B McEntee for C Brady, 53, P Finnegan for B Donnelly, 59.

Milltown: A Dignam, J Cross, C Buckley, S Murphy, A Jacob, C O’Shea, S Daly, K Byrne, C Sheerin, K Heuston, B Heuston, B Curran, D McKenna, R O’Shea, P Donohoe Subs: T Stapleton for A Jacobs, 46, A Walker for B Curran, 48, S O’Hara for M Downey, 57, I Fitzgerald for K Heuston, 60.

Referee: Seán Lonergan (Tipperary)