St Columba’s Comprehensive boss Hugh Doyle lauds players’ spirit 

A delighted St Columba’s Comprehensive boss Hugh Doyle said his players deserve all the credit for their senior schools title win. 

Following their brilliant 3-11 to 2-12 Lewis McIver decider win over Loreto Community School, Milford, Doyle explained just what it meant to the school. 

“It is a long time since we got our hands on the cup and were relieved to come through in the end.” 

Doyle pointed to Kian McCabe’s two goals into the wind in the first-half as key scores and complimented Milford on their great second-half comeback. 

“They really put us under pressure in the second-half and Cian McMenamin made a big difference when he was brought on, he hit four pretty quick points. 

“They also got two goals playing into the wind and showed great battling qualities and it made for a tight finish. We were lucky to get across the line and it is a big day for the school. 

“It is always a great day when you get some silverware because you don’t get too much of that.” 

The County Down native said his side really shone in the opening half and that spell went a long way in winning the game.  

“That was the best first-half display I have seen from a Comp’ team and especially the way they were kicking the ball in, the way they were tackling back and the way they were supporting each other. 

“That gave us a good platform. And, as the game turned out we needed those goals from Kian. 

“But they did not panic when Milford launched that big second-half comeback and I thought they showed loads of character. And this is a memorable day for the boys and the school.”