Rathmore have reached the Maclarnon cup final for the first time ever this year. They were originally handed the 'group of death' which included Loretta college, St Colms, Derry, and St Eunan's, Letterkenny. The group stages put up a number of great games which saw Rathmore getting of to a brilliant start by beating a very physical Loretta team. They ended up winning by 8 points on the day with players such as Pete Owens and Coalan Kerr putting in top performances. David Mcrory was also in top form adding an impressive tally of 1-2 from half back. The teams next match proved to be an excellent encounter between two very good teams, and by this stage it was evident both teams would go far in the competition. Rathmore had a couple of key players like David cummings missing from action, and unfortunately were on the other end of a two point defeat after having lead through-out the match. Laim Mcquire fired Rathmore into the lead with a first half penalty and players such as Dominic Gallagher and Chris Mcveigh proved formittable forces at the back. In the final game of the group stages St Eunans put on a good display to oversee a weakened Rathmore team. Despite the intentions of players such as Matt shannon, Chris Okane and Simon Dowds, the letterkenny team were too strong on the day. Rathmore were drawn against their old rivals Castleblaney in the last 16 of the competition. This proved to be an excellent display from an ever improving side. The boys in blue stormed to a 9 point half time lead with centre half back Darren Harbinson and David cummings sharing 3 points a piece at half time. Dominic Gallagher too was on top form that day with an excellent display in full forward. He got the teams first goal before Cummings wrapped things up with a second half strike. This lead on to the Quarter final and a tough encounter with Carrickmacross, Rathmore again put in a top display with and ran out easy enough winners at the end. The team started at a furious tempo, led by Patrick Gallagher and Daniel Mcquigan. Daniel grabbed the all important first half goal and there was no turning back from there for Rathmore. The semi final was to be the teams toughest test so far. They had to again meet St Colms Derry after narrowly losing out to them in the group stages. Despite the terrible conditions Rathmore raced into a 5 point lead at half time with the wind at their backs. Mcgurie got the goal for Rathmore with Coalan Kerr striking over too tremendous points from 50 yards. The second half proved very difficult and the team had to dig deep against a wind assisted St Colms team. Kenny McParland proved to be the hero of the hour with a fantastic penalty save 10 minutes from time. It was only fitting that McParland took the credit after being one of Rathmore's key players through out the year. Going into the final Rathmore have a lot to look forward to with a very fluent young team and the prospect of their First ever Maclarnon victory. Joint Managers comments It is with great pride and satisfaction that Paul, John and I lead this fully committed dedicated group of boys into our schools first MacLarnon cup final. Their attitude to training, determination to succeed and high skill level is something to be admired. They are a credit to themselves, their families, club, school and county. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of our Physical Education Staff who work tirelessly and with generosity of spirit to challenge our sports girls and boys to reach their full potential in their given sports. We would like to thank all those who continually support us, especially on our journey to the final, our Principal Sr Ursula Canavan, the Senior Management Team, staff and parents. Also a special thanks to members of staff, such as Eamon Wilson and John McCormick who have both had a very positive input into the development of this particular squad, to Kate Russell and her staff of cleaners and Ann Nelson and her kitchen staff. To the men who worked tirelessly before us to develop and promote Gaelic games in our school, we owe you great thanks. I hope Eamon Hamill and Bill Gardner watch the game with great satisfaction and pride. To our generous sponsors, Paul Cooper (Pharmacy), Michael Gribbon (Century Electrical), Island Cleaning Services and Stephen Thompson (O'Neill's Sports), we are extremely grateful. Finally, we hope today is a great sporting and enjoyable occasion for everyone involved. To our opponents St Eunan's, we wish you well and may the best team win on the day. To our former players, we know your spirit is with us and to our MacLarnon squad, enjoy the occasion, believe in yourselves as you are all winners in our eyes. Neal Peden - Joint Manager Paul Collins - Joint Manager John Devlin -- Team Trainer Tweet

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