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NIALL O'Callaghan led from the front as free-scoring Dublin North powered past Westmeath Schools in their Group A play-off at the DCU Sportsgrounds.
With Sean Gray and O'Callaghan running riot in attack – the pair combined to notch 2-9 of Dublin North's final tally – the wind-assisted metropolitans led by 3-10 to 1-1 at the break.
The winning team's goals arrived via Cian Boland and a brace from O'Callaghan, while Westmeath's only scores came from the Doyle twins from placed balls – Killian (a goal) and Ciaran (a point).
An impressive Dublin North side was never in the slightest danger of defeat and their mentors took the opportunity to try out some fringe players, resting their key men as the second half progressed.
Dublin North's fourth and final goal was a fine individual effort in the 53rd minute from Eoin O Conghaile.
Scorers – Dublin North: N O'Callaghan 2-3, S Gray 0-6 (3f), E O Conghaile 1-3 (0-1f), C Boland 1-1 (0-1f), S Murphy, E Smith, P Spellacy 0-1 each. Westmeath Schools: C Doyle 0-7 (6f), K Doyle 1-0 (f), S Farrelly 0-1.
Dublin North – C Lynch; J Bellew, S Barrett, P O'Dea; E O'Donnell, M Kavanagh, P Burke; S Murphy, C Boland; S Gray, S Ryan, E Smith; E O Conghaile, N O'Callaghan, P Spellacy. Subs: S O Riain for Spellacy (h-t), R O Broin for O'Callaghan (h-t), E McHugh for Gray (38), L Mac Risteaird for Bellew (40), I Furlong for Boland (47).
Westmeath Schools – L Gavin; C Fagan, D Giles, L Gallagher; J Fox, L Varley, J Gorman; S Farrelly, S Murtagh; D Raleigh, K Glennon, M Heeney; S Conroy, K Doyle, C Doyle. Subs: C Kane for Raleigh (42), P Doody for Fox (44), S Maher for Gavin (47), J McCarthy for Gallagher (47).
Ref – B Reilly (Laois).
