Andrew Fox the hero as Benildus progress to Leinster Schs ‘A’ decider

St Benildus will 'fly the flag' for Dublin when they face Marist Athlone in this Saturday's Leinster PP Schools SFC 'A' final in O'Connor Park, Tullamore (2.0).

The Dublin southside outfit will be battle-hardened after eventually overcoming Scoil Mhuire of Clane (Kildare) in last Saturday's replayed provincial semi-final . . . . after extra-time!

The drawn duel also went to extra-time before a second installment finally prised apart these two evenly matched sides.

Andrew Fox (pictured), nephew of legendary Dublin footballer Ciarán Whelan, was the hero for Benildus as his goal in the second period of extra-time steered his side to victory.

Benildus' race looked to be run in normal time before a brilliant Dan O'Brien free with the last kick of the game forced extra-time and they emerged 1-12 to 0-13 victors after a gruelling, action-packed contest.

They defeated Moate CS in their opening tie in Leinster, 5-7 to 0-12, with a 1-1 salvo from Joe Rafferty in the second half putting his side on the road to victory with Tom Fox (0-4) impressing and Paddy Flaherty, Callum Pearson, Dan O'Brien and Andrew Fox all grabbing goals over the hour.

In their provincial quarter-final they defeated St Aidan's, Whitehall 2-10 to 1-9 with Callum Pearson enjoying a storming opening half for the victors when scoring 1-3.

Aaron Bradshaw grabbed their second goal when he outpaced the Aidan's cover before firing to the net past Sam Bruton while up front Tom Fox, Tom Keane and Joe Rafferty did well in difficult conditions.

While at full-back Luke Doran did well to quell the influence of Paddy Small, younger brother of Dublin senior Johnny, a Dublin minor in 2015.

Many of the Benildus players have represented Dublin at development squad level (U13-U17) and minor level including Tom Fox, Callum Pearson, Paddy Flaherty, Brian Carr (currently injured), Glenn Soraghan, Dan O'Brien, Tom Keane, Aaron Bradshaw, Eoin Foley, Luke Doran and centre-back Davy Keogh.

In hurling Dublin North progressed to the Leinster Schools SHC 'A' where they will face St Kieran's, Kilkenny after defeating St Peter's of Wexford on Saturday.