Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Report courtesy of Chris Melnyk
In a nail biting finale to the Munster FAI Schools Football for All blitz, both the Cup and Shield ended with a dreaded penalty shoot-out with St. Colman’s Community College, Midleton emerging victorious in the Cup and Scoil Bernadette triumphed in the Shield.
Top goalscorer Callum Green and goalkeeper Leo Allender were the heroes for St. Colman’s, Midleton as they marched through the group stage and eventually claimed the top prize.
Scoil Bernadette had Darragh Finnegan, Harry Newell and Max Hourigan to thank as they cooly slotted home all three penalties in the shoot-out to clinch the elusive Shield.
On a dry November morning at the fantastic Midleton CBS Secondary School, six school teams from across Cork competed in the inaugural Munster FAI Schools Football for All showpiece; an inclusive pilot competition run by FAI Schools for pupils with additional education needs (AEN).
Some great football was on display by all schools in the group stage of the blitz but the pick of the goals came from St. Colman’s CC, Midleton forward Callum Green and Scoil Bernadette midfielder Darragh Finnegan. Both players hit unstopple thunderbolts from approximately 30 yards out, which arrowed into the roof of the net.
Midleton CBS defender Juka Azari though almost claimed the goal of the tournament accolade with an audacious rocket from the half way line which cannoned off the crossbar.
The group stages ended with St. Colman’s CC, Midleton topping Group One, Midleton CBS Red team in second place and Scoil Bernadette in third.
Whilst in Group Two, Midleton CBS Blue team won the group, Patrician Academy, Mallow claimed second, whilst Pobailscoil na Trionaide, Youghal and Charleville CBS finished third and fourth respectively.
These results meant that St. Colman’s CC, Midleton, Midleton CBS Red, Midleton CBS Blue and Patrician Academy, Mallow would progress to the semi-finals of the Cup, while Scoil Bernadette and Pobailscoil na Trionaide, Youghal would compete in the Shield Final.
In the semi-finals, Midleton CBS (Blue) edged out Midleton CBS (Red) and St. Colman’s CC, Midleton beat Patrician Academy. This meant that there would be a Midleton derby in the Munster FAI Schools Football for All Cup.
In the Final, the game was played at a frantic pace with chances at either end but no one could break the deadlock.
Perhaps the best chance of the game came from Midleton CBS (Blue) player Tom O’Mahony whose effort from the edge was superbly saved by Leo Allender in the St. Colman’s, Midleton net in the final seconds of normal time.
The game ended in a scoreless draw.
The dreaded penalty shoot-out would decide the fate of the Cup Final.
In the shoot-out, all three St. Colman’s CC, Midleton players held their nerve scoring their penalties, winning 3-1.
Cork FAI Schools Secretary Aiden Twomey presented the Cup to the joyous St. Colman’s CC, Midleton Joint Captains Adam O’ Donovan and Callum Green as the celebrations ensued.
In the Shield Final, stern defences from both Scoil Bernadette and Pobailscoil na Trionaide, Youghal meant that the Final also finished scoreless.
As a result, a penalty shoot-out would also decide the Shield Final too.
Scoil Bernadette players Darragh Finnegan, Harry Newell and Max Hourigan all held their nerve as Scoil Bernadette claimed Munster FAI Schools Football for All Shield, winning 3-0.
Scoil Bernadette Captain Jamie Power collected the Shield from Aiden Twomey and the Scoil Bernadette players celebrated their victory.
All competing teams were also presented with medals and a certificate of participation.
Winning Munster FAI Schools Football for All Cup manager Alan Kelly (St. Colman’s CC, Midleton) stated that he was “delighted with the victory” and praised both Midleton CBS and Munster FAI Schools for organising the competition. Scoil Bernadette Manager Dave Buckley also commended the organisers and said “the lads loved it” and were happy with their win.
Well done to all teams on the day.
The games were played in fantastic spirit, with great football on display. Congratulations to St. Colman’s CC, Midleton and Scoil Bernadette on winning the respective silverware.
During, the School year a series of FAI Schools Football for All blitz days will be played throughout the Province.
Best of luck to all other teams in the competition.
Munster FAI Schools Football For All Match Report
Schools: Midleton CBS, St. Colman’s CC, Midleton, Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal, Charleville CBS, Scoil Bernadette and Patrician Academy, Mallow
Date: Tuesday, 07/11/23
Kick Off: 10:00 – 1:30
Venue: Midleton CBS Secondary School
Match Officials: Jago Evans, Senan O’ Toole, Andrew Murphy, Ciaran Murphy, Eanna Crowley, Cormac Walsh, Rory Hynes & Jake Magnier (Midleton CBS TY students)
