Double Cup success for quartet in our Bank of Ireland Post Primary Schools competitions
Bank of Ireland FAI Schools National Cup Champions 2017
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
The 2016/17 season came to a sensational conclusion a fortnight ago with the ladies from St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport, Tipperary and Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny capturing double Cup success following a fantastic campaign for the duo.
The Newport side secured the First Year ‘B’ Girls National title to add to their Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Girls National title at the end of April.
The Saints were relative newcomers to this level of competition and bagged a brace of titles in quick succession. The first title came at the expense of St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross, Killala as an extra time winner courtesy of an Emma Coleman penalty secured the silverware winning out 2-1 in a tense encounter.
Their second title came at the end of May with an impressive 3-1 win over St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford at the younger age group claiming an emphatic achievement for the Tipperary School. Teacher Sara Quinn was at the helm for both National honours and will be making plans to recapture their glory when the season kicks off again in September. No pressure Sara!
Likewise, Presentation Secondary School completed the same splendid double in the large schools division. It was a closely fought 3-2 win over rivals Moville Community College to take the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Minor Girls National Cup crown in late April.
Kilkenny’s Melissa Walsh cancelled out a Niamh McDonald opener in the first half hour of action. Niamh Phelan headed home to double their advantage after the break, while Ellen Molloy made it 3-1 to ensure some breathing space. Moville’s Kelly Ann Brown made it 3-2 with eight minutes remaining to add to the drama. However, the Kilkenny crew held on to capture the elusive title.
Similarly the First Year Girls continued the momentum with a brilliant 2-1 win over Buncrana’s Scoil Mhuire a fortnight ago at the AUL Complex. It was Scoil Mhuire who took the lead through Aoife Gallanagh but the talented Ellen Molloy netted from the restart to bring the tie back into contention. Kate Furlong scored three minutes into the second half and this goal proved decisive as they ran out 2-1 winners in an action packed game.
ROD HOUSTON CUP
Presentation SS will now look forward to representing FAI Schools in the Rod Houston Cup. The School qualify having secured National honours in the First Year Girls Cup this year. The event will take place in Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Shropshire from Thursday, October 12 to Saturday, October 14. Chesterfield High School, Liverpool and St. Ivo School, Huntingdon have qualified for hosts England while Adran Addysg Gorfforol qualify for the Welsh. Northern Ireland and Scotland still have to confirm their National qualifiers.
Other notable success stories included two titles apiece for St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork and Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Gweedore, Donegal in the Bank of Ireland Cup competition in the boys section.
The Cork side acquired the prestigious Dr. Tony O’Neill Senior Cup in late March with a solidarity goal from the inspiring Gordon Walker. The match winner came four minutes from time as they despatched Rice College, Westport in a highly entertaining Cup decider at Home Farm FC, Whitehall.
St. Francis followed this up a week later in the same venue as they etched their name on the Tom Ticher Junior Cup. St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny forced them all the way to spot kicks following a thrilling but scoreless draw after extra time. The Cork lads nailed the penalties winning out 4-2 as goalkeeper Alan Kelleher proved to be the hero, saving once and netting soon after himself.
The quartet was complete when Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair snatched the pair of titles at their disposal winning the John Murphy Senior ‘B’ Cup and the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Boys Cup titles in the small schools division earlier this season.
Arklow’s Gaelcholáiste na Mara played a vital role in an epic Final in the Peace Link Sports Centre, Clones in early February. This outing was Gweesdore’s third attempt at this stage of competition. The squad lost 4-0 to Gaelchólaiste na Mara last season and again in 2015 when they narrowly missed out to Our Lady’s Secondary School, Belmullet on spot kicks so it was sweet revenge to come out 2-1 winners in this season’s showdown.
The second title for Gweedore came in early May in the Minor ‘B’ Boys Cup with an outstanding hat-trick from Fionnan MacGiolla Chomhaill as his heroics safeguarded the title for his side against debutants Our Lady of Mercy SS, Drimnagh to seal a 3-1 victory in Monaghan United FC.
Coláiste na Trocaire, Rathkeale were awarded the Senior Girls Cup title for 2017 following a wonderful display all season. Under the watchful eye of Cavan native, teacher Killian Phair guided the Limerick outfit to glory with a 2-1 win against Sacred Heart School of Westport. It was scoreless at the break but joint captain Eadaoin Lyons converted two minutes into the restart with a brilliantly timed effort that saw the ball rebound and past keeper Michelle Treacy for the game’s opener.
Their lead was doubled just after the hour mark as the pacy Phoenix Mulcaire Shire netted a peach to give Phair’s crew some breathing space.The reprieve was short-lived as the talented Jenny Chambers grabbed a lifeline for Westport with her classy effort five minutes later.
Rathkeale were smart in their endeavours forward and ensured a strong defence to keep McNulty, Nugent and Chambers at bay and yet another clean sheet for the versatile Noirin Lenihan. An historic moment for the School as they captured their first FAI Schools title in empathic style. To add icing on the cake, joint captain and goal-scorer Eadaoin Lyons was named Bank of Ireland POTM for her heroic accomplishments on the park. A day to remember for Coláiste na Trócaire.
Mulroy College, Milford featured in their fourth consecutive Senior ‘B’ Girls Cup Final with arch rivals St. Peter’s Community School, Passage West. Caoimhe Walsh ensured the empathic win in extra time to secure a fourth title for the Milford crew in the history of the competition.
The Ulster side last won the Cup in 2014 defeating Ursuline College, Sligo in Ballyshannon that afternoon. However it was St. Peter’s that were going for a magnificent three in-a-row.
It was the defending Champions that broke the deadlock five minutes into the restart with Danielle Burke’s rocket ricocheting off a Mulroy defender and into the back of Friel’s net.
The Mulroy equaliser came twenty minutes from time when Caoimhe Walsh latched onto a great ball from Zoe Green to make no mistake. Mulroy made the most of the possession as Kellyann Buchanan had a pacy run down the right wing seven minutes into the first period of extra time. Her stunningly weighted pass fell to the feet of superstar Walsh who again converted past Irwin. The Mulroy victory was sweet revenge for two defeats on the trot against the same opposition.
New kids on the block St. Laurence’s College, Loughlinstownsecured their first ever Bank of Ireland FAI Schools National Cup title following a pulsating penalty shoot-out against favourites Dominican College, Taylor’s Hill after a stalemate in extra time in their Junior Cup decider. The Dublin ladies won out 6-5 in the end to cap a truly special moment in the 50 year history of the College.
The Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Minor Boys National Cup was heading to Kerry this season as St. Brendan’s College, Killarney secured their second title in three years when they came from behind to hold off Deele College, Raphoe on a slender 2-1 score-line at the start of April.
The Donegal side who are newcomers to this level of competition had made the perfect start with centre back CJ Clarke heading them in front for the opening goal on 15 minutes.
However that advantage wasn’t to last too long as another defender full back Ryan O’Grady fired in the leveller for St. Brendan’s coming up to the half hour mark.
The important third goal was always going to be the vital score and it was the more experienced Kerry lads who grabbed it 14 minutes into the second half with set piece specialist Emmet O’Shea firing in a wonderful free kick.
Having captured First Year Cup honours last season, St. Brendan’s College would jet off to Swansea to represent FAI Schools in the annual Home Nations Tournament, the Allen McKinstry Cup later that year. A huge fundraising campaign was undertaken to support the squad in their outing and huge credit to the local businesses that provided the much needed support for their campaign over the last twelve months.
ALLEN MCKINSTRY CUP
Trevor Nagle’s side netted a fourth place podium finish in this season’s Allen McKinstry Cup in Swansea University at the end of May.
The opening game for the Republic of Ireland representatives saw them play out a scoreless draw with Shropshire’s Thomas Telford School who went on to win the penalty shoot-out 8-7 in a tense finale.
The other group games saw full points go to Northern Ireland outfit Our Lady & St. Patrick’s College, Knock (OLSPCK) with a slender 1-0 victory over Flintshire’s Castell Alun High School. Also at the summit were St. Ninian’s High School, Giffnock who scored a brace against Olchfa Comprehensive finishing 2-0 at the end of day one.
The penultimate games on day 2 of action saw Thomas Telford smash seven past a depleted Castell Alun’s crew. Frankie Wilson’s Northern Ireland select continued winning ways with an impressive 3-1 outing against Olchfa Comprehensive. Also in contention for top spot was St. Ninian’s who came through a highly entertaining encounter with Killarney’s St. Brendan’s College to win 2-1. The Kerry lads were plagued with injuries, but created some great opportunities in front of goal and on another day may have been converted. This was the first defeat for St. Brendan’s since 2015, going twenty
The final day saw the Scots secure three wins from three with a solid 3-0 demo of OLSPCK. St. Ninian’s join the footsteps of Dumfries Academy (2008), St. Ambrose HS (2010) and Bannerman HS (2013) in capturing the prestigious title for the tartan army. A wonderful display from Mark McKean’s charges.
Thomas Telford overcame St. Brendan’s College, Killarney 5-2 to snatch third while local side Olchfa defeated Castell Alun 3-0 in the battle for fifth.
St. Joseph’s College, Galway more commonly known as The Bish claimed the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools First Year Boys National Cup title with a comprehensive performance over newcomers Wexford CBS in Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore Town FC in mid-May.
A hat-trick of goals from the Galway side was enough to see off the Nolan/Whitty combo of the boker boys who were relishing the opportunity of top flight football which saw them claim some big scalps this season. Their hard-hitting performances in 2017 will ensure a resurgence of form come next season.
St. Joseph’s College last held this title back in 2011 so it was a welcome return for the Bank of Ireland Cup as it made its return to the prestigious School.
Grealish & McDermott had a fantastic campaign as momentum will now switch to the Allen McKinstry Cup. They automatically qualify having secured the National title this season in that age-group. No doubt the Bish squad will turn their attention to match preparations at the start of next season when Scotland play host to the three day tournament in May 2018.
Another school returning to winning ways was Dublin Oak Academy, Bray who retained their Bank of Ireland FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ National Cup under the stewardship of John McShane. A dramatic sudden death penalty shoot-out in City Calling Stadium, Longford in early May was the scene for jubilant celebrations. The Wicklow students were held to a 1-1 draw after extra-time by surprise package St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton who were superb run of form. It ended 6-5 to the Leinster Champions who will now go in search of a three in-a-row in 2018.
TREBLE TRIUMPH
Kilkenny’s Presentation Secondary School secured gold at the First Year Girls National Futsal Finals in Waterford in December to secure a treble across all FAI Schools competitions this season. A super campaign for the Kilkenny crew. Their success story has involved numerous hard working and dedicated teachers who have volunteered themselves for the various sports teams in the School.
Both Wendy Roche and Monica Kearns guided the girls to futsal and First Year Girls Cup success in 2017 as well as Dervla Talbot and Dan Campion mentoring their team to Minor Girls Cup victory. Jenny Reddy and John McDonald were unfortunate to lose out 2-0 to eventual National Cup winners Coláiste Trocaire, Rathkeale in their Senior Girls National Cup semi-final decider this season. Roche and Kearns will now turn their attention to the Home Nations invitational following their First Year Girls National Cup title.
FUTSAL
Pat Tuohy’s Summerhill College, Sligo secured a stylish podium finish to bag the First Year Boys National Futsal title back in December in the Waterford Arena. Youngster Kailin Barlow netted eight goals that afternoon to claim top spot on the goal-scorers leader board.
Not surprisingly, it was St. Francis College who grabbed runners up spot in the same competition which saw Stephen Bermingham, David Donovan & Patrick Croke at the helm.
The Rochestown side also picked up the First Year Boys Cork Cup to add to their trophy cabinet this season. It will be difficult to replicate such a success story in 2018 but I’m sure the lads will relish the challenge.
Bank of Ireland FAI Schools National Cup Final Girls Winners 2016/17
Senior Cup: Coláiste na Trocaire, Rathkeale, Limerick
Senior ‘B’ Cup: Mulroy College, Milford, Donegal
Junior Cup: St. Laurence College, Loughlinstown, Dublin
Minor Cup: Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
Minor ‘B’ Cup: St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport, Tipperary
First Year Cup: Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
First Year ‘B’ Cup: St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport
Bank of Ireland FAI Schools National Cup Final Boys Winners 2016/17
Dr. Tony O’Neill Senior Cup: St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork
John Murphy Senior ‘B’ Cup: Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Gweedore, Donegal
Tom Ticher Junior Cup: St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork
Minor Cup: St. Brendan’s College, Killarney, Kerry
Minor ‘B’ Cup: Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Gweedore, Donegal
First Year Cup: St. Joseph’s College, Galway
First Year ‘B’ Cup: Dublin Oak Academy, Bray, Wicklow
Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Post Primary Provincial & National Winners 2016/17
FAI Schools Senior 'B' Boys (John Murphy Cup)
National Champions Pobailscoil Gaoth Dobhair, Dún na nGall
National Runners Up Gaelcholáiste na Mara, Arklow, Wicklow
Ulster Pobailscoil Gaoth Dobhair, Dún na nGall
Munster St. Peter’s Community School, Passage West, Cork
Leinster Gaelcholáiste na Mara, Arklow, Wicklow
Connacht Galway Community College
FAI Schools Senior 'B' Girls
National Champions Mulroy College, Milford, Donegal
National Runners Up St. Peter's Community School, Passage West, Cork
Ulster Mulroy College, Milford, Donegal
Munster St. Peter's Community School, Passage West, Cork
Leinster Ballinteer Community School, Dublin
Connacht St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross, Mayo
FAI Schools Senior Boys (Dr. Tony O'Neill Cup)
National Champions St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork
National Runners Up Rice College, Westport, Mayo
Ulster Carndonagh Community School, Donegal
Munster St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork
Leinster St. Aidan’s CBS, Whitehall, Dublin
Connacht Rice College, Westport, Mayo
FAI Schools Senior Girls
National Champions Coláiste na Trocaire, Rathkeale, Limerick
National Runners Up Sacred Heart School, Westport, Mayo
Ulster Carndonagh Community School, Donegal
Munster Coláiste na Trocaire, Rathkeale, Limerick
Leinster Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
Connacht Sacred Heart School, Westport, Mayo
FAI Schools Junior Boys (Tom Ticher Cup)
National Champions St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork
National Runners Up St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny, Donegal
Ulster St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny, Donegal
Munster St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork
Leinster Marist College, Athlone, Westmeath
Connacht St. Joseph's College, Galway
FAI Schools Junior Girls
National Champions St. Laurence College, Loughlinstown, Dublin
National Runners Up Dominican College, Taylor’s Hill, Galway
Ulster St. Columba’s Community School, Glenties, Donegal
Munster Abbey Community School, Waterford
Leinster St. Laurence College, Loughlinstown, Dublin
Connacht Dominican College, Taylor’s Hill, Galway
FAI Schools Minor Boys
National Champions St. Brendan’s College, Killarney, Kerry
National Runners Up Deele College, Raphoe, Donegal
Ulster Deele College, Raphoe, Donegal
Munster St. Brendan’s College, Killarney, Kerry
Leinster St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge, Westmeath
Connacht St. Gerald’s College, Castlebar, Mayo
FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Boys
National Champions Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Gweedore, Donegal
National Runners Up Our Lady of Mercy SS, Drimnagh, Dublin
Ulster Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Gweedore, Donegal
Munster Coláiste Daibhéid, Cork
Leinster Our Lady of Mercy SS, Drimnagh, Dublin
Connacht Abbey Community College, Boyle, Roscommon
FAI Schools Minor Girls
National Champions Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
National Runners Up Moville Community College, Donegal
Ulster Moville Community College, Donegal
Munster Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, Tipperary
Leinster Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
Connacht Ursuline College, Sligo
FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Girls
National Champions St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport, Tipperary
National Runners Up St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross, Mayo
Ulster Coláiste Ailigh, Donegal
Munster St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport, Tipperary
Leinster Wilson Hospital School, Multyfarnham, Westmeath
Connacht St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross, Mayo
FAI Schools First Year Boys
National Champions St. Joseph’s College, Galway
National Runners Up Wexford CBS
Ulster St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny, Donegal
Munster Douglas Community School, Cork
Leinster Wexford CBS
Connacht St. Joseph’s College, Galway
FAI Schools First Year 'B' Boys
National Champions Dublin Oak Academy, Bray, Wicklow
National Runners Up St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton, Leitrim
Ulster Mulroy College, Milford, Donegal
Munster Intermediate School, Killorglin, Kerry
Leinster Dublin Oak Academy, Bray, Wicklow
Connacht St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton, Leitrim
FAI Schools First Year Girls
National Champions Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
National Runners Up St. Caimin’s Community School, Shannon, Clare
Ulster Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana, Donegal
Munster St. Caimin’s Community School, Shannon, Clare
Leinster Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
Connacht Ursuline College, Sligo
FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Girls
National Champions St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport, Tipperary
National Runners Up St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo
Ulster Crana College, Buncrana, Donegal
Munster St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport, Tipperary
Leinster St. Kilian’s DSD, Clonskeagh, Dublin
Connacht St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo