Limerick CBS v St: Eunan’s College, Letterkenny
Flancare Park, Longford will play host to the Minor Boys All Ireland Final tomorrow (Thursday, 6 May):
Two dominate forces in Schools football will see Munster supremacy Limerick CBS face the Ulster kingpins St: Eunan’s College in the ultimate showdown:
The Sexton Street School has a tremendous record at Senior level having captured the title in 2007 and 2008: St: Joseph’s College, Galway spoiled their 3 in/a/row attempt in 2009 while Colaiste Muire SS, Cobh defeated the Senior team this year in the Munster Final but the youthful minor team will be hoping to replicate the success seen at Senior level with a victory over last year’s defeated stars St: Eunan’s:
St: Eunan’s were runner/ups last season in both the Minor and First Year Cups and will be hoping that third time lucky will bring about a better experience:
The Ulster School enjoyed a fantastic achievement in Schools soccer in 2004 winning three All Ireland titles at Senior, Junior and Minor level, a landmark achievement for any school: The College replicated their achievements again in 2005 with an All Ireland Senior title before St: Mary’s of Galway shattered their 3/in/a/row efforts in 2006:
Limerick have a mix of players from all over the City with students not only representing their school but also their respective clubs such as Fairview, Corbally, Hyde Rangers, Granville, Geraldines, Ballynaunty Rovers and Pike Rovers: Most notable, is 13 year old striker, Soran Abid who was sensational in his semi final appearance against Summerhill College, Sligo: Abid scored all four goals in their demolition of Sligo and will be one to watch for in the future:
Captain Sam Mullins, Naill McNamara, Kieran Bennett and Eoin McDonnell will also be looking to impress as their current run of form would suggest:
Limerick have notched up 24 goals in their season’s campaign, only conceding eight with six competitive games played: On the other hand, Letterkenny have registered three more, with a goal tally of 27 goals with seven games played: Goals conceded remains the same as their opposition which would suggest both schools have merit in their defensive tactics:
One major advantage for the Ulster team will be the ability of their goal keeper Shaun Patton to perform under pressure: The 14 year old was instrumental in their semi final victory against Colaiste Phadraig, Lucan CBS: The Bonagee clubman pulled off two outstanding saves in the penalty shoot/out to allow his school’s advancement into another All Ireland Final:
Other club interests for St: Eunan’s will include Glencar, Ballyraine, Kilmacrennan Celtic and Killea who have all shaped the student’s soccer skills through the years:
Although lacking in physical demeanour, Captain Dale Gorman will be looking forward to a tough test against the Munster Champs: His heroic tackles and ball control displayed under pressure in their semi final clash should be on show tomorrow if they are to conquer in Flancare Park:
Daire McDaid, Patrick O’Loan, Sean Hume and Glen McNulty were also outstanding throughout the campaign and will be looking to repeat those performances for the management pairing of Michael Harkin & Gerard Faulkner:
An excellent prospect for future International stars will be on display in Longford tomorrow for the conclusion of the UMBRO FAI Schools Minor Boys All Ireland Final, with kick off set for 1pm:
Limerick CBS: Niall O’Connor, Roy Hartigan, Dean Phillips, Eoin McDonnell, Sam Mullins, Kieran Bennett, Trevor Hogan, Niall McNamara, Soran Abid, Christopher Hogan
Subs: Shane Walsh, James Walsh, Noel Whyte, Craig Downs, Kevin Slattery, Adam Lawlor, Jason Collins, James Bromell,
Teacher: Shane O’Sullivan
St: Eunan’s College: Shaun Patton, Ronan Sweeney, Jordan McBride, Oisin Carr, Sean Hume, Dale Gorman (Capt), Ryan McConnell, Luke Bonnar, Daire McDaid, Paddy O’Loan, Glen McNulty
Subs: Jason Doherty Gerard Patton, Anthony Ward, Joe Davies, Gary McDaid, Keelan O’Donnell, Ryan Gildea, Ryan Brogan, Mark McGale
Teachers: Michael Harkin & Gerard Faulkner
Referee: Paul Tone (Midlands)