The An Post FAI Primary Schools 5-a-side National Finals reached a conclusion in Tallaght Stadium yesterday (June 5) following some pulsating last round matches which saw some group deciders go to the wire:
108 skilful participants took part in the Finals which were the culmination of three months of County and Regional competitions with eventual Provincial winners progressing to the National stage:
The pick of the bunch from all four corners of the country converged on the Dublin venue for a day of entertainment, passion and skill:
More than 15,000 children from all over Ireland participated in this, the biggest and best competition in the 2012 Primary Schools Soccer Calendar: The competition emphasized the fun element with everyone a winner on the day: Player’s received a commemorative medal and umbro kit for their participation in this, the FAI Schools season finale:
There was a good geographical spread of winners this year with three out of the four provinces presented as Cavan, Donegal, Meath and Cork all collected their respective Cups for 2012:
St: Patrick’s NS, Kilnaleck, Cavan made history by winning the Schools “A” Section in the small schools division in the first of the four sections:
It’s the first time the Kilnaleck School has won the All Ireland Primary Schools Section “A” title and it’s also a first for the County in the small schools division:
St: Mary’s NS, Virginia won the prestigious Section “B” Schools title back in 2006: The Virginia crew were competing in the same category this year as they battled it out in the medium schools division: Peadar Quealy led the boy’s to a fourth place podium finish in Tallaght as the boys failed to find their form at the higher stage:
Zion PS 2/1 Letterfrack NS
Zion took the advantage in this decider early on but Letterfrack equalized with a fine team move finished off by Mark Folan to level proceedings just before half time:
In a close second period, keeper Will Anderson pulled off three outstanding saves before Captain Charlie Smith scored Zion’s winner two minutes from time to take the points:
St: Patrick’s NS 4/3 Annagh NS
St: Patrick’s edged this seven goal thriller with a late goal from the impressive James Smith
Smith was instrumental in the game’s opening goal when his cross was deflected in by the unlucky Annagh defender:
The Clare side equalized with a clever free kick routine was finished off by Captain Daniel Walsh:
Annagh then took the lead early in the second half through an own goal after initial good work by Daniel Walsh:
A well organized corner kick made it 2/2 when Peter Smith finished smartly in front of the sticks:
James Smith then forced the games third own goal after drilling a call across the box:
In the final two minutes Annagh equalized after some superb skill from Caoilfhionn O’Dea when he beat three defenders to score:
Just when it looked like finishing level, Smith’s powerful drive clinched the two points for the Cavan crew:
Letterfrack NS 1/0 Annagh NS
A tense affair ensued which was decided by a solitary goal: The excellent Nathan Leamy scored it early in the first half:
In the second period, Annagh created some great opportunities but were foiled time and again by Letterfrack ‘Keeper Oisin Gray: The Galway men hung onto the lead to secure a valuable win for the Westerners:
St: Patrick’s NS 1/0 Zion PS
St: Patrick’s secured their second win by edging out Zion in a closely fought contest: It was a first half goal by Oladapo Olarewaju after he flicked home Peter Smith’s initial shot:
Both teams cancelled each other out in the second half and St: Patrick’s held on for a vital win their group campaign:
Letterfrack NS 1/1 St: Patrick’s
James Smith’s wonder goal was cancelled out by a brilliant shot on target from Nathan Leamy to leave the penultimate group game at a 1/1 stalemate ensuring both teams one point
Zion PS 4/1 Annagh NS
Clare’s Daniel Walsh registered a goal for the Miltown Malbay School with an accurately sliced ball into the top corner: Meanwhile Peter Lynch and Cillian Moloney scored one each as Captain Charlie Smith added two more to their tally as Zion enjoyed a comfortable win over Michael King’s side:
Kilnaleck’s St: Patrick’s captured the title in fine style with Zion Parish Primary School of Rathgar picking up runners up spot:
Letterfrack 1 /1 St: Patrick’s, Kilnaleck
Letterfrack went into this game requiring a victory to keep their hopes alive in the competition, while Kilnaleck just needed to avoid defeat to be crowned All Ireland Champions for the first time:
Kilnaleck came out of the blocks early and showed no intentions of settling for a draw as they applied relentless pressure on the Letterfrack goal and had several chances to take the lead in the first period with the Letterfrack goal leading a charmed life:
James Smith eventually broke the deadlock with a rasping 15 yard strike to send the Cavan lads into a 1/0 lead just before the interval
The second half saw the Galway lads go on the offensive straight away and played some clever passes to create openings and goal scoring opportunities:
Kilnaleck always looked dangerous on the break and James Smith went close with a clever effort from the half way line:
In the final moments, the Galway lad’s pressure eventually paid off with a fantastic flowing move being finished in fine style by Nathan Leamy: The Kilnaleck lads were not to be denied however and the defence stood firm for the final few minutes to claim the precious point that would see them become Section “A” Schools All Ireland Champions amid jubilant celebrations: