Tuesday, September 17, 2019
The 2019/20 season kicked off nationwide last week with a number of group games taking place in the Cup and League, girls and boys divisions.
It’s all to play for with over 70% of the post primary schools engaged in Cup and/or League competitions this season.
Who will be in the running for the silverware come 2020?
We take a look back at the success stories from 2018/19 with the focus on our 16 National Cup Champions.
Two Schools in particular stood out from the rest as Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny captured two National Cup titles in the girl’s division, securing both the Junior (Under 17) and Minor (Under 15) crowns. Carndonagh Community School made a positive impact in the defense of the Dr. Tony O’Neill Senior Cup in the boy’s competition and the girls select were outstanding to secure gold in the First Year Girls National Cup.
Six schools made repeated appearances in the top flight of Cup competitions as St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford (Boys) contested both the John Murphy Senior ‘B’ Cup as well as the First Year ‘B’ Cup. PCC Falcarragh (Boys) were in the mix in the Junior ‘B’ Cup and Minor ‘B’ Cup. Mulroy College, Milford (Girls) entertained in the Senior ‘B’ and First Year ‘B’ divisions. While Ulster kingpins Carndonagh Community School did battle in the Dr. Tony O’Neill Senior Cup while the girls featured in the First Year Cup. While Presentation SS, Kilkenny (Girls) and Claregalway College (Girls) clashed in both the Junior and Minor events.
St. Laurence College, Loughlinstown, Killina Presentation SS, Tullamore, Athlone Community College and Moville Community College (Girls), Grennan College, Thomastown, St. Joseph’s College, Galway and St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar all made a welcome return to the National stages as they went in search of silverware with mixed fortunes.
FAI Schools also welcomed some newcomers to the National arena with Midleton CBS, Cork, Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane, Coláiste Ailigh, Leitir Ceanainn and Presentation SS, Wexford all tasting success at provincial level and hoping to replicate it for the National prize.
GIRLS NATIONAL CUP REVIEW
FAI Schools Girls National Cup Champions 2018/19
Senior Cup Moville Community College, Donegal
Senior ‘B’ Cup St. Laurence College, Loughlinstown, Dublin
Junior Cup Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
Junior ‘B’ Cup Killina Presentation SS, Tullamore, Offaly
Minor Cup Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
Minor ‘B’ Cup Coláiste Ailigh, Leitir Ceanainn, Dun na nGall
First Year Cup Carndonagh Community School, Donegal
First Year ‘B’ Cup New Ross CBS, Wexford
SUMMARY
MOVILLE COMMUNTIY COLLEGE returned to winning ways in the FAI Schools Senior Girls National Cup Final having secured the honours over a talented Athlone Community College in the Showgrounds, Sligo on Monday, February 4. The Donegal side had tasted defeat twelve months previous at the hands of Presentation Secondary School from Thurles but they bounced back with an empathic display to take the title in fine style with goals from Megan HAVLIN, a Kerry BROWN brace and Niamh McDONALD to wrap it up at 4-0.
ST. LAURENCE COLLEGE, LOUGHLINSTOWN captured the FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup and thus dashed the three in-a-row title ambitions of Mulroy College, Milford in a pulsating tie in Drogheda United on Tuesday, February 8. Played in difficult conditions this showcase did not disappoint as a solitary goal courtesy of the inspiring Chloe MATTHEWS midway through the first half ensured another fantastic National title for John Rowes charges.
April Fools Day proved memorable for PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, KILKENNY as they snatched the FAI Schools Junior Girls National Cup following a splendid 2-0 win in Athlone Town FC over a hardworking Claregalway College crew. Two second half goals courtesy of Niamh PHELAN and a Cliodhna DONNELLY penalty ensured the honours.
KILLINA PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, TULLAMORE are making a name for themselves in schools football having just added the FAI Schools Junior ‘B’ Girls National crown to their previously held Minor ‘B’ Girls Cup title win from 2018. Back to back wins at National level for the Tullamore side is an outstanding feat for duo Graham O’Connor and Philip Austen. Killina defeated St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton in Athlone Town FC on Wednesday, February 27 with near perfect conditions as proceedings got underway. The game ended 3-1 with Killina’s Ava DOLAN converting in the first minute. A Becky WATKINS peno on 26 minutes doubled their tally. Schools International supreme Muireann DEVANEY netted after 42 minutes for the Manor crew to bring the game back into contention at 2-1 but Saorah DOYLE made it three-one with 61 minutes on the clock.
PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, KILKENNY lifted the FAI Schools Minor Girls National Cup in fine style with a 3-0 win over reigning Champions Claregalway College in Athlone Town FC on May 1. Schools International Captain Ellen MOLLOY collected the match football following her spectacular hat-trick. This was exactly one month on from defeating the same opposition that clinched the Junior title. An amazing run for the Kilkenny School with two National titles in quick succession. The conveyor belt of talent in still going strong in the Kilkenny institution.
Finn Harps talisman Keith Cowan turned his hand to managerial duties and lead his School, COLÁISTE AILIGH, LEITIR CEANNAIN to their first National title when they saw off Wexford side Ramsgrange Community School in Drogheda United FC on April 3, on a 2-1 score-line to be named FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Girls National Cup Champions for 2019.
History was also made in NEW ROSS CBS when they secured gold in the FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Girls National Cup in Home Farm FC on May 15. The Wexford outfit converted twice without response to defeat an industrious Mulroy College of Milford. Sophie QUIGLEY opened the scoring after 9 minutes after her initial effort was saved well by keeper Kaylee Bernard but the rebound fell nicely for Quigley to slot home at the second time of asking. Kyla NOLAN doubled their advantage in the tie late on.
CARNDONAGH COMMUNITY SCHOOL edged out Presentation Secondary School, Wexford in a five goal thriller in Oriel Park, Dundalk FC on May 22. Extra time was required to divide these two top class sides in the FAI Schools First Year Girls National Cup contest. Carn Captain Fiona Doherty turned supplier for Schools International Ellie LONG as she netted from close range after 11 minutes. The Wexford equalizer came ten minutes later through Katie LAW. LONG was again on target with a super set piece to edge the contest 2-1 on 26 minutes. LAW scored her second to tie the game at 2 apiece 8 minutes from time. The match winner came five minutes into extra time when Diver, Brennan and McCarron worked their magic to feed the ball into Clare GILL who made not mistake to take the title.
BOYS NATIONAL CUP REVIEW
FAI Schools Boys National Cup Champions 2018/19
Dr. Tony O’Neill Senior Cup Carndonagh Community College, Donegal
John Murphy Senior ‘B’ Cup St. Joseph’s SS, Foxford, Mayo
Tom Ticher Junior Cup Coláiste Phádraig, Lucan CBS, Dublin
Junior ‘B’ Cup O’Connell CBS, Richmond Street, Dublin
Minor Cup St. Aidan’s CBS, Whitehall, Dublin
Minor ‘B’ Cup PCC Falcarragh, Donegal
First Year Cup Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane, Kildare
First Year ‘B’ Cup Intermediate School Killorglin, Kerry
SUMMARY
Jack DOHERTY headed home the match winner eight minutes from time to ensure CARNDONAGH COMMUNITY SCHOOL a wonderful two in-a-row in the FAI Schools Dr. Tony O’Neill Senior Cup Final in Home Farm FC against a gallant Midleton CBS of Cork on Wednesday, March 20. This was the Donegal School’s third title in four years which was a major achievement for Martin Cavanagh’s charges.
Defending Champions Grennan College, Thomastown were dethroned by Connacht stars ST. JOSEPH’S SECONDARY SCHOOL, FOXFORD 3-2 in Athlone Town FC on February 6 to claim the 2019 FAI Schools John Murphy Senior ‘B’ Cup. Conor FLYNN put St. Joseph’s one up on 39 minutes but this was cancelled out two minutes later through a Colm WHELAN penalty conversion. Caolan HOPKINS was on hand to regain the Foxford lead just before the break and added his second on the hour mark. It was a nervy conclusion to the Cup tie as Jack BARCOE netted to bring the game to 3-2 with fifteen minutes left to play but the Foxford side held out for a surprise and merited victory in the midlands.
After a tense encounter with Rosses Community School, Dungloe, Dublin troops COLÁISTE PHÁDRAIG, LUCAN CBS came out FAI Schools Tom Ticher Junior National Cup Champions. This was courtesy of a solitary goal from James HAROLD just before the hour mark in Ray MacSharry Park, Sligo on March 28.
O’CONNELL SCHOOL, RICHMOND STREET, DUBLIN defeated PCC Falcarragh to claim the FAI Schools Junior ‘B’ National Cup in stunning fashion sinking six past the Ulster stars in the premier showdown in Ray MacSharry Park on April 4. Ross FAY was in superb form as he scored four while Denis ROBU and Lee FRANZONI also got on the score-sheet.
St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar traveled to Monaghan United FC to take on Dublin side ST. AIDAN’s CBS, WHITEHALL in the FAI Schools Minor Boys National Cup. The Leinster crew held their nerve in a penalty shoot-out to secure the bragging rights when the game ended one apiece after a stunning extra time period. Captain Seán GREHAN finished off a superb move from the Whitehall pupils to take the lead against the run of play as the game approached the half hour mark. Stranorlar Captain Callum GILLEN equalized before the break but the deadlock remained into the shoot-out which the Dublin side won 4-2.
PCC FALCARRAGH were extra time winners against newcomers Coláiste Ghlór na Mara, Baile Brigín to retain their FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Boys National Cup as they came out 2-1 winners in Sligo Rovers on April 10. Jamie BRENNAN put PCC one up through a Balbriggan defensive error as he snatched first to convert from 6 yards. The Balbriggan equalizer came early in the second half with Killan CAILLOCE on target. PCC Captain Daire FERRY scored a screamer from distance to end the contest in dramatic style to ensure the silverware.
Three time title holders Dublin Oak Academy, Bray were edged out at the National semi-final stages as INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL KILLORGLIN impressed with a 3-1 score-line in Cahir Park. The Kerry students then met St. Joseph’s SS, Foxford in the FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Boys National Cup decider two weeks later in Tulla FC, Clare. The game ended scoreless at full time. Darragh O’CONNOR popped up two minutes into extra time to slot home what was the match winner for O’Regan’s charges and claim their first National title.
SCOIL MHUIRE COMMUNITY SCHOOL, CLANE overcame the experienced St. Joseph’s College, Galway 2-0 in the FAI Schools First Year Boys National Cup showdown on May 23. Ruadhan KANE made the perfect start for Clane with an inch perfect set piece from 25 yards out to stun the Galway contingency after just four minutes. The Kildare side doubled their tally on 53 minutes when Evan WALDRON made a darting run through the centre of the park to slot the ball past the bish keeper.
FAI Schools Post Primary Provincial & National Winners 2018/19
FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Boys (John Murphy Cup)
National Champions St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo
National Runners Up Grennan College, Thomastown, Kilkenny
Ulster Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dohhair, Dun na nGall
Munster Coláiste Mhuire, Buttevant, Cork
Leinster Grennan College, Thomastown, Kilkenny
Connacht St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo
FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls
National Champions St. Laurence College, Loughlinstown, Dublin
National Runners Up Mulroy College, Milford, Donegal
Ulster Mulroy College, Milford, Donegal
Munster Midleton College, Cork
Leinster St. Laurence College, Loughlinstown, Dublin
Connacht St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo
FAI Schools Senior Boys (Dr. Tony O’Neill Cup)
National Champions Carndonagh Community School, Donegal
National Runners Up Midleton CBS, Cork
Ulster Carndonagh Community School, Donegal
Munster Midleton CBS, Cork
Leinster Wexford CBS
Connacht St. Louis Community School, Kiltimagh, Mayo
FAI Schools Senior Girls
National Champions Moville Community College, Donegal
National Runners Up Athlone Community College, Westmeath
Ulster Moville Community College, Donegal
Munster Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, Tipperary
Leinster Athlone Community College, Westmeath
Connacht Ursuline College, Sligo
FAI Schools Junior Boys (Tom Ticher Cup)
National Champions Coláiste Phádraig, Lucan CBS, Dublin
National Runners Up Rosses Community School, Dungloe, Donegal
Ulster Rosses Community School, Dungloe, Donegal
Munster Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown, Cork
Leinster Coláiste Phádraig, Lucan CBS, Dublin
Connacht St. Gerald’s College, Castlebar, Mayo
FAI Schools Junior Girls
National Champions Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
National Runners Up Claregalway College, Galway
Ulster Moville Community College, Donegal
Munster St. Mary’s Secondary School, Nenagh, Tipperary
Leinster Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
Connacht Claregalway College, Galway
FAI Schools Junior ‘B’ Boys
National Champions O’Connell CBS, Richmond Street, Dublin
National Runners Up PCC Falcarragh, Donegal
Ulster PCC Falcarragh, Donegal
Munster Coláiste Mhuire, Crosshaven, Cork
Leinster O’Connell CBS, Richmond Street, Dublin
Connacht Glenamaddy Community School, Galway
FAI Schools Junior ‘B’ Girls
National Champions Killina Presentation Secondary School, Tullamore, Offaly
National Runners Up St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton, Leitrim
Ulster Coláiste Ailigh, Leitir Ceannain, Dún na nGall
Munster St. Peter’s Community School, Passage West, Cork
Leinster Killina Presentation Secondary School, Tullamore, Offaly
Connacht St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton, Leitrim
FAI Schools Minor Boys
National Champions St. Aidan’s CBS, Whitehall, Dublin
National Runners Up St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar, Donegal
Ulster St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar, Donegal
Munster St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork
Leinster St. Aidan’s CBS, Whitehall, Dublin
Connacht Rice College, Castlebar, Mayo
FAI Schools Minor Girls
National Champions Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
National Runners Up Claregalway College, Galway
Ulster Carndonagh Community School, Donegal
Munster Coláiste na Trocáire, Rathkeale, Limerick
Leinster Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
Connacht Claregalway College, Galway
FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Boys
National Champions PCC Falcarragh, Donegal
National Runners Up Coláiste Ghlór na Mara, Baile Brigín, Baile Átha Cliath
Ulster PCC Falcarragh, Donegal
Munster Intermediate School Killorglin, Kerry
Leinster Coláiste Ghlór na Mara, Baile Brigín, Baile Átha Cliath
Connacht Coola Post Primary School, Sligo
FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Girls
National Champions Coláiste Ailigh, Leitir Ceannain, Dún na nGall
National Runners Up Ramsgrange Community School, Wexford
Ulster Coláiste Ailigh, Leitir Ceannain, Dún na nGall
Munster Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton, Limerick
Leinster Ramsgrange Community School, Wexford
Connacht St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross, Mayo
FAI Schools First Year Boys
National Champions Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane, Kildare
National Runners Up St. Joseph’s College, Galway
Ulster St. Patrick’s College, Cavan
Munster St. Colman’s College, Fermoy, Cork
Leinster Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane, Kildare
Connacht St. Joseph’s College, Galway
FAI Schools First Year Girls
National Champions Carndonagh Community School, Donegal
National Runners Up Presentation Secondary School, Wexford
Ulster Carndonagh Community School, Donegal
Munster Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, Tipperary
Leinster Presentation Secondary School, Wexford
Connacht Dominican College, Taylor’s Hill, Galway
FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Boys
National Champions Intermediate School Killorglin, Kerry
National Runners Up St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo
Ulster PCC Falcarragh, Donegal
Munster Intermediate School Killorglin, Kerry
Leinster Dublin Oak Academy, Bray, Wicklow
Connacht St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo
FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Girls
National Champions New Ross CBS, Wexford
National Runners Up Mulroy College, Milford, Donegal
Ulster Mulroy College, Milford, Donegal
Munster St. Colman’s Community College, Midleton, Cork
Leinster New Ross CBS, Wexford
Connacht St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo
The interest in schools football has increased over the last number of years. The numerous Cup and League competitions offer huge variety with small and large schools catered for. There are various divisions that accommodate boys and girls from First Year right through to Leaving Certificate. The FAI Schools programme is co-ordinated at provincial level and schools are excited to kick start their season this month.
ENDS
Diane Fay – National Administrative Officer
FAI Schools
M: +353 86 0404 952
FAI Schools Contact Personnel:
Leinster:
Declan McGrath (Boys Section) E: declan.mcgrath@faischools.ie
Maura Gaffney (Girls Section) E: maura.faischools@gmail.com
Ulster:
James Rodgers (Boys Section) E: jamesballard1@hotmail.com
Paddy Carr (Girls Section) E: paddycarr45@yahoo.co.uk
Munster:
Shane McCormack (Boys Section) E: faischoolsmunster@gmail.com
Richard Grimes (Girls Section) E: richardgrimes04@eircom.net
Connacht:
Barry McDermott (Boys Section) E: mcdermottbarry@hotmail.com
Dom Coll (Girls Section) E: pictiurijimi@gmail.com
