Limerick CBS looking to retain FAI Schools title
CBS Sexton Street, Limerick v Salesian College, Celbridge
The Umbro Senior Boys All Ireland Final will take place on Tuesday 8 April in Buckley Park, Kilkenny (2pm).
Munster Champions Limerick CBS will be hoping their experience in this competition will overcome a powerful Leinster outfit to secure their name on the Dr. Tony O’Neill Cup for their second consecutive title.
Limerick CBS boasts four current Schools’ Internationals in goalkeeper Brian Collopy, midfielder Jason Hughes and strikers Shane Clarke and Kevin Barry. Their counterparts Salesian College have one Schools International in Captain Robbie Creevy who also plays for Shamrock Rovers.
Kevin Barry has been prolific in front of goal this season in the Senior Cup campaign. He netted twice in the All Ireland Semi Final to defeat the Connacht Champions St. Mary’s College, Galway.
Shane Clarke’s partnership with Barry has proven very successful and more will be expected of them in Kilkenny. Lee Jay Hughes is part of the Republic of Ireland’s U17 panel and he will be one to watch out for too.
The Leinster kingpins will be hoping to upset the recent goal scoring form of Limerick CBS in this epic encounter.
Salesian goalkeeper, Paul Geraghty (nephew of the legendary Galway keeper Johnny) has been outstanding between the posts throughout the year.
In defence, Cian Bolger, who has just signed professional terms with Leister City, and Philip Connolly are a solid partnership.
In midfield, Captain Robert Creevy has been a key player for the school and is ably assisted by Tomas O’Boyle.
Up front Paul O’Brien scored a hat trick in the Leinster Final and alongside him Jean Biensumba is a deadly finisher who played regularly last year for the Republic of Ireland U15 panel.
Salesian’s Manager Kevin Malone, former Mayo GAA Player has marshalled a strong side that has disposed of more illustrious opposition on their way to this final.
Much will depend on the form of their strike partnership of O’Brien and Biensumba who have been to the forefront for Celbridge in this season’s campaign but a strong team spirit has been the feature of the side’s performance this year.
Michael Molyneaux, Manager of CBS will be hoping that experience and strength will be the key ingredients to overcome the lively Leinster lads.
Limerick CBS: Brain Collopy, Jack Allen, James Kelly, Pat Collins, Richard Mullins, Jason Hughes, Lee Jay Hughes, James Richardson, Shane Clarke (Captain), Kevin Barry, Eoin Hanrahan, Brendan Mullins, Craig McMarlow, Neil Farrell, Gary Griffin, Jack Molyneaux, Cian Byrnes.
Salesian College: Paul Geraghty, Ciaran Scanlon, Andrew Walsh, Eoin Powderly, Cian Bolger, Jeff King, Philip Connolly, Daniel Mullin, Jordan Mullen, Robert Creevy (Captain), Tomas O’Boyle, Declan Molloy, Jean Biensumba, Paul O’Brien, Michael Brown, Kevin Molloy, Kenny Osibuamhe, Ollie Zamardi, Chris O’Keeffe, Daragh Armstrong.
Path to the final
Limerick CBS
Round 1: Borrisokane, Tipperary 4-0
Round 2: Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick 4-2
Munster Quarter Final: St. Declan’s Community College, Kilmacthomas, Waterford 2-0
Munster Semi Final: High School, Clonmel 4-0
Munster Final: St. Paul’s Community College 4-0
All Ireland Semi Final: St. Mary’s College, Galway 3-1
Salesian College
Round 1: Naas CBS 1-0
Round 2: St. Mac Daras 4-0
Round 3: Jobstown Community College 4-1
Leinster Quarter Final: St Kieran’s, Kilkenny 1-1 AET 4-1 on penalties
Leinster Semi Final: Collinstown Park 3-2
Leinster Final: Templeogue College 3-2
All Ireland Semi Final: Deele College, Raphoe 3-3 AET 5-4 on penalties
END