FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Boys National Cup FINAL (Under 15, Small Schools)
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Glenamaddy Community School 2-1 Coláiste Ghlór na Mara, Baile Brigín
Enda Keane (39), OG (45) Luca Cailloce (31)
GLENAMADDY COMMUNITY SCHOOL were crowned FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Boys National Cup Champions having defeated a classy Balbriggan outfit Coláiste Ghlór na Mara in a pulsating game in Athlone Town this afternoon (October 4).
John Kennedy’s side had to come from behind to secure the silverware with a brilliant second half display.
The Leinster kingpins netted just before the interval as Darragh Mac Giolla Dhuibh produced a wonderful run down the right wing. His pinpoint pass was met by the head of Joint Captain Luca CAILLOCE who saw his effort glance in at the far post.
Philip Ó Catháin’s men with the slight advantage at the break.
It was a different Glenamaddy team that emerged second half as the tempo increased dramatically. The equaliser came four minutes into the restart as Kyle Connaughton connected with the Hegarty kick-out. Some fancy footwork saw him play in Conor Kennedy who slipped in Enda KEANE at the edge of the box. Keane’s superb execution saw the ball finish in the bottom corner.
Dylan Joyce saw his long range effort hit the underside of the crossbar six minutes later. The resulting corner lead to Glenamaddy’s second in quick succession.
The inform Joyce took the set-piece as the in-swinging ball was meant by the head of Enda Keane. Three Balbriggan defenders tried to clear the danger but the ball ricocheted off one and into their own goal.
Midway through the second half, Eoin Collins made a timely interception on Seán MacUilín as he was bearing down on goal and this was closely followed by some brave defending from Joe Mullin as Iarlaith O’Toole contested a high ball on the edge of the box.
Similarly Tadhg MacFháil and Alex O’Broin kept the industrious Eoin Morgan at bay as the youngster used his pace to cut through the Balbriggan defence numerous times.
Darragh Mac Giolla Dhuidh played a long ball forward which Sean MacUilin attempted to get onto but Ross Hegarty spotted the danger early and cleaned up.
Again it was Mullin who denied MacUilín in the final minutes of the game to ensure the title went West. A thrilling encounter which both teams should be proud of.
Unfortunately it was dévá vu for Coláiste Ghlór na Mara, having tasted defeat in the Minor ‘B’ Cup Final when it was last contested in 2019.
PCC FALCARRAGH were 2-1 extra time winners that afternoon in Sligo to retain their prestigious title.
Jamie BRENNAN put PCC one up through a Balbriggan defensive error to convert from 6 yards. The Balbriggan equalizer came early in the second half with Killian CAILLOCE on target that afternoon. PCC Captain Daire FERRY scored a screamer from distance to end the contest in dramatic extra time style.
Philip Ó Catháin & Cillian Ó Conghaile will be hoping it will be third time lucky if they’re to progress with the same team in the Junior ‘B’ Cup for the 2022/23 season. We will watch this space in anticipation!
A third title for the Glenamaddy crew as they lifted the John Murphy Cup back in 2004 and then more recently they got their hands on the Junior ‘B’ crown in 2018. Kennedy and Co now have the Minor ‘B’ crown in their possession so it just leaves the First Year’s to top off the list of honours. Perhaps the coming season will see them contest for more silverware!
GLENAMADDY COMMUNITY SCHOOL | Ross Hegarty, Tomas Lee, Joe Mullin, Alan Conroy, Eoin Collins ©,Iarlaith O’Toole,Enda Keane, Kyle Connaughton, Dylan Joyce, Eoin Morgan, Conor Kennedy
SUBS ROLL ON/OFF | Bryan Lambe, Michael O Hagan, Michael Giblin, Shayne Gordon, Luke Walsh
EXTENDED SQUAD | Calvin Daly, Colin Griffin, Seán Feeney, Rían Mahon, Finn Hardagon, Eoin Thornton, Nathan Kilmartin, Tom Griffin
TEACHERS | John Kennedy, Kevin Morgan, Michael Heavey, Cathal Heverin
COLÁISTE GHLÓR NA MARA, BAILE BRIGÍN | Jack Ó Seanacháin, Cian Mac Oirc ©, Alex Ó Broin, Luca Cailloce ©, Donach Mac Aoidh, Tadhg Mac Fháil, Darragh Mac Giolla Dhuibh, Cian Ó Cartaigh, Daniel Dreznjak, Seán Mac Uilín, Seán Ó hAoláin
SUBS ROLL ON/OFF | Rhys Ó Ruanaidh, Nathan Ó Corráin, Sam Ó Cléirigh, Cathal Ó Seaghdha, Dean Ó hÉilí
EXTENDED PANEL |Liam Ó Conchúir, Dean Afolabi, Rían Seadhach, Jack Ó Múrchú, Seán Ó Loingsigh, Ferdia Ó Ceallaigh, Oisín Ó Múrchú, Darragh Cinsealach Ó Cáis, Bríon Mac Aoidh, Conor Ó Braoin, Keelan Ó Ceallaigh, Mícháel Ó Cathail, Evan Ó Maonaigh, Michael Ó hAimheirgín
COACHES | Conor Ó Crualaíoch, Noel Ó Muiris, Cillian Ó Broin, Senan Ó Cuinn
TEACHERS | Philip Ó Catháin & Cillian Ó Conghaile
MATCH OFFICIAL | William Stokes (Roscommon)
