FAI Schools Under 18 Boys’ Interprovincial Tournament
Monday, December 2, 2024
Leinster 1-1 Munster Ulster 0-0 Connacht
Filip Wasilewski (70+1), Luke Palmer (30)
Connacht captured the Under 18 Boys’ Interprovincial trophy following a scoreless draw against Ulster in the last game of the six match series in the AUL Complex, Clonshaugh yesterday afternoon (December 1).
Connacht knew a draw could seal the title even if Leinster overcame Munster in the other outing as Alex Lee’s side had a marginally better goal difference going into their final match with two wins from two already secured.
And as it worked out Leinster drew one apiece with Munster in the dying minutes of their game to deny Billy Woods’ side a win in the tournament following back to back success coming into Friday’s showcase. Leinster’s title hopes dashed with only a share of the spoils on this occasion.
It’s a first title for Connacht Head Coach Alex Lee as he took over from Alan Murphy this season. Murphy amassed three titles during his ten year tenure, the last one coming in 2021.
Let’s look at how all the action played out.
Match Day Three, Game 5 saw Munster take on Leinster.
Leinster looked to put the pressure on Connacht who were in the driving seat heading into the final round of fixtures on Sunday morning.
A victory for Leinster would see them equal on points with Connacht but they knew goal difference would be a factor.
Conor Canavan’s side could have gone ahead as Ethan Cheese (Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge) made a bursting run through the box ten minutes before the interval. The impressive Finn Dalton (Christian Brothers College, Cork) made a last ditch tackle and Hall scuffed the ball into the side netting.
Munster continued to impress and they were rewarded with their first goal of the tournament when Luke PALMER (Coláiste Íde agus Íosaef, Abbeyfeale) netted superbly as they went into the break with a one goal cushion.
Both teams were evenly matched with the Munster defence under a little pressure late on.
It was Polish International Filip WASILEWSKI who equalised for Leinster in added time to give the teams a point apiece. A fantastic finish from the Wexford CBS scholar.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
St. Paul’s Community College, Waterford student Alan ZBOROWSKI was named Player of the Match for his industrious work at the heart of the Munster defence.
The final outing on Sunday afternoon saw Connacht entertain Ulster in a winner takes all contest.
Lee’s side knew a draw could be enough to clinch the silverware with earlier victories over Leinster (2-1) and Munster (1-0).
While Oisín McMenamin’s Ulster side needed to bounce back from their 1-3 defeat at the hands of Leinster a day earlier and bring back some of the form that saw them put four past Munster without reply on Friday’s opening night contest.
The opening 35 minutes didn’t see any clear cut chances to advance for either team while the second period saw Ulster the more creative.
Tiarnan Callaghan McElwaine ( St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny) had a brilliant opportunity to break the deadlock on 43 minutes as his glancing header just missed the target.
Rowan McGroarty (Loreto Community School, Milford) couldn’t connect properly to an in swinging ball in the box just on the hour mark.
While five minutes later, Niko Lovrekovic (Our Lady’s Secondary School, Castleblaney) played a delightful ball to Milford’s Conor Gibson but he too narrowly missed out at the far post.
Connacht also had a brilliant chance to take the win in the dying minutes of the game when Eoin Hannon (Presentation College, Athenry) was one on one with Corey Sheridan (Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon) but the Ulster netminder stood tall to deny Connacht the two points and keep his clean sheet.
It was a point apiece for the sides with Connacht just doing enough to see the game out.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
James MORAHAN of St. Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway was the worthy recipient of the accolade as he marshalled his side well throughout the game.
MATCH DAY TWO
Munster 0-1 Connacht Leinster 3-1 Ulster
Jack Sweeney (56) Leon Creighton (19), Rhys Knight (28), Marven Chan (65), Fionn McNamara (62)
Match Day Two, Game 3 saw Connacht continue their winning ways with a hard fought victory over Munster.
Although it remained scoreless at the break, both teams created some great opportunities in front of goal.
Munster’s Aaron Cass (Abbey Community College, Ferrybank) saw his effort spray across the face of goal with quarter of an hour played while Evan Peelo (Coláiste an Phiaraigh, Glanmire) hit the crossbar seven minutes later.
Connacht’s Luc Griallas (Coláiste an Eachréidh, Athenry) headed wide of the upright just before the break.
Munster continued to apply the pressure with the impressive Jayden O’Donovan (St. Clement’s College, Limerick) craving out two brilliant chances to take the lead but he was denied brilliantly by Scanlon between the posts.
With 56 minutes registered, what proved to be the match winner came from Jack SWEENEY (Merlin College, Galway) as he smashed the ball home to the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
St. Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway pupil and Connacht goalkeeper MacDaragh SCANLON was selected for the award following his numerous saves to keep his team in contention.
The other outing of the afternoon, saw Leinster cruise to victory over Ulster and grab their first win of the campaign.
Leinster’s Leon CREIGHTON (Coláiste Éanna, Rathfarnham) opened the scoring for Canavan’s side on 19 minutes.
Their tally was doubled nine minutes later through Rhys KNIGHT (Clonkeen College).
Ulster was unfortunate not to grab one back when Milford’s Conor Gibson came close four minutes from the break
While Ulster number one Lewis McCaughan (Abbey Vocational School, Donegal) blocked brilliantly to deny Tariq Almasry (Coláiste Éanna) moments later.
Despite Ulster’s best efforts, it remained 2-0 at half time.
Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair scholar Colm O’Dochartaigh saw his goal ruled out for Ulster on the hour mark as the official spotted a handball in the build-up.
However, Ulster’s goal, two minutes later, stood when Fionn McNAMARA (St. Patrick’s College, Cavan) slotted in from close range.
The tie was wrapped up five minutes from time when Templeogue student Marven CHAN converted a third for Leinster to seal the result.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Sam NEVILLE of Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge was the standout player in this contest.
MATCH DAY ONE
Leinster 1-2 Connacht Ulster 4-0 Munster
Rhys Knight (41), Cillian Tollett (pen 47), Eoin Hannon (49) Fionn McNamara (1), Conor Gibson (2), Jack Glapa (10), Colm O’Dochartaigh (53)
The opening night saw Connacht come from a goal down to win 2-1 against Leinster in a closely fought encounter.
Neither side were able to convert any of their half chances as they went in at the break goalless.
Connacht star Qudus Adelanwa (Merlin College, Galway) saw his effort flash across goal four minutes into the restart.
However, it was Leinster who took the lead through Clonkeen College stalwart Rhys KNIGHT with a fantastic strike on 41 minutes.
Their lead was short lived as Connacht equalised six minutes later when Cillian TOLLETT (St. Paul’s Secondary School, Oughterard) converted from the penalty spot.
Two minutes later, Connacht grabbed a second with Eoin HANNON (Presentation College, Athenry) finishing neatly.
Hannon had his second and Connacht’s third goal of the evening eight minutes from time but the officials disallowed it for a handball in the build-up.
Alex Lee’s charges meriting the two points on offer.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Following a tremendous contribution for his province, Eoin HANNON was selected as POTM.
In the second game of the evening, it was Ulster who made a blistering start to their campaign as they stunned the defending Champions Munster 4-0.
Ulster were one up inside 3o seconds when Fionn McNAMARA (St. Patrick’s College, Cavan) slotted home from close range.
McMenamin’s crew doubled their advantage a minute later with a beautiful strike courtesy of Conor GIBSON (Loreto Community School, Milford).
A third Ulster goal was added within ten minutes when Jack GLAPA (Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town) hit a sublime effort.
Ulster with a hat-trick of goals at half-time.
Munster struggled to respond in the second period and any thoughts of a comeback were forgotten when Colm O’DOCHARTAIGH (Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair) netted a fourth midway through.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
It was no surprise when Fionn McNAMARA (St. Patrick’s College, Cavan) was announced as POTM.
INTERNATIONAL SELECTION
As well as the Interprovincial title, this tournament is used as the key recruiting process for the underage International squad at schools level.
The Under 18 Boys’ Schools select compete in the SAFIB Centenary Shield annually. The team have completed since 2003 and the Republic of Ireland have won the competition seven times in 21 years, most recently in 2018.
International Head Coach, Derek O’BRIEN (Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore) will select an extended panel to attend the first assessment day which is scheduled for Saturday, December 14 in the AUL Complex.
INTERPROVINCIAL PANELS
CONNACHT | Kyle GABBIDON (Coola Post Primary School, Sligo), Qudus ADELANWA, Jack SWEENEY, Denis SIRBU (Merlin College, Galway), Tommy LILLIS (Yeats College, Galway), Eoin GACQUIN, Jacob CARROLL, MacDaragh SCANLON, James MORAHAN (St. Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway), Oisín KELLY (Ballyhaunis Community School), Cillian TOLLETT (St. Paul’s Secondary School, Oughterard) Callum LYNCH (Summerhill College, Sligo), Eoin HANNON, Zach LAWLESS (Presentation College, Athenry), Reuben GILLESPIE (St. Muredach’s College, Ballina), Luc GRIALLAS (Coláiste an Eachréidh, Athenry), Luca MENARINI (Coláiste na Coiribe, Cnoc na Cathrach)
Management | Alex LEE (St. Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway), Martin CONNEELY (Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin, An Cheathrú Rua), Ger CURRAN (Merlin College, Galway)
LEINSTER | William GAUL (St. Peter’s College, Wexford), Ben WALSH (Skerries Community College), Ross YOUNG, Rhys KNIGHT (Clonkeen College, Blackrock), Adam NOLAN (Maynooth Community College), Alain KIZENGA (St. Mac Dara’s Community College, Templeogue), Eoin MAHER (Lucan Community College), Ronan DAWSON, Tariq ALMASRY, Leon CREIGHTON (Coláiste Éanna CBS, Rathfarnham), Kaylem HARNETT, Filip WASILEWSKI (Wexford CBS), Muhammad HARIS (Skerries Community College), Sam NEVILLE, Ethan CHEESE, Shaun HALL (Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge), Marven CHAN (Templeogue College)
Management | Conor CANAVAN (St. Mac Dara’s Community College, Templeogue), Karl HEGARTY (St. Kevin’s Community College, Dunlavin), Fintan SHERIDAN (St. Kevin’s Community College, Clondalkin)
MUNSTER | Daniels LAKIS (Coláiste Dún Iascaigh, Cork), Finn DALTON (Christian Brothers College, Cork), Aaron CASS (Abbey Community College, Waterford), Alan ZBOROWSKI (St. Paul’s Community College, Waterford), Noah O’BRIEN (De La Salle College, Waterford), Luke DOWNEY (Glanmire Community College), Matt JONES (St. Flannan’s College, Ennis), Dylan O’CONNELL (Patrician Academy, Mallow), Zak O’SULLIVAN (Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore), Luke PALMER (Coláiste Íde agus Íosef, Abbeyfeale), Harry BROWNE (Glanmire Community College), Charle CAMPBELL (St. Munchin’s College, Corbally), Liam QUINN (St. Peter’s Community School, Passage West), Evan PEELO (Coláiste an Phiarsaign, Glanmire), Jayden O’DONOVAN (St. Clement’s College, Limerick) Seán RICHMOND (Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig), AJ NASH (Kinsale Communty School)
Management | Billy WOODS (Glanmire Community College), Kevin CONDON (Coláiste Dun Íascaigh, Cahir), John KAVANAGH (Presentation Brothers College, Cork), John McGUIRE (Physio)
ULSTER | Lewis McCAUGHAN, Jack GLAPA (Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town), Conall ALFRED (Coláiste Oiriall, Muineachán), Declan PATTON (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar), Daibhaid LYNCH (Mulroy College, Milford), Daniel CUNNINGHAM (Coláiste na Carraige, Carrick), Zach McAULEY (Royal & Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe), Seaghan McCORMICK (Gairmscoil Chú Uladh,Béal an Átha Móir), Conor McGRANAGHAN (Deele College, Raphoe), Luke MULLIGAN (Ballybay Comunity College), Colm Ó DOCHARTAIGH (Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair), Fionn McNAMARA (St. Patrick’s College, Cavan), Conor GIBSON, Rowan McGROARTY (Loreto Community School, Milford), Tiarnan CALLAGHAN McELWAINE (St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny), Niko LOVREKOVIC (Our Lady’s Secondary School, Castleblaney), Corey SHERIDAN (Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon)
Management | Oisín McMENAMIN (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar), Gary McHUGH (Royal School, Cavan), Alan BOAL (Royal & Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe)
UNDER 18 BOYS’ INTERPROVINCIAL TOURNAMENT | AUL COMPLEX, CLONSHAUGH
RESULTS
Friday, November 29
Connacht 2-1 Leinster POTM | Eoin HANNON, Presentation College, Athenry
Ulster 4-0 Munster POTM | Fionn McNAMARA, St. Patrick’s College, Cavan
Saturday, November 30
Munster 0-1 Connacht POTM | MacDaragh SCANLON, St. Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway
Leinster 3-1 Ulster POTM | Sam NEVILLE, Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge
Sunday, December 1
Leinster 1-1 Munster POTM | Alan ZBOROWSKI, St. Paul’s Community College, Waterford
Ulster 0-0 Connacht POTM | James MORAHAN, St. Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway
Points | Connacht 5, Ulster 3, Leinster 3, Munster 1
Roll of Honour | Boys’ Interprovincial Tournament Winners
|
YEAR |
WINNER |
VENUE |
|
1989 |
Ulster |
Dublin |
|
Munster |
Galway |
|
|
1991 |
Ulster |
Waterford |
|
1992 |
Leinster |
|
|
1993 |
Ulster |
Donegal |
|
1994 |
Connacht |
Galway |
|
1995 |
Leinster |
University College Cork |
|
1996 |
Munster |
|
|
1997 |
|
|
|
1998 |
Connacht |
Donegal |
|
1999 |
|
Waterford |
|
2000 |
Connacht |
Arklow |
|
2001 |
Leinster |
Ballybofey, Donegal |
|
2002 |
Leinster |
Ballybofey, Donegal |
|
2003 |
Leinster |
Ballybofey, Donegal |
|
2004 |
Leinster |
New Ross, Wexford |
|
2005 |
Leinster |
Salthill Devon, Galway |
|
2006 |
Munster |
Limerick |
|
2007 |
Leinster |
Monaghan/Cavan |
|
2008 |
Leinster |
Tullamore |
|
2009 |
Leinster |
Tullamore/Athlone |
|
2010 |
Leinster |
Tullamore/Athlone |
|
2011 |
Leinster |
Tullamore/Athlone |
|
2012 |
Munster |
AUL Complex, Dublin |
|
2013 |
Connacht |
AUL Complex, Dublin |
|
2014 |
Leinster |
AUL Complex, Dublin |
|
2015 |
Leinster |
AUL Complex, Dublin |
|
2016 |
Ulster |
AUL Complex, Dublin |
|
2017 |
Leinster |
AUL Complex, Dublin |
|
2018 |
Connacht |
AUL Complex, Dublin |
|
2019 |
Leinster |
AUL Complex, Dublin |
|
2020 |
N/A (COVID-19) |
|
|
2021 |
Connacht |
AUL Complex, Dublin |
|
2022 |
Munster |
AUL Complex, Dublin |
|
2023 |
Munster |
AUL Complex, Dublin |
|
2024 |
Connacht |
AUL Complex, Dublin |
END
