FAI Schools Dr. Tony O’Neill National Senior Cup Semi Final (Under 19, Large Schools)
Monday, March 3, 2025
Rice College, Westport 2-1 St. Paul’s Community College, Waterford (AET)
Simeon Popov (90+7), Rian Durkan (102) Fortune Daniels (68)
RICE COLLEGE, WESTPORT came from behind in dramatic circumstances to see off the challenge of Waterford side St. Paul’s Community College in extra time at Frank Healy Park, Ennis this afternoon (March 3).
The Munster Champions were about 30 seconds away from claiming an historic win only for substitute Simeon POPOV to pop up in the 97th minute to equalise, cancelling out Fortune DANIELS second half strike. Gut wrenching for Ben O’Dwyer’s side to come so close and have victory snatched from their grasp.
The momentum was with the Connacht scholars in added time as Rian DURKAN stunned the large crowd in attendance when he volleyed home the match winner, two minutes into the second period of extra-time to see them advance.
Rice College will now face Blackrock College, Dublin in this season’s FAI Schools Dr. Tony O’Neill National Senior Cup Final which will take place on Wednesday, March 12 at Athlone Town AFC (1.0)
This afternoon’s action saw Westport duo and former Schools’ Internationals Conor Cannon (hamstring) and Conor Reynolds (club commitments) miss out as the 2023 Tom Ticher Junior National Cup Champions lined out against a talented St. Paul’s contingency.
The first clear cut chance of the game came midway through the first half as Waterford pupil Steven Cooke saw his effort hit the Westport keeper straight on for McDonnell to save easily.
Rice College were dealt a blow ten minutes from the interval when the impressive Jack O’Malley hobbled off to be replaced by substitute Simeon Popov.
Rice College were craving out a good few opportunities but they weren’t hitting the target as the sides went in scoreless at the break.
A crucial moment in the game came midway through the second period when Fortune DANIELS made the most of a defensive error to pull off an exceptional strike to break the deadlock.
Rice College responded through a serious of fine efforts within minutes of each other. Alex Halpin’s header was palmed away by Adam Hearne while Cillian McGing narrowly missed the target and Popov’s glancing header sailed over the upright in the latter stages of the game.
It was just one of those days for Brian Flannary’s side as nothing was falling right for the Westport crew.
With seven minutes of added time played, the Westport students surprised everyone when they equalised through Simeon POPOV with the last kick of the game in normal time. A super effort from a well worked attack.
With the sides level, one apiece, we awaited the extra-time drama!
The momentum was with Rice College following the late equaliser but we had to wait until early in the second period of extra time for the match winner!
A well delivered corner from Evan Durkan was seized upon on the volley by brother Rian DURKAN to send the Westport bench into rapturous celebrations.
Captain Alex Halpin came close to netting a third late on but he scuffed his chance as the ball sailed over the crossbar.
Unfortunately for St. Paul’s, they couldn’t master a comeback and Rice College saw the game out.
RICE COLLEGE, WESTPORT | Michael McDonnell, Eoghan Moran, Seán Casey, Matthew Staunton, Cillian McGing, Jamie O’Malley, Alex Halpin ©, Killian Conway, Jack O’Malley, Evan Durkan, Rian Durkan
SUBS USED | Simeon Popov for O’Malley (34), Thomas McGeough for Moran (99)
SUBS NOT USED | Daithi Nevin (GK), Darragh Reynolds, Aron Heaney, Ethan McGing, Shane Brennan
EXTENDED PANEL | Andre Ludden, Miki Grabowski
TEACHERS | Brian Flannery, Darragh Connolly
ST. PAUL’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE, WATERFORD CITY | Adam Hearne ©, Gavin Mitchell, Bradley Keohan, Alan Zborowski, Adam Dobbyn, Harvey Swift, Mason Murphy, Tommy Mullally, Steven Cooke, Josh O’Neill Nolan, Fortune Daniels
SUBS USED | Ryan Butler for Cooke (81), Paul Kiely for Dobbyn (90), Jake Croke for Mullally (99)
SUBS NOT USED | Aaron McCabe (GK), Zach Reinl, Ethan Murtagh, Juwon Ajaye
TEACHERS | Ben O’Dwyer, Nuala Ryan
MATCH OFFICIAL | Paudie Hayes (Clare)
