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
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
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.
