Summary of the 16 FAI Schools National Cup Champions
The 2022/23 FAI Schools Post Primary Schools National Cup competitions concluded with the deferred First Year ‘B’ Boys National Cup Final played in Athlone Town AFC last week (Tuesday, October 17).
FAI Schools organise National Cups in the boys’ and girls’ sections, with 8 divisions apiece catering for small and large Schools tailored for Under 19, 17, 15 and 14 age groups, from First Year to Leaving Certificate students. Schools will less than 250 boys / girls enrolled participate in the ‘B’ Cup category for small schools.
Each provincial branch will also offer an extensive local League structure co-ordinated by teachers voluntarily.
The series of competitions provide football to over 550 post primary schools nationwide with over 40,000 students participating annually.
With the culmination of 16 National Cup Champions, we look at the list of the 2022/23 Roll of Honour. Here’s a recap of the action over that season:
FAI Schools Girls National Cup Champions
Senior Cup Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana, Donegal
Senior ‘B’ Cup St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo
Junior Cup Coláiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh
Junior ‘B’ Cup Coláiste Iósaef Community College, Kilmallock, Limerick
Minor Cup Coláiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh
Minor ‘B’ Cup Carrigtwohill Community College, Cork
First Year Cup Presentation College, Athenry, Galway
First Year ‘B’ Cup Crana College, Buncrana, Donegal
Senior Cup
Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana 0-0 St. Attracta’s Community School, Tubbercurry (AET) Buncrana won 4-2 on pens.
SCOIL MHUIRE’S HOLLIE FERGUSON was the hero for the Buncrana side as the young shot-stopper saved twice in the dreaded penalty shoot-out to see off St. Attracta’s Community School in the Cup decider in Gortakeegan.
Senior ‘B’ Cup
St. Joseph’s SS, Foxford 2-1 Coláiste Oiriall, Muineachán (AET)
Captain Mila Sotoparra was the match day hero with an exceptional brace, as the team had to dig deep to see the game out in extra time at Athlone Town AFC.
Coláiste Oiriall took the lead through Éabha Nic Searraigh just before the interval, but the Foxford experience served them well for Sotoparra to equalise ten minutes from time and serve up the winner four minutes into extra time.
Junior Cup
Coláiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh 3-1 Presentation SS, Wexford
A late brace from Kassie RATHER saw Galway newbie’s Coláiste na Coiribe see past a much-fancied Presentation Secondary School, Wexford in Portlaoise AFC.
Galway’s Sophie Ní CHATHÁIN opened the scoring mid-way through the half as Wexford pupil Izzy FINNEY equalised five minutes later.
Junior ‘B’ Cup
Coláiste Iósaef Community College, Kilmallock 6-0 CBS New Ross
Coláiste Iósaef Community College pulled off the ultimate display to be crowned Cup Champions following a stunning performance in Clonmel Celtic.
Emma Cuddihy’s crew turned on the style with a hat-trick from Treaty United Under 17-star Abbey Walsh, a brace from Captain Lillian Hogan and her twin sister Annaliese added to her tally of two assists by netting herself.
Minor Cup
Coláiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh 2-1 Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
Coláiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh came from behind to secure a late winner against an impressive Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny to clinch the National title in Birr Town FC.
The victory follows on from last week’s Junior Cup success. A brilliant achievement for the Irish school who have only been playing for a few years.
Meadhbh Doherty’s earlier effort in the first half was cancelled out by Jessica Talbot midway through the second period before Molly MacAodha scored the vital goal two minutes into added time.
Minor B Cup
Carrigtwohill Community College 2-0 St. Kilian’s DSD, Clonskeagh
CARRIGTWOHILL COMMUNITY COLLEGE were crowned 2023 Minor ‘B’ Girls National Cup Champions following victory over St. Kilian’s DSD, Clonskeagh in Evergreen FC.
Two second half goals were enough to see the title go South.
While the School is six years old, the Carrigtwohill outfit have only contested the Cup competitions over the last two seasons so it’s an incredible achievement to secure a National title in this short period.
First Year Cup
Presentation College, Athenry 1-1 Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny (AET) Pres won 8-7 on pens
It took Presentation College, Athenry a sudden death penalty shoot-out to edge out Loreto, Kilkenny in a pulsating tie in Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore Town AFC.
A lively start as Sofia Blackmore made a tremendous save to deny Abbie Duffy with eight minutes on the clock.
Loreto took the lead through Lily May Feeney as she netted a fabulous opener on 13 minutes.
However, the lead was short lived as two minutes later, Athenry struck the equaliser with Emma Hogan converting.
No winner came in extra-time as penalty kicks were called upon to separate the sides with Athenry retaining their Cup title.
First Year ‘B’ Cup
Crana College, Buncrana 1-0 St. Joseph’s SS, Foxford (AET)
CRANA COLLEGE, BUNCRANA were crowned National Cup Champions in Ray MacSharry Park, Sligo following Carly McColgan’s extra time winner.
McColgan had netted herself a hat-trick in the Cup semi-final and followed this up with a sensational goal five minutes into extra-time which proved vital.
Crana’s first National tilte came back in 2008 when Gerry Casey’s side snatched the Senior ‘B’ Cup on penalties when the girls overcame St. Mary’s SS, Newport 5-3 on spot kicks after the game ended scoreless in extra-time at Athlone IT.
Great credit to Ryan Merchant’s team who were outstanding. Earlier in the season St. Joseph’s won the Senior ‘B’ title but the elusive double proved too difficult to reach. There’s always next year.
FAI Schools Boys National Cup Champions
Dr. Tony O’Neill Senior Cup Wexford CBS, Wexford
John Murphy Senior ‘B’ Cup Gaelcholáiste na Mara, Arklow, Wicklow
Tom Ticher Junior Cup Rice College, Westport, Mayo
Junior ‘B’ Cup Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Dun na nGall
Minor Cup Marist College, Athlone, Westmeath
Minor ‘B’ Cup Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa, Clara, Offaly
First Year Cup St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork
First Year ‘B’ Cup Castleisland Community College, Kerry
Dr. Tony O’Neill Cup
Wexford CBS 3-2 Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew
10-man Wexford CBS saw off the challenge of Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew in a rain soaked AUL Complex, Clonshaugh to secure their first National Cup title.
Sam Norval’s quick brace was undone by Ciaran Mulhern’s effort in the first half to leave Wexford 2-1 up at the break.
Mountbellew’s Ryan Nolan had the teams all square on the hour mark as the game looked to be heading to extra-time.
However, super-sub Rory Gilbert netted in the third minute of additional time to ensure Wexford CBS the historic win.
John Murphy Cup
Gaelcholáiste na Mara, Arklow 2-2 St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford (AET) Arklow won 4-2 on penos
A CUP FINAL like no other! Four goals converted, two goals disallowed, six yellow cards, one man dismissed, extra time drama and penalties with Gaelcholáiste na Mara sensationally coming from behind twice to clinch the John Murphy Cup in extraordinary circumstances in Athlone Town AFC.
St. Joseph’s were going for the double as the girl’s sealed success in the Senior ‘B’ Cup 10 days previously in the Midlands venue, but it wasn’t to be for Brian Murphy’s side as he was just three minutes away from a unique achievement.
The Cup decider lived up to the billing as Arklow’s Colm McHale converted just before the break. It took St. Joseph’s three minutes from time to slot home the equaliser to take the tie to extra-time. Colm Rutledge netted in the 99th minutes before Louis MacMaolchollum equalised in added time in extra time!
O’Laoire with the last-ditch heroics again saving from Foxford’s first and fourth spot-kick. Arklow winning out 4-2 on the day.
Tom Ticher Cup
Rice College, Westport 3-2 St. Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy
THE heartbreak that Rice College felt at the end of last year’s Junior Cup final defeat to St. Mary’s of Drogheda was washed away in the most incredible fashion in Athlone Town Stadium.
The Westport students delivered an incredible comeback to etch their name onto the Tom Ticher Cup for the first time ever, with Cillian McGing’s sensational winner in the 78th minute crowning their memorable victory.
St. Mary’s were two up at half-time courtesy of Robert Cahill and Colin Ivers brace.
Rice responded almost immediately following the restart as Daniel O’Malley scored. The Westport equaliser came in the 67th minute as momentum in the game was shifting.
The elusive match winner was sprung two minutes from time as McGing’s rocket from 25 yards out smashed the back of the net.
Junior ‘B’ Cup
Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair 4-1 Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven
Gweedore’s Captain Martin MacGiolla Choill netted a peach of an opener from 25-yards out with only two minutes played.
The Cork crew were back on terms quickly as Rory Deane equalised three minutes later, after some fancy footwork in the box from Rhys Kelly Noonan as he played him in.
The Ulster side's tally was doubled as the Captain again converted, this time from the spot following a foul on Cronan MacPhaidin
Schools’ International scholar Rhys Kelly Noonan had a chance to grab the equaliser for Crosshaven, but he saw his penalty saved by Padraig MacGiolla Bhríde four minutes later. It ended 2-1 at the break.
Gweedore’s third came from the penalty spot as Cronan MacPhaidin made it 3-1 with 53 minutes on the clock, then he added his second and Gweedore’s fourth of the afternoon on 74 minutes.
Minor Cup
Christian Brothers College, Cork 1-2 Marist College, Athlone
Athlone youngster Diarmuid O’HIGGINS netted a fabulous brace to help Marist College, Athlone claim the National Cup title in Fairview Rangers AFC, Limerick
It was a tense conclusion to proceedings as Christian Brothers College grabbed a vital goal eight minutes from time, but Martin Grogan’s side just managed to contain the threat and see out the game for a brilliant victory.
Minor ‘B’ Cup
Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven 1-2 Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa, Clara
ARD SCOIL CHIARÁIN NAOFA secured the Minor ‘B’ Cup title when they defeated Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven in a highly entertaining encounter in Fairview Rangers AFC
Isacc Ryan’s initial effort was palmed away while Tadhg MAHER slotted in the rebound to open their account on 17 minutes.
Clara’s second goal came a minute from the interval with a beautifully taken shot from Dylan DUNNE as they went in two up at the break.
Maher got on the scoresheet again 11 minutes into the restart, but it was disallowed for an offside.
Oisin BUCKLEY grabbed a peach of a goal with 49 minutes on the clock to bring it to within one as the momentum was shifting slightly to the Munster Champions. However, Clara’s defence held strong to capture the National Cup crown
First Year Cup
St. Francis College, Rochestown 3-2 Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana (AET)
Cork scholar Jack Punch was the man of the moment for St. Francis College as his incredible hat-trick ensured Rochestown snatched the FAI Schools First Year Cup title in extra-time in a sun kissed AUL Complex, Clonshaugh.
It was a phenomenal outing between the cream of Schools football as Scoil Mhuire were three minutes from securing the silverware only for Punch to pounce late on to take the tie to extra-time and his second half screamer three minutes from the final whistle meant the trophy would be travelling South.
First Year ‘B’ Cup
Castleisland Community College 1-0 Largy College, Clones
CASTLEISLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE were crowned National Cup Champions having narrowly defeated Largy College in a thrilling encounter in Athlone Town AFC.
The crucial moment in the game came nine minutes into the restart when star student Padraig O’SULLIVAN netted a beauty. Clones were awarded a throw in from thirty yards out, but Danny Murphy did well to win it back for the Castleisland crew. Murphy slipped the ball to the onrushing O’Sullivan as he ran through the heart of the Largy defence and slotted calmly to the bottom left.
A first National Cup appearance for both Schools and one that will be hopefully repeated next season as the teams develop through the grades.
FAI Schools Post Primary Provincial & National Champions 2022/23
FAI Schools Senior 'B' Boys (John Murphy Cup)
National Champions Gaelcholáiste na Mara, Arklow, Wicklow
National Runners Up St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo
Ulster Largy College, Clones, Monaghan
Munster Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton, Limerick
Leinster Gaelcholáiste na Mara, Arklow, Wicklow
Connacht St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo
FAI Schools Senior 'B' Girls
National Champions St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo
National Runners Up Coláiste Oiriall, Muineacháin
Ulster Coláiste Oiriall, Muineacháin
Munster Midleton College, Cork
Leinster CBS New Ross, Wexford
Connacht St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo
FAI Schools Senior Boys (Dr. Tony O'Neill Cup)
National Champions Wexford CBS, Wexford
National Runners Up Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew, Galway
Ulster St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar, Donegal
Munster Douglas Community School, Cork
Leinster St. Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy, Wexford
Connacht Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew, Galway
FAI Schools Senior Girls
National Champions Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana, Donegal
National Runners Up St. Attracta’s Community School, Tubbercurry, Sligo
Ulster Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana, Donegal
Munster St. Mary’s High School, Midleton, Cork
Leinster Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré, Tipperary
Connacht St. Attracta’s Community School, Tubbercurry, Sligo
FAI Schools Junior Boys (Tom Ticher Cup)
National Champions Rice College, Westport, Mayo
National Runners Up St. Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy, Wexford
Ulster St. Eunan’s College Letterkenny, Donegal
Munster Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown, Cork
Leinster St. Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy, Wexford
Connacht Rice College, Westport, Mayo
FAI Schools Junior ‘B’ Boys
National Champions Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Dun na nGall
National Runners Up Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven, Cork
Ulster Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Dun na nGall
Munster Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven, Cork
Leinster Gaelcholáiste Reachrann, Domhnach Mide, Dublin
Connacht St. Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown, Mayo
FAI Schools Junior Girls
National Champions Coláiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh
National Runners Up Presentation Secondary School, Wexford
Ulster Carndonagh Community School, Donegal
Munster Scoil Mhuire agus Íde, Newcastle West, Limerick
Leinster Presentation Secondary School, Wexford
Connacht Coláiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh
FAI Schools Junior ‘B’ Girls
National Champions Coláiste Iósaef Community College, Kilmallock, Limerick
National Runners Up CBS New Ross, Wexford
Ulster Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Dun na nGall
Munster Coláiste Iósaef Community College, Kilmallock, Limerick
Leinster CBS New Ross, Wexford
Connacht Coola Post Primary School, Riverstown, Sligo
FAI Schools Minor Boys
National Champions Marist College, Athlone, Westmeath
National Runners Up Christian Brothers College, Cork
Ulster Carndonagh Community School, Donegal
Munster Christian Brothers College, Cork
Leinster Marist College, Athlone, Westmeath
Connacht Merlin College, Galway
FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Boys
National Champions Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa, Clara, Offaly
National Runners Up Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven, Cork
Ulster Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Dun na nGall
Munster Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven, Cork
Leinster Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa, Clara, Offaly
Connacht Balla Secondary School, Mayo
FAI Schools Minor Girls
National Champions Coláiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh
National Runners Up Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
Ulster Deele College, Raphoe, Donegal
Munster Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, Tipperary
Leinster Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
Connacht Coláiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh
FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Girls
National Champions Carrigtwohill Community College, Cork
National Runners Up St. Killian’s DSD, Clonskeagh, Dublin
Ulster Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Dun na nGall
Munster Carrigtwohill Community College, Cork
Leinster St. Killian’s DSD, Clonskeagh, Dublin
Connacht Dunmore Community School, Galway
FAI Schools First Year Boys
National Champions St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork
National Runners Up Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana, Donegal
Ulster Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana, Donegal
Munster St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork
Leinster St. Benildus College, Stillorgan, Dublin
Connacht Coláiste Chiaráin, Athlone, Westmeath
FAI Schools First Year 'B' Boys
National Champions Castleisland Community College, Kerry
National Runners Up Largy College, Clones, Monaghan
Ulster Largy College, Clones, Monaghan
Munster Castleisland Community College, Kerry
Leinster Gaelcholaiste na Mara, Arklow, Wicklow
Connacht Clifden Community School, Galway
FAI Schools First Year Girls
National Champions Presentation College, Athenry, Galway
National Runners Up Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny
Ulster Moville Community College, Donegal
Munster Presentation Secondary School, Thurles
Leinster Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny
Connacht Presentation College, Athenry, Galway
FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Girls
National Champions Crana College, Buncrana, Donegal
National Runners Up St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo
Ulster Crana College, Buncrana, Donegal
Munster Carrigtwohill Community College, Cork
Leinster Gaelcholáiste Ceatharlach, Carlow
Connacht St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo
