FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Boys National Cup FINAL (Under 15, Small Schools)
Glenamaddy Community School 2-1 Coláiste Ghlór na Mara, Baile Brigín
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 on Tuesday afternoon.
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 through midfield 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 led 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 the hardworking 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’ National Cup Final when it was last contested in 2019.
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’ Cup 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)
