The Schools Section is coordinated by Gerard Dunne. Ian Carry is the Schools Development Officer and Diane Fay is the National Executive Administrative Officer. The main programmes run by the schools section at Primary Schools Level are Buntús, EA Sports 5-a-Side, Futsal and coaching sessions. At Post Primary level the following programmes are available: Futsal, Transition Year Coach and Referee Education, Volunteer Education and coaching sessions. Teacher Training courses are provided in most of the third level colleges and available to all teachers.
St. Eunan's capture All Ireland Minor title
UMBRO FAI Schools Minor Boys All Ireland Cup Final (U15)
May 2, 2012
St. Eunan's College, Letterkenny 1-0 De La Salle College, Waterford
Kieran McPherson (40)
ST. EUNAN'S COLLEGE, LETTERKENNY secured an All Ireland double Cup success after their U-15 side were crowned Umbro FAI Schools All Ireland Minor Boys Champions this afternoon following a pulsating tie with their old rivals De La Salle College of Waterford at the Oscar Traynor Complex, Coolock.
A solitary goal from Kieran McPherson shortly after the interval ensured a double All Ireland success for his School.
The U-17 side had already managed to capture the Junior Cup thanks to a 3-1 win over De La Salle at the same venue some seven days previously (April 24). Chris Flanagan had opened the scoring for the Ulster outfit inside ten minutes and the lead was doubled six minutes later as Cathal McDaid made it two without reply. Waterford's International star Connor Whittle brought it back to just a one goal deficit with four minutes remaining to ensure a nervous ending to a closely fought encounter. However it was to be St. Eunan's day as substitute Michael Millar made it 3-1 in the dying minutes of the game to secure the title for Letterkenny.
The DLS mentor's Moore and Nevin made two changes to the team that defeated St. Joseph's College, Galway in extra time of their All Ireland semi final decider as Eddie Meaney replaced Aidan Holden and Eoin Daly was called ahead of Kyle Collins for this Minor Cup tie.
The first half remained scoreless despite some excellent passages of play in the opening quarter. The deadlock was thanks to some superior goalkeeping from both sides. There was nothing between the finalists in the first thirty minutes and it would need a moment of magic to gift one of these two teams the win.
Eunan's sharp shooters Oisin Hassett and Kieran McPherson were given the green light this afternoon having netted in their All Ireland semi final tie two weeks previously against Ratoath College and McPherson was again on hand to bring the Cup up North.
The moment of magic came ten minutes into the second half as the Letterkenny native netted for the Saints following an excellent turn in the box and coolly slotted into the bottom corner to give Horgan's side the advantage.
Waterford's No. 1 Stephen Doheny was called into action minutes later as he palmed off Ciaran Maloney's attempt while the rebound fell to Patrick Driver who blazed the ball over the upright scorning the chance to double the Eunan's lead.
Driver and McPherson linked well in the build up, to yet another, well executed manoeuvre which saw the Eunan's goal scorer go one and one with the Waterford net minder. The keeper pulled off another wonderful save to deny the Donegal youngster.
It was the turn of Letterkenny keeper to shine as it was end to end action midway through the second half.
De La Salle went agonisingly close to securing an equaliser only for Aaron O'Connor's screamer to drift just wide of the post following excellent position play from Rory Carr in goal.
A lightning shot from the lively Luke Doherty was saved bravely from 'keeper Carr as the game came to life.
A counter attack from the St. Eunan's front men saw McPherson feed Maloney with a sweet left footed pass from midfield. Maloney just couldn't compose himself in front of goal as his effort sailed inches over the crossbar.
De La Salle substitute Kyle Collins was gifted another wonderful opportunity to equalise in the dying minutes of the game but again Rory Carr was on hand to master an incredible save.
Both shot stoppers had superb games and can be credited for keeping their school in contention as a brace of chances were scorned late on.
Heartfelt disappointment for the De La Salle lads who lost their second consecutive shot at All Ireland glory this season
But it was scenes of joy for the Eunan's supporters who made the long journey to the Capital to see Captain Ciaran Maloney lift the Cup marking a magnificent year for the Letterkenny School.
DE LA SALLE COLLEGE, WATERFORD: Stephen Doheny, Chris Thomas, Dylan McGuire, Roy Butler, Eddie Meaney, Robert Ryan, Luke Doherty, Hayden Galibert, Eoin Daly, Aaron O' Connor, Dean Walsh
Subs used: Kyle Collins (for Dean Walsh, 40), Jack Power (for Hayden Galibert, 55), Conor Dalton (for Eoin Daly, inj.)
Other subs: Craig Dunphy, Aidan Holden, Calum O'Neill, Darragh Morgan, Luke Nolan, John O'Donoghue
Teachers: Mark Moore and Paidi Nevin
ST. EUNAN'S COLLEGE, LETTERKENNY: Rory Carr, Nathan McElwaine, Darragh Harper, Liam Blaney, Darragh McWalters, Oisin Hassett, Paul O Brien, Ciaran Maloney, Kieran Mc Pherson, Patrick Diver, Caolan McDaid
Subs: Luke Nelis, Cormac Cannon, Ryan McLaughlin, Sam Murphy, Shea McElwaine, Sean Crossan, Oisin O Boyle
Teachers: Ollie Horgan and Michael Kelly
REFEREE: David Davidson
Can your club become the “Road to Poland” Champions?
The Football Association of Ireland and Dublin Local Authority partners have announced details of another major grassroots competition to celebrate the Republic of Ireland’s qualification for Euro 2012.
Read more: Can your club become the “Road to Poland” Champions?
Ireland are runners up in Bob Docherty Cup
April 5, 2012
For the second year running the Republic of Ireland's Under-15 Girls Schools side had a disappointing result to their border rivals in the final game of the Bob Docherty Cup after they were beaten 1-2 by Northern Ireland on day four of the tournament which was held at the impressive AUL Complex this afternoon (April 5)
Ireland are runners up in Bob Docherty Cup
April 5, 2012
For the second year running the Republic of Ireland's Under-15 Girls Schools side had a disappointing result to their border rivals in the final game of the Bob Docherty Cup after they were beaten 1-2 by Northern Ireland on day four of the tournament which was held at the impressive AUL Complex this afternoon (April 5)
The Republic of Ireland made the perfect start to their campaign when they defeated the Metropolitan Girls League (MGL) FAI Selection on Monday evening having come from a goal behind to score the equaliser in the dying minutes of the game to take the match to penalties. Jason Carey’s side remained calm and confident and this confidence paid dividends as they emerged victories on a 4-2 score-line following the dreaded spot kicks.
Day 2 of the tournament saw reigning Champions Northern Ireland take on Scotland while Wales and England did battle.
The Republic of Ireland management trio of Jason Carey (St. Mac Dara’s CC, Templeogue), Richelle O’Neill (Colaiste Choilm, Tullamore) and Margaret Mulhall (Moville CC) watched on in anticipation as Northern Ireland began the defence of their title against a strong Scottish side.
A five goal thriller ensued with Noel Mitchell’s side enjoying the spoils and thus ensuring Northern Ireland’s quest for the two in a row. The Northerners scored with minutes to go in the second half to edge past Scotland 3-2 and take the vital three points on offer.
Northern Ireland got off to the perfect start following just three minutes of play. The versatile Aimee Mackin sent a cracker of a shot past Scotland keeper Lauren Dawson to open proceedings.
An excellent reply from Scotland saw them draw level as Brogan Anderson crossed the ball into Cassie Cowper who made no mistake with the header.
Scotland then found their rhythm as they took the lead with a beautiful chip shot from Haylie Sinclair.
It wasn’t long before Northern Ireland regrouped and clinched an equalizer before the interval. It was another powerful strike from Aimee Mackin.
The second half started quickly as the two teams went looking for the lead. Both sides had some excellent chances but neither could capitalize until the final two minutes of the game.
It was Aimee Mackin again who scored another well taken goal for her afternoon hat-trick.
The second of Tuesday’s fixtures saw the game go again to penalties as Wales and England ended the game all square (1-1) following normal time. England were in remarkable form as they secured the points with a 4-5 result following the dead ball situation.
NORTHERN IRELAND just edging the league table following day two of competitive play with England and the Republic of Ireland in hot pursuit.
The Republic of Ireland’s second and penultimate game of the tournament kicked off on a blustery Wednesday morning.
The wind provided an immense challenge for both teams but a must win situation added to the day’s events. Carey’s crew had control of the ball and pressed into the English half at every opportunity. The tactic was attack and that they did. Megan Connolly was a danger feared by the opposition and Sabrina Roach was given the task of marking Connolly.
Moville’s Roma McLaughlin served Christ King student Connolly from the right wing following a burst of speed down the flanks. However Connolly was too eager and the flag went up for offside with five minutes played.
Three minutes later, the Republic of Ireland Schools side were awarded a free kick. Coláiste Dhulaigh student Countney Higgins crossed into the lively Roma McLaughlin in space. Connolly waited patiently on the left side of midfield to put a final touch on the ball which was delivered with perfection. Connolly gracefully placed the ball past the keeper into the net to provide the Republic with a much merited first of the afternoon.
The partnership of McLaughlin and Connolly was working well for the Republic. Another chance was created for Connolly who spied the ball with patience and precision however missed it with her right peg.
Only moments later Swords student Megan Lynch had a superior chance on goal however her shot breezed past the post much to the frustration of the large contingency that watched on.
The Republic of Ireland gifted a free kick to the English as they eagerly awaited a chance to attack the goal which Holy Family SS student Brooke Dunne protected. Alysha Stojko-Down endeavoured to reap the benefits of Ireland’s mistake but her shot went right of the post.
England’s finest efforts yielded little success for an equaliser as the interval approached.
Listowel native Savannah McCarthy dominated midfield and created immense pressure for the English defence which proved too difficult in the end.
England started the brighter in the second period. Asia Harbour Brown was gifted two free kicks in quick succession following the first ten minutes played. Neither of her shots was to benefit the English after the first ball was cleared well over Dunne’s crossbar, while her second attempt was delivered straight into the goalkeepers hands.
The Republic of Ireland’s back four proved too difficult for the attacking prowess of the English girls.
Megan Connolly again rattled the English net following some great link play with Munster colleague Savannah McCarthy. The final score 2-0 to the Republic of Ireland.
The Scots got the first three points of their campaign with a solid performance over the FAI select (MGL) with a 2-0 advantage in the second of the day’s fixtures AND Noel Mitchell’s Northern Ireland proved too strong for Wales as they gained a 3-1 win in the remaining fixture of the day.
The reigning Champions still well in contention to retain the title with just the host’s, the Republic of Ireland providing the opposition at the final stages.
It was a fast paced affair as the final game kicked off in the Dublin sunshine on day four of the tournament.
The Republic of Ireland created the first chance of the game as a snap shot from Megan Connolly saw her effort spring over the woodwork. Connolly was proving difficult to manage as the North attempted to scorn her advances.
There were some solid chances for the Republic of Ireland outfit as Roma McLaughlin and Megan Connolly linked up well together however Emma McFarland and Amy McGivern were equally equipped to manage the duo’s attempts on goal.
The midfield tussle was proving entertaining as Savannah McCarthy and Chloe McCarron contested every ball. Carey’s contingency looked the more impressive and their hard work up front was rewarded as Connolly was brought down outside the box. McCarthy struck the ball excellently but her effort flew wide of the target.
Northern Ireland then went on the counter attack as Chloe McGlade and Annie Timoney linked up well to cut through the Republic’s midfield.
With just two minutes remaining of the first half, it was Christ the King Girls SS star Megan Connolly that missed a wonderful opportunity to advance the Republic’s stalemate. Connolly found herself with time and space outside the box and sent a rocket of a shot goal ward. Keeper Jacqueline Burns was on hand to make a terrific save.
The deadlocked remained with the first half reaching a pulsating conclusion.
The second period saw much more of the same as a high quality game developed.
It was first blood to Northern Ireland as they were awarded a penalty mid way through the second half.
Chloe McGlade appeared to have been brought down inside the area. Up stepped goal machine Aimee Mackin who coolly slotted the ball down the middle of the goal passed Brooke Dunne.
Subsequently Ireland went on the attack to level proceedings however a mix up in midfield gave possession back to the opposition. A string of decent passes saw Chloe McGlade slot it pass the keeper to increase their lead to two.
The Republic of Ireland remained alert to the possibility of a comeback and dominated much of the possession in the final third.
Their hard work was rewarded late in the game when Ferrybank’s Zoe Power latched onto a ball from Courtney Higgins to pull one back for the hosts.
The Republic of Ireland were awarded a corner deep into injury time to add to the excitement of the tie but unfortunately Carey’s side couldn’t convert the opportunity.
The Republic of Ireland will have felt unlucky not to have forced a draw however the Champions hold onto their title for another year. Final score at the AUL, 1-2 to Northern Ireland, a second consecutive victory in the tournament for a Noel Mitchell’s side
In the day’s other matches, Scotland saw off England with an excellent performance to win 4-0. While Wales narrowly defeated the FAI Select (Metropolitan Girls League) side 2-1.
END
Reports & images courtesy of Lorraine Counihan and Dean Brownless
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U15’s: Brooke Dunne (Holy Family SS, Newbridge), Keeva Keenan (St. Michael’s SS, Finglas), Courtney Higgins (Coláiste Dhulaigh PP School, Coolock), Lauren Kealy (St. Wolstan’s CS, Celbridge), Zoe Power (Abbey CS, Ferrybank) Emma Byrne (Jesus & Mary College, Our Lady’s Grove), Roma McLaughlin (Moville CC), Savannah McCarthy (Presentation SS, Listowel) Megan Connolly (Christ the King Girls’ SS, Cork) Sarah Jane McDonald (Moville CC), Megan Lynch (St. Finian’s CC, Swords), Chloe Murphy (Holy Family CS, Rathcoole), Aoife Walsh (Dominican College, Taylor’s Hill, Galway) Danielle Caldwell (Davitts College, Castlebar) Evvie Lowndes (Colaiste Iognaid, Gaillimh), Lucy Ashmore (St. Gerald’s School, Bray), Eleanor Ryan Doyle (St. Joseph’s College, Lucan), Nicole Gordon (Carndonagh CS).
MANAGEMENT: Jason Carey (St. Mac Dara’s CC, Templeogue), Richelle O’Neill (Colaiste Choilm, Tullamore), Margaret Mulhall (Moville CC), Gareth Coakley (GK Coach), Dr. Fionnuala Quigley (Doctor), Ciara Fannan (Physio), Dean Brownless (Team Administrator).
NORTHERN IRELAND: Jacqueline Burns, Emma McFarland, Hannah Doherty, Amy McGivern, Clara Mulvenna, Abbie Burnett, Chelsea Myles, Chloe McCarron, Chloe McGlade, Annie Timoney, Aimee Mackin, Shannon McAuley, Amy Burden, Victoria Carleton, Taylor Wright, Samantha Kelly, Sarah Connolly, Naomi Morton.
SCOTLAND: Lauren Dawson, Taylor Watson, Rachel Ross, Cassie Cowper, Courtney Whyte, Niamh Johnstone, Georgie Rafferty, Haylie Sinclair, Alyshia Walker, Abigail Harrison, Cailin Mitchie, Erin Cuthbert, Amy Lynch, Lia Tweedie, Becky Flaherty, Brogan Anderson, Louise Brown, Carla Jackson.
ENGLAND: Megan Clarkson, Chelsea Jukes, Sheldon Ashton, Courtney Owen, Chloe Chapman, Honor Cantrell, Rebecca Lloyd, Rhian O’Callaghan, Shayla Burgess, Emily Marsh, Sabrina Roach, Molly Wheeler, Amber Tullet, Alysha Stojka-Down, Asis Harbour Brown, Holly Jackman, Deyger Zekai, Evie Clarke
FAI SELECT (Metropolitan Girls League): Stacey Grimes, Becky Cassin, Cliona Crammond, Georgina Canavan, Amy Corcoran, Rachel Doyle, Shauna Bates, Hayley Nolan, Olivia Flanagan, Aisling Driver, Helen Doyle, Riona Cullen, Naoimi Clare, Jess Corr, Shianne Swarez, Jessica Gargan, Jessica Johnston, Aisling Byrne, Jess Hunt, Niamh Barnes, Chelsea Spain, Avril Brierley
WALES: Erin Brenna, Mared Jones, Olivia Fuller, Hannah Sluck, Lowri Ridings, Fiona Dodge, Nia Jones, Shauna Pentney, Charlie Estcourt, Kelsey Davies, Francesca Curteis, Laura Mitchell, Chloe Hughes, Emily Curteis, Louisha Doran, Katy Hosford, Lois Regan, Mollie Jones
BOB DOCHERTY CUP RESULTS
Monday, April 2
Republic of Ireland 1-1 FAI Select (MGL) (Republic win 4-2 on pens)
Tuesday, April 3
Scotland 2-3 Northern Ireland
Wales 1-1 England (England win 4-5 on pens)
Wednesday, April 4
Republic of Ireland 2-0 England
Scotland 2-0 FAI Select (MGL)
Wales 1-3 Northern Ireland
Thursday, April 5
Scotland 4-0 England
Wales 2-1 FAI Select (MGL)
Republic of Ireland 1-2 Northern Ireland
WINNERS: Northern Ireland
Irish Schools take on Northern Ireland in Limerick
Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland
Friday, March 16, 2012, Pike Rovers FC, KO 3pm
Pike Rovers FC will play host to the Republic of Ireland Schools' team as they take on their counterparts Northern Ireland in the opening game of their Centenary Shield campaign on Friday, March 16 (KO 3pm)
Read more: Irish Schools take on Northern Ireland in Limerick
Moville stage comeback against Eureka to win semi-final 3-2...
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