The FAI Schools Class of 2025 were honoured with the Under 18 Boys’ International Cap Presentation taking place in FAI HQ, Abbotstown last weekend (29th/30th November 2025).
This event coincided with this year’s FAI Schools Under 18 Boys’ Interprovincial Tournament which kick started their international selection process twelve months ago.
It was an extraordinary weekend for two scholars, having been capped last season and currently involved in Interprovincial action as Jack SWEENEY (Merlin College, Galway) and James MORAHAN (St. Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway) were lining out for Connacht. The Galway duo was still eligible for Centenary Shield selection this season, having experienced a mix of emotions last year.
It was also a special day for the Lynch Family from Sligo with Callum receiving his international cap, following in his brother Adam’s footsteps as he lined out for the Irish Schools in 2019.
In fact, the four Lynch brothers all featured for Connacht over the years starring for the renowned Summerhill College; namely Callum (2023 + 2024), Gavin (2022), Bryan (2018 + 2019), and Adam (2018). Connacht won the tournament in 2018 which gives some bragging rights to Adam and Brian. The province was under the stewardship of then Coach Alan Murphy (St. Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway) who has been promoted to International Head Coach this season.
INTERNATIONAL REVIEW
The Republic of Ireland Schools enjoyed a 3-1 victory over Australia in an International Friendly at Home Farm FC in mid-January. Summerhill College grad Callum LYNCH knocking in a brace while Jack SWEENEY converted a third for the Republic of Ireland. The Australian’s named Ireland Captain Alain KIZENGA (St. Mac Dara’s Community College, Templeogue) as their Player of the Match following his sterling defensive performance.
The SAFIB Centenary Shield followed next with an opening day defeat to Wales in Tramore on March 20, losing out by a solitary goal. Despite the agonising defeat, Irish skipper Alain KIZENGA was announced as Player of the Match, the Templeogue lad led the line brilliantly for the hosts.
Unfortunately, the Irish experienced another setback with a slender 1-0 loss away to Scotland on March 28. Rhys KNIGHT picking up Player of the Match for his versatility during this crunch encounter.
Two games that Ireland were unlucky not to get a result from or at least a draw to attribute to their outstanding endeavours.
Their fortunes improved with a superb 6-2 win over Northern Ireland in the penultimate outing in Athlone on April 11. Super-sub Jack SWEENEY came off the bench to score a hat-trick late on as well as goals from Adam BRENNAN (Hartstown Community School), Rhys KNIGHT (Clonkeen College, Blackrock), and Sam NEVILLE (Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge). It wasn’t surprising that SWEENEY claimed the POTM accolade for his wonderful goal-scoring prowess.
The Shield series concluded with a hard fought 2-1 win over England in Athlone on April 24. Adam BRENNAN and Jack SWEENEY with the vital strikes. Matt JONES (St. Flannan’s College, Ennis) was named Player of the Match that evening. The youngster was in phenomenal form following a bruising clash.
The Republic of Ireland finished mid-table with 6 points from two wins and two defeats. The 2025 SAFIB Centenary Shield was won by Scotland with eight points secured from 2 wins and 2 draws. The tartan army’s biggest victory in the series came in their first outing at home to England, with a 6-2 whopping of the visitors.
SCHOOLS’ INTERNATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
The management staff nominated Adam BRENNAN, Rhys KNIGHT, and Alain KIZENGA for International Schools’ Player of the Year at the end of the season. Clonkeen College starlet Rhys KNIGHT was named the winner, picking up the prestigious award f0llowing some tough opposition.
COACHING STAFF
It was a poignant occasion with FAI Schools Chairman Robert Moran (Salesian College, Celbridge) paying tribute to St. Eunan’s College mentor Ollie Horgan who sadly passed away at the end of August. Horgan was a valuable member of the Schools International coaching staff for sixteen seasons having held the position of Coach, Manager and Performance Analyst during his illustrious time with the Association. Although these players only worked with Ollie over the course of the season, he was a formidable force, leaving a memorable impact on their young careers.
Moran also paid tribute to former Head Coach Derek O’Brien (Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore) whose tenure with FAI Schools has come to a completion. Derek made an immense contribution to the coaching staff during his four-year tenure.
O’Brien was also involved in the international setup since 2018 having come through the provincial ranks with Munster. He served seven years with the province; Munster winning the Interprovincial title in his second season, back in 2012. The winning team included such players as Alan BROWNE (Nagle Community College), Kynan ROCKS (Christian Brothers College, Cork), Dessie HUTCHINSON (De La Salle College, Waterford) and Captain Anthony O’DONNELL (Carrigaline Community School). On his departure from the role, Derek remarked, ‘It has been a very enjoyable few years with Munster and FAI Schools. Last year was a very successful year in terms of development for the staff and certainly the players involved. Congratulations to the students recognised this afternoon. It will be great to follow the careers of these players going forward and I wish them well in their academic and sporting futures.
Sadly, the Schools’ International landscape will never be same again without our colleague and dear friend Ollie Horgan. He was an incredible character in the dressing room and a versatile coach on the sidelines who gave so much of his time to these young players. We’ll hold close the memories created over the years’.
PRESENTATION CEREMONY
A total of 21 players were recognised on Saturday afternoon having been selected to represent their School at International level last season.
The schools select came from a total of 17 different schools in 11 varies counties; with 3 Galway institutes having six students represented, Dublin (3 schools), Kildare (2), Sligo (2), Waterford, Kerry, Clare, Cavan, Donegal, Mayo, and Limerick (1 each). CONGRATULATIONS to the players on their marvelous sporting achievements. An historic milestone in their young footballing careers.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS SELECT | Kyle GABBIDON (Coola Post Primary School, Sligo), Sam NEVILLE, Ethan CHEESE (both Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge), Aaron CASS (Abbey Community College, Ferrybank), Alain KIZENGA © (St. Mac Dara’s Community College, Templeogue), Jacob CARROLL, James MORAHAN, MacDaragh SCANLON, Billy REGAN (all St. Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway), Luke DOOLAN (St. Brendan’s College, Killarney), Jack SWEENEY (Merlin College, Galway), Adam NOLAN (Maynooth Community College), Fionn McNAMARA (St. Patrick’s College, Cavan), Rhys KNIGHT (Clonkeen College, Blackrock), Callum LYNCH (Summerhill College, Sligo), Matt JONES (St. Flannan’s College, Ennis), Oisín KELLY (Ballyhaunis Community School), Jayden O’DONOVAN (St. Clement’s College, Limerick), Eoin HANNON (Presentation College, Athenry), Daniel CUNNINGHAM (Coláiste na Carraige, Carrick, Donegal), Adam BRENNAN (Hartstown Community School)
