There was a wide geographic spread of the seven National Cup Champions with the conclusion of the 2026 FAI Schools Primary 5s National Finals at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday.
Schools from Donegal (2), Limerick, Tipperary, Westmeath, Offaly, and Galway were triumphant on a memorable day for all involved.
Tang NS, Westmeath (‘A’ Cup), Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail, Moville, Inishowen, Donegal (Girls ‘A’ Cup), St. Colmcille’s PS, Templemore, Tipperary (‘B’ Cup), Scoil Cholmáin Naofa, Mucklagh, Offaly (Girls ‘B’ Cup), Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh, Gaillimh (‘C’ Cup), Scoil Íosagáin, Buncrana, Inishowen, Donegal (Girls ‘C’ Cup), and Catherine McAuley School, Limerick (Football for All Cup) were the big winners on a massive day out for their local communities.
We also had four schools taking part in the Football for All participation category with Scoil Eoin, Crumlin, Dublin, Holy Family School for the Deaf, Cabra, Dublin, Catherine McAuley School, Limerick (B Team) and St. Aengus’ NS, Bridgend, Donegal getting to play on the hallowed turf of the Aviva Stadium in a fun participation initiative with everyone a winner.
This year the programme featured 1,961 schools with a total of 47,760 children participating which was a new record for the Primary 5s Programme, that has been in existence since the mid-1990s.
The 32 qualifying teams from 29 schools had come through four months of fun filled nationwide activity. The journey began with their local County events, Regional and / or Provincial qualifiers to reach this stage of the competition with huge excitement at the climax of the competition.
The 256 children who were lining out, put in some stylish performances in front of a crowd of over 2,000 supporters.
Minster of State with Special Responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue was in attendance as an interested party as his son Liam was lining out for St. Aengus’ NS, Bridgend, Donegal. Their first time participating at this level in the competition.
Let’s see how the schools got on!
‘A’ Cup
Tang NS, Westmeath were in phenomenal form with three wins from three in an otherwise pulsating and closely fought grouping. The Leinster Champions were clear winners, scoring thirteen goals in three games, only conceding six. Gavin Higgins and Daithí Murray both had their shooting boots on with some exceptional goals scored. It was no surprise that Higgins picked up the Player of the Tournament in this division following the conclusion of the contest.
The other three teams had to play out a three-way penalty shoot-out to decide the rankings in a tense finale. All three sides finished level on three points apiece. A total of 13 penalties were taken with 11 converted. Scoil Cholmaín Tuairíní, held their nerve to see off Knockanore NS when Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail went out in the earlier round of spot kicks.
Meaning Scoil Cholmáin Tuairíní, Gaillimh secured silver while Knockanore NS, Waterford collected third and Ulster side Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail had to settle for fourth. A fabulously entertaining showcase for schools’ football with some real teamwork on display.
‘A’ Cup
Winner Tang NS, Westmeath
Runner Up Scoil Cholmáin Tuairíní, Gaillimh
Third Knockanore NS, Waterford
Fourth Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail, Moville, Inishowen, Donegal
Player of the Tournament | Gavin Higgins, Tang NS, Westmeath
RESULTS
Knockanore NS 2-0 Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail
The Gaelscoil keeper Oisin O’Nuáin pulled off three big saves in the first half for the Moville men but Seán Spillane was exceptional with his brace to take the points on offer for the Waterford side.
Tang NS 3-2 SN Tuairíní
A Gavin Higgins brace as well as a goal from Daithí Murray cancelled out Luke MacDonncha’s brace to give the Westmeath school a narrow victory.
SN Tuairíní 2-0 Knockanore NS
Luke MacDonncha and Jacob Ó Súilleabháin were on target for the Galway scholars in this exciting encounter.
Tang NS 5-2 Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail
Rory Brennan netted himself a hat-trick while Gavin Higgins snatched another brace as Tang NS turned on the style. Callum Mac Leannacháin was in superb form with a Moville goal spree.
Knockanore NS 2-5 Tang NS
Another excellent performance from Seán Spillane saw him convert twice for Knockanore while Gavin Higgins (3), and Daithí Murray (2) netted for Tang.
SN Tuairíní 3-5 Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail
A brilliant five goal thriller finished off the final series of games with Luke Mac Donncha (2) and Jacob Ó Súilleabháin on the scoresheet for the Munster Champions while Callum Mac Leannacháin’s hat-trick was complimented by goals from Jack Mac an Ghoill and Seán MacLochlann to secure the points for Gaelscoil and go out on a high with a well worked victory.
Girls ‘A’ Cup
Inishowen starlets Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail, Moville overcame their competitors with two wins from three in another hotly contested category. The side needed a real team effort to get over the line and record an historic victory. The Donegal pupils lost to Lankill NS in their opening game (1-2) but bounced back confidently with victories over Kilbeg NS, Meath (5-3) and Cloneen NS, Tipperary (2-0). It was double celebrations for the Moville crew as the talented Grace Nic Congail was announced as Player of the Tournament.
Silver medallists were decided on a play-off with both Lankill NS and Cloneen NS finishing level on four points each and drawing one apiece in their fixture. The Connacht stars were calm, cool, and collected as they saw off the Tipperary girls in a nervy end to their day’s activities.
Kilbeg NS collected bronze with a fourth-place finish, concluding on a high with a win in their last outing. There were some notable performances from several players as the brief synopsis below will attest to.
Girls ‘A’ Cup
Winner Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail, Moville, Inishowen, Donegal
Runner Up Lankill NS, Mayo
Third Cloneen NS, Tipperary
Fourth Kilbeg NS, Meath
Player of the Tournament | Grace Nic Congail, Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail, Moville, Inishowen, Donegal
RESULTS
Cloneen NS 2-1 Kilbeg NS
Alanna Slattery’s brace cancelling out Abbie Jackson’s strike as Cloneen enjoyed an opening day win.
Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail 1-2 Lankill NS
Aobh Ní hÍr scored for Moville while Áine Hughes netted twice for a brilliant win for Lankill.
Lankill NS 1-1 Cloneen NS
Áine Hughes was again on target for the Connacht Champions while Áine O’Halloran struck for the Tipp gang to see the sides end level.
Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail 5-3 Kilbeg NS
A Grace Nic Congail hat-trick as well as a Aobh Ní hÍr brace did the job for Moville while Abbie Jackson converted a trio for Kilbeg in an epic eight goal thriller.
Cloneen NS 0-2 Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail
Isla Ní Airmhí and Grace Nic Congail converted for Gaelscoil to see them record another back-to-back win.
Lankill NS 1-2 Kilbeg NS
Áine Hughes converting for Lankill while Abbie Jackson was on target twice for the Meath students to ensure a nice finish to the day’s events for Kilbeg.
‘B’ Cup
St. Colmcille’s Primary School, Templemore, Tipperary netted wins in their opening two campaigns with a fine victory over Letterkenny’s Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin (5-3) as well as Scoil Éanna, Bullaun (4-1) while they drew two all with Wexford side SN Mhuire of Barntown in their last match. The Tipp school finishing their campaign on seven points while their nearest rivals were Bullaun and Barntown with four points each. They were only separated by their head-to-head encounter as the Galway team defeated Wexford 3-2 to claim silver. SN Mhuire, Barntown with a third-place finish while Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin came fourth.
What a day for Tommy Bourke, St. Colmcille’s PS, Templemore, Tipperary as he was selected as the Player of the Tournament. His goalscoring prowess was evident to see, scoring in every game. A total of 7 goals converted
There was some stand out games in this group with plenty of goals to keep the fans engaged all afternoon.
B’ Cup
Winner St. Colmcille’s PS, Templemore, Tipperary
Runner Up Scoil Éanna, Bullaun, Galway
Third SN Mhuire, Barntown, Wexford
Fourth Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin, Leitir Ceanainn, Dun na nGall
Player of the Tournament | Tommy Bourke, St. Colmcille’s PS, Templemore, Tipperary
RESULTS
St. Colmcille’s PS 5-3 Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin
What an opening game to kick start proceedings with eight goals amassed. Tommy Bourke converting four while John Maher grabbed the other for St. Colmcille’s. The mighty Gaelscoil saw Cian Mac Gonagail and a Michéal O’Fearáin brace from the Captain.
SN Mhuire, Barntown 2-3 Scoil Eanna, Bullaun
It what proved to be a crucial game in this group, Scoil Éanna got the valuable win in their opening fixture. David Cummins with Barntown’s goals while Caleb Pollock netted a hat-trick in stunning fashion.
Scoil Eanna, Bulluan 1-4 St. Colmcille’s PS
After such a positive start, the Bulluan boys suffered defeat at the hands of the talented Templemore students. Goalscorers for St. Colmcille’s included Tommy Bourke (2), John Maher, and Alex Russell while Caleb Pollock converted for the Galway side.
SN Mhuire, Barntown 5-1 Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin
Barntown recorded a win in their penultimate fixture with Dara Halpenny scoring a hat-trick, with further goals from Ross Farrell-Hore and Paddy Stafford. Riley Ó Cuilinn with a super effort for the Letterkenny lads.
St. Colmcille’s PS 2-2 SN Mhuire, Barntown
It was an exciting clash in the fifth series of games. Tommy Bourke and Alex Russell with the goals for the Saints while David Cummins and Ethan Grant equalled the scoring tally for SN Mhuire.
Scoil Eanna, Bullaun 2-2 Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin
Another brilliant conclusion to the group with Ballaun and Gaelscoil sharing the points. Darragh Winters and Caleb Pollock with the goals for Scoil Éanna while Riley Ó Cuilinn and Ciaran Ó Cuinneagáin grabbed the honours for Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin.
Girls ‘B’ Cup
Scoil Cholmáin Naofa, Mucklagh, Offaly were clear winners in this grouping with victories over Piltown NS (3-1), Raphoe Central NS (3-1), and Breaffy NS (1-0) to take the title.
Breaffy NS and Raphoe Central NS finished on four points apiece, so their head-to-head was the deciding factor for second spot. It was the last fixture in the six-match series and Raphoe scored late on to snatch silver. Meaning the Mayo girls came a gallant third by the tightest of margins while Piltown NS of Waterford picked up fourth.
Scoil Cholmáin Naofa’s ace in the pack was Alice Cunningham who scored some wonderful goals in all their games netting six in total to ensure the trophy lift at the end of the day. It was no surprise to see her collect the Player of the Tournament gong for her sensational achievements.
Girls ‘B’ Cup
Winner Scoil Cholmáin Naofa, Mucklagh, Offaly
Runner Up Raphoe Central NS, Donegal
Third Breaffy NS, Mayo
Fourth Piltown NS, Waterford
Player of the Tournament | Alice Cunningham, Scoil Cholmáin Naofa, Mucklagh, Offaly
RESULTS
Piltown NS 1-5 Raphoe Central NS
The Donegal outfit came charging out of the blocks with the Caldwell’s converting all five goals for Raphoe. Amanda with a hat-trick and Catherine with a brace while Elisa Frisby netted for Piltown. A scintillating tie to begin proceedings.
Scoil Cholmáin Naofa 1-0 Breaffy NS
The second fixture in this group was too close to call as Alice Cunningham’s solitary goal was the deciding factor in this tense duel.
Breaffy NS 3-2 Piltown NS
Lucy Murphy was on target with three for Breaffy as the youngster showed her magic while Piltown’s Keeley Power demonstrated her class with two.
Scoil Cholmain Naofa 3-1 Raphoe Central NS
Mucklagh’s star Alice Cunningham converting her hat-trick while Catherine Caldwell scored Raphoe’s only goal in a fabulous Cup tie.
Piltown NS 1-3 Scoil Cholmáin Naofa
Elisa Frisby slotted home for Piltown while Alice Cunningham (2) and Grace Cooney grabbed the headlines for the Offaly students.
Breaffy NS 1-2 Raphoe Central NS
Lucy Murphy was again on song for Breaffy while a crucial brace for Catherine Caldwell snatched them the valuable points late on.
‘C’ Cup
Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh, Gaillimh had a clean sweep of victories, remaining undefeated on the day. They came out the right side of a 1-0 clash with Leinster kingpins St. Laurence in the opening exchanges while they followed this up with a 4-2 win over Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyside and concluded with a fiercely contested 3-2 victory against Buncrana boys Scoil Íosagáin. There were some close encounters but with nine points from nine accumulated, they were crowned ‘C’ Cup Champions
Greystones pupils St. Laurence NS finished their campaign with two wins, leaving them on six points while their counterparts Scoil Mhuire came away with third with one win and Scoil Iosagain collected a bronze for their fourth-place finish.
Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh’s talisman’s Cuán MacGearailt was the star of the show and was chosen as Player of the Tournament with his masterclass pitch-side.
‘C’ Cup
Winner Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh, Gaillimh
Runner Up St. Laurence NS, Greystones, Wicklow
Third Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyside, Tipperary
Fourth Scoil Íosagáin, Buncrana, Inishowen, Donegal
Player of the Tournament | Cuán MacGearailt, Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh, Gaillimh
RESULTS
Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyside 4-1 Scoil Íosagáin
The Tipperary scholars made a good impression in their first outing. They took the points on offer with a Tadhg Nolan hat-trick as well as a further goal from Jarlath Hurney while Eoin O’Hagan converted with a great strike for the Buncrana outfit.
St. Laurence NS 0-1 Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh
Mathis Vaux scored the only goal of the game giving the Galway lads a narrow victory in their opening game.
Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh 4-2 Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyside
An unbelievable six goal thriller came in the third round with Aidan Ó Muraile, Nick Ó Bairéid, James Wheatley and Jack De Brún on the scoresheet for the Gaelscoil. A gutsy team performance on display. While Jarlath Hurney and Tadhg Nolan netted for Abbeyside.
St. Laurence NS 3-1 Scoil Íosagáin
An Ely Kane brace and a Jack Doyle strike cancelled out James McKinney’s shot on target to give the Wicklow lads the points in a great game.
Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyside 1-3 St. Laurence NS
The Saints continued their winning streak with goals from Oran Guilfoyle (2) and Fionn Tilson. Abbeyside’s Sam McCarthy with a lovely finish for their only goal of the game.
Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh 3-2 Scoil Íosagáin
The final outing was a classic. Mathis Vaux and Cuán MacGearailt (2) grabbed vital goals for the Galway crew while Mark McLaughlin and James McKinney were on target for Scoil Íosagáin as the Connacht Champions saw the game out to claim the valuable points.
Girls ‘C’ Cup
Scoil Íosagáin, Buncrana, Inishowen, Donegal were crowned Champions for 2026 with two wins and a draw in their campaign. They were convincing winners over Scoil Náisiúnta Róis in their opening game while battled against Belgrove NS to come out 2-1 victors in the penultimate outing and finished drawing two apiece with St. Brigid’s NS of Limerick.
Second place went to Belgrove who’s only defeat was that narrow lose to eventual winners Scoil Íosagáin, while St. Brigid’s NS came third and Scoil Náisiúnta Róis came fourth in a brilliant occasion for all involved.
There was further delight for the Inishowen Champions when Anna Doherty was named as Player of the Tournament. A player to watch out for in the future.
Girls ‘C’ Cup
Winner Scoil Íosagáin, Buncrana, Inishowen, Donegal
Runner Up Belgrove Senior Girls NS, Clontarf, Dublin
Third St. Brigid’s NS, Limerick
Fourth Scoil Náisiúnta Róis, Taylor’s Hill, Galway
Player of the Tournament | Anna Doherty, Scoil Íosagáin, Buncrana, Inishowen, Donegal
RESULTS
St. Brigid’s NS 0-3 Belgrove SNS
The Clontarf girls made a statement early on with a Sarah Jane Brady hat-trick as the hardworking St. Brigid’s had no response.
Scoil Íosagáin 6-0 Scoil Náísiúnta Róis
A dream start for the Buncrana girls with Kaci-Rae Kelly (2), Emily McKinney (2), Farrah McLaughlin, and Anna Doherty all converting as Taylor’s Hill were left stunned despite their best efforts.
Scoil Náisiúnta Róis 1-1 St. Brigid’s NS
Edith Cunningham’s strike was cancelled out by Ruádh Moloney effort as these two teams played out a cracking draw.
Scoil Íosagáin 2-1 Belgrove SNS
What proved to be the deciding factor in this group, Scoil Íosagáin starlet Anna Doherty netted twice while Lydia O’Beirne grabbed Belgrove’s only goal.
St. Brigid’s NS 2-2 Scoil Íosagáin
Mia Hannon struck twice for St. Brigid’s as they found their groove while Emily McKinney and Anna Doherty were on target for Scoil Íosagáin
Scoil Náísiúnta Róis 3-6 Belgrove SNS
A great game to finish on with goals galore. Sarah Jane Brady (4), Laura O’Reilly and Lydia O’Beirne netting for the Dublin outfit while Marilda McGlynn, Katie McGlynn and Kayleigh Jennings got on the scoresheet for Scoil Náisiúnta Róis.
Football for All Cup
Catherine McAuley School, Limerick cruised to victory in the FFA Cup as they remained undefeated in the campaign. The Munster Champions were last crowned National winners in 2024 while runners up last season, so they have some wonderful records at this level.
Newcomers St. Peter’s Special School in Rathgar were the surprise package in this group and worth winners of the silver medal while Letterkenny ETNS came an impressive third and the talented Scoil Cholmcille were fourth.
Mikey Leo claimed the Player of the Tournament accolade for his outstanding work rate and goalscoring abilities. He is the second student from Catherine Mc Auley School to accept the prestigious award with John Dean Moran collecting the same honours twelve months previous for the school.
Football for All Cup
Winner Catherine McAuley School, Limerick (A Team)
Runner Up St. Peter’s Special School, Rathgar, Dublin
Third Letterkenny ETNS, Donegal
Fourth Scoil Cholmcille, Letterkenny, Donegal
Player of the Tournament | Mikey Leo, Catherine McAuley School, Limerick
RESULTS
St. Peter’s School 3-2 Scoil Cholmcille
Edward Dumitru, Khloe Farrell, and Jace Fowler grabbed the goals for St. Peter’s Special School in this opening match. There was an outstanding save by Olivia Gainsford in the Rathgar nets to keep them in it at 3-2 despite Kacper Zaworski’s efforts to claim a hat-trick as he had to settle for a brace for Scoil Cholmcille.
Catherine McAuley 8-2 Letterkenny ETNS
Patrick O’Dwyer (4), Mikey Leo (3), and Teon Behan were among the goalscorers for Catherine McAuley while Mason Clarke slotted home twice for Letterkenny.
Letterkenny ETNS 2-4 St. Peter’s School
Back-to-back wins for St. Peter’s School as they fought well to claim the points against an impressive Letterkenny side.
Catherine McAuley 12-4 Scoil Cholmcille
Patrick O’Dwyer and Mikey Leo were among the goalscorers in their comprehensive victory over Scoil Cholmcille.
St. Peter’s School 2-3 Catherine McAuley
Catherine McAuley dashed the hopes of St. Peter’s Rathgar when they were narrow winners over the Dublin students. A vital win to ensure the valuable points on offer and remain undefeated in the group.
Letterkenny ETNS 4-2 Scoil Cholmcille
In an all-Letterkenny affair, it was the ETNS that got the bragging rights on this occasion. Sirag Ali (3) and Mason Clarke converted for Letterkenny ETNS while Alwanda Phakathi (2) grabbed Scoil Cholmcille’s goals
