ERSS, Carrick on Suir 1-3 St. Cuan’s College, CastleblakEney (AET)
Joaquin Garcia (10), Kealan Murray (9, 63), Darragh Booth (65)
ST. CUAN’S COLLEGE, CASTLEBLAKENEY were crowned 2026 FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Boys National Cup Champions following a pulsating encounter against Edmund Rice Secondary School, Carrick on Suir in Killavilla United FC, Roscrea yesterday afternoon (Thursday, May 21).
Two quickfire goals in the opening ten minutes saw the sides at a stalemate for the remainder of the game despite some good chances from both parties to take the win! However, the versatility of both goalkeepers Sam Carmondy and Iarlaith Griffin, kept the contest alive.
It took extra time to decide the winner, and it was the Galway side that edged out with two goals in the opening period.
St. Cuan's manager Cathal Farrell gave his reaction to Galway Bay FM afterwards.
What a game to finish their season on with Kealan Murray a consist threat for the Carrick defence while Castleblakney had to be mindful of the goalscoring prowess of Joaquin Garcia at the other end.
St. Cuan’s made the more impactful start with Darragh Booth and Kealan Murray on the attack six minutes in, for the latter to force keeper Sam Carmondy into a fine save.
However, St. Cuan’s finally got the better of the number one, three minutes later when Mark Gerrard delivered a beautifully weighted pass into the path of Kealan MURRAY who made no mistake! A lovely opening goal to settle the nerves.
Their lead was short lived as ERSS, Carrick responded immediately with talisman Joaquin GARCIA slotting in at the far post to make it 1-1.
The sides were level at the interval.
Midway through the half, ERSS were awarded a penalty as Garcia was fouled inside the box. Unfortunately for the Carrick lads, they couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity as Bryan Lacey sent the ball over the crossbar with 47 minutes on the clock.
Carrick’s Sam Carmondy kept his side in contention when he got down well to deny Kealan Murray with his rocket six minutes from time.
At the other end, Garcia was denied by a fabulous stop from Griffin a minute later.
It was end to end action throughout the hour but the game ended one apiece.
The Carrick scholars were unfortunate not to take the lead two minutes into the extra-time period as Bryan Lacey’s free kick sliced the corner of the upright.
While seconds later, St. Cuan’s struck. Kealan MURRAY with his second of the afternoon as Griffin turned supplier from the long kickout, a wonderful goal to see them take the lead.
St. Cuan’s added a third two minutes later when Darragh BOOTH finished smartly as Murray turned supplier with five minutes remaining.
The inform Sam Carmondy made an excellent save right at the death to deny Kealan Murray his hat-trick as the contest ended, 3-1 to St. Cuan’s.
A first provincial title for the Castleblankey School as well as a first National trophy. One I’m sure they’ll build on as the team progress through the age groups.
ERSS CARRICK ON SUIR | Sam Carmondy, Jack Friend, Jack Walsh, Cathal O’Meara, Elliot Farrell, Ryan Walsh ©, Zach Norris, Jack Norris, Dale Redmond, Bryan Lacey, Joaquin Garcia
SUBS (ROLL ON/OFF) | Szymon Jachim, Blake Foley, Stanislaw Czubaszewski, Fionnan Quigley Harry Tobin, Tom Crowley, Harry Meehan
EXTENDED SQUAD | Andrii Bieulekha, Jack Bergin, Ryan Kelly, Evan Houlihan, Liam Kavanagh
MANAGEMENT | Shane McCormack, Liam Mulligan, Deirdre Kane
ST. CUAN’S COLLEGE, CASTLEBLAKENEY | Iarlaith Griffin, Cillian Harkin, Eoin Leonard, Mark Lohan, Richard O’Connor, Cillian Donohue ©, Tim Ruane, Corey Landers, Darragh Booth, Kealan Murray, Mark Gerrard
SUBS (ROLL ON/OFF) | Sean Forde, Shay Kelly, Kye Mongan, Thomas Kennedy, Ethan Graham, Nathan Kelly, Marc Scarry
EXTENDED SQUAD | Angelo Godson Baiju, Daniel O’Dea, Adam Mitchell, Matthew Glynn
MANAGEMENT | Cathal Farrell, Michael Dillon, Aoife Lally
MATCH OFFICIAL | Hannah O’Brien
