Wales 3-1 Republic of Ireland
Charlie Griffin (11), Owen Roberts (77), Conor Partridge (82) Charlie Campbell (45+1)
Wales secured the 2026 SAFIB Centenary Shield following their victory over the Republic of Ireland in Llandudno FC yesterday afternoon (Thursday, April 23).
An impressive three wins from three in the campaign, with the Welsh dragons netting 12 times while conceding five, ensured a podium finish for the hosts. A staggering third title in five years for Head Coach Marc Lloyd Williams and his staff.
Unfortunately for the visitors, they dominated the game but frustrating couldn’t convert the array of opportunities they created with the concession of some soft goals.
It wasn’t to be for Alan Murphy in his debut season in charge, but he can take some strong positives from the student’s performances throughout the series.
Yesterday’s game was the best the Irish lads had played but they didn’t have any luck with some clear-cut chances narrowly missed. The Irish had to fight hard to seal victory over Scotland while they put in comprehensive display against neighbouring Northern Ireland last month to take the game to the title contender yesterday.
The hosts had the perfect start to proceedings with an Irish error leading to the Welsh opener as Charlie Griffith netted with 11 minutes on the clock.
There was no luck for the Irish when Blackrock College pupil Conor O’Neill was denied from the penalty spot with 25 minutes gone. A great save from Ryley Berry to keep his side in front.
However, Ireland did equalise just before the break with Charlie CAMPBELL (St. Munchin’s College, Corbally), converting brilliantly to bring the sides level, one apiece.
A body blow for Ireland when Owen Roberts added a second for Wales 13 minutes from time while the hosts converted again courtesy of Conor Partridge on 82 minutes.
Huge credit to the Ireland squad for their determination and commitment to get back into the game but they just couldn’t add to the goal tally on the day.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
St. Paul’s Community College, Waterford student Mason MURPHY was named POTM following his splendid work rate for Ireland.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS SELECT | Luke CULLEN (Salesian College, Celbridge), Declan PATTON (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar), James MORAHAN © (St. Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway), Noah O’BRIEN (De La Salle College, Waterford), Conor O’NEILL (Blackrock College, Dublin), Jack SWEENEY (Merlin College, Galway), Rory McKEON (St. Anne’s Community College, Killaloe), Charlie CAMPBELL (St. Munchin’s College, Corbally), Mason MURPHY (St. Paul’s Community College, Waterford), Dylan McMENAMY (Holy Family Community School, Rathcoole), Seán MURPHY (Naas CBS)
SUBS USED | Jack GARRETT (The Abbey School, Tipperary Town) for McMenamy (82), Robert KEANE (CBS The Green, Tralee) for Campbell (82), Ross RUANE DALTON (Ballyhaunis Community School) for Patton (87), Rowan McGROARTY (Loreto Community School, Milford) for M Murphy (87), Peter SWEENEY (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar) for McKeon (87)
SUBS NOT USED | Shane HALLIHAN (St. Colman’s College, Fermoy), Eamonn MacBRIDE (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar)
MANAGEMENT | Alan MURPHY, Head Coach (St. Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway) Conor UHL, Coach (Skibbereen Community School), Oisín McMENAMIN (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar), John POWER, GK Coach, Martin CAVANAGH, Equipment Manager (Carndonagh Community School), Michael McGLYNN (Physio), Dr. Aidan O’COLMAIN (Team Doctor)
WALES | Ryley Berry, Jay Farrell Alli, Jensen Stone, Jessa Meacock, Cai Roberts, Conor Partridge, Osian Morris, Charlie Griffith, Owen Roberts, Levi Morrison, James Hughes
SUBS USED | Sam Parry for Meacock (HT), Oliver Nedza for Hughes (HT), Deian Andrews for C Roberts (70), Jac Joseph for Hughes (82), Jack Jones for Morris (82)
SUBS NOT USED | Ben Matthews, Miller Smith
MANAGEMENT | March Lloyd Williams, Richard South, Mark Smith, Andrew Thomas
MATCH OFFICIAL | Lewis Greenwood
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2026 SAFIB Centenary Shield Results & Fixtures
RESULTS
Thursday, March 5 Scotland 1-1 Northern Ireland, Airdrie FC (1.0)
Thursday, March 12 Wales P-P Republic of Ireland, Llandudno FC (2.0)
Wednesday, March 25 Scotland 2-5 Wales, Queen of the South, Dumfries (1.0)
Thursday, March 26 Republic of Ireland 4-0 Northern Ireland, Athlone Town AFC (1.0)
Thursday, April 2 Republic of Ireland 2-1 Scotland, Athlone Town AFC (1.0)
Wednesday, April 8 Northern Ireland 2-4 Wales, Harland & Wolffe Welders (7.0)
Thursday, April 23 Wales 3-1 Republic of Ireland, Llandudno FC (1.0)
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
POTM vs Northern Ireland Noah O’BRIEN (De La Salle College, Waterford)
POTM vs Scotland Rowan McGROARTY (Loreto Community School, Milford)
POTM vs Wales Mason MURPHY (St. Paul’s Community College, Waterford)
SAFIB Centenary Shield League Table
|
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
PTS |
|
Wales |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
5 |
9 |
|
Rep of Ireland |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
4 |
6 |
|
Scotland |
3 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
8 |
1 |
|
N Ireland |
3 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
9 |
1 |
