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FAI.ieBorrisokane & Convent of Mercy, Roscommon claim All Ireland Futsal titlesWednesday, 07 December 2011The curtain finally came down on the FAI Post Primary Schools First Year Futsal Finals today (December 6) in Franciscan College, Gormanston. The boys from Borrisokane Community College crowned their debut with a powerful performance throughout the day to claim the boy's title in fine style.
Equally brilliant was the Roscommon rockets Convent of Mercy who were wonderful in their whirlwind win to claim the girls title. Sean Boland's charges scored 14 goals in their three group games while slotting six past runners up Presentation Secondary School in the final.
GIRLS GROUP STAGESThe morning's events kicked off with Leinster legends Grennan College up against Stranorlar stars St. Columbas College while Presentation hosted Convent of Mercy. Rebecca Walsh got the two goals for Grennan, her second coming from a deflection to reach the bottom corner to claim a 2-0 victory. The Convent overcame Presentation with a convincing 4-0 win in the other encounter.
The Thurles tornados turned things around in their second fixture of the morning. Presentation SS were in fine tune against Grennan College who were experiencing a high after defeating their Ulster counterparts earlier.
Presentation SS put two past the Thomastown girls in the first half to gain a valuable win. Orla Gardiner was outstanding in the game for Grennan while Hazel McAuliffe was equally impressive scoring Presentation's first of the afternoon, their second came from an o.g. The game ended 2-0 to Presentation leaving them level on points with Grennan following two games.
The Convent continued their winning ways with a 7-4 victory over St. Columbas in their second outing.
The third group games saw a 3-2 win for the Convent in a hard fought battle against Nicola Murphy's team. Boland's side were three nil up at half time courtesy of a hat-trick of goals from Aisling McGrath, Niamh Farrell and Rachel Fitzmaurice. The Grennan gang dug deep in the second period and pulled off all their best futsal as they battled back to 3-2. Rebecca Walsh and Ailís O'Shea registered the scores. Grennan keeper Niamh Sheehy produced an excellent save to keep her team in contention while Ailis O'Shea had a screamer hit off the post to deny the Grennan girls an equaliser. The Convent held out for the final whistle, relieved to secure the points in a highly entertaining game.
The final game in the girls group was a white wash to Presentation as they slotted seven past the Ulster crew without reply.
The Convent of Mercy secured top spot in the league table winning all three group games culminating in a full six points while Presentation Secondary School secured second spot notching up four points from two wins.
As a result Grennan College would play St. Columbas College in the third and fourth place play-off while the Convent would contest the final against Presentation.
GIRLS THIRD & FOURTH PLACE PLAY-OFFGrennan College, Thomastown v St. Columbas College, Stranorlar
A solidarity goal from the impressive Ailis O'Shea after just four minutes was enough for Grennan to collect third place. St. Columbas tried in vain to get an equaliser but the versatile Niamh Sheehy executed some fine saves to keep her team from conceding.
GIRLS FINALScoil Mhuire gan Smal, Convent of Mercy, Roscommon v Presentation Secondary School, Thurles.
An explosive final ensued as Mercy marked their victory in the final game of the series with three goals in each half to secure the riches and more importantly the coveted All Ireland title. The Roscommon natives had a multitude of goals from Niamh Farrell (5) and Grainne Whyte (1) to claim a comprehensive result against a diligent opposition.
Three goals in the last two minutes put the game out of reach for Presentation. Hazel McAuliffe registered the only goal for Thurles as the game reached a conclusion, much to the delight of the travelling supporters. This result marks a milestone in the schools history with this their first Futsal title. The girls will no doubt have enjoyed their trip to Gormanston as they travel back to Roscommon with top prize.
Presentation Secondary School should be very proud of their performances throughout the competition from county level to the national final. These players are certainly ones to watch out for in the future.
BOYS GROUP STAGESScoil Mhuire marked their opening game with a 1-0 win against 2009 champs St. Peter's College. Ronan Hegarty scored after 14 minutes to claim the only goal of the game. Credit must go to Buncrana keeper Toby Doherty who pulled off some wonderful saves late on to keep his team from conceding. Likewise Lorcan Conway, the netminder for Dunboyne can also get special mention as an onslaught of chances from James Adair and Eoin Murphy were saved by the industrious keeper.
The other game saw a nine goal thriller with defending Champions St. Muredach's emerging victorious on a 5-4 score line to newcomers Borrisokane. The debutants marked their introduction to the All Ireland series with a cracking goal from Stevie Daly. Moo Paw cancelled this out with a well taken equalisers seconds later. Borrisokane star Stephen Burke slotted past Hugh O'Sullivan to make it 2-1 at the interval.
The second half started like the first with a flurry of goals. Cian Darcy increased the Borrisokane lead to 3-1 before Hsar Mai Tan registered two goals in quick succession to level proceedings while seconds later Simon Leonard made it 4-3 to Muredach's with 12 minutes played. Borrisokane's Stephen Burke equalised soon after to make it 4-4 with seven minutes to play. Mark Birrane turned hero as he slotted the winner in the dying minutes of the game to give Muredach's the edge in a tantalising tie that had spectators on their feet.
Borrisokane met St. Peter's College in their second outing following their heartbreak of losing out 4-5 in their previous fixture. However the Tipperary lads made no mistake against Dunboyne as a first half goal from Carl Williams on 9 minutes gave them some much needed confidence. Dunboyne's Sam McQuaid saw his first half effort at an equaliser hit off the post much to the frustration of mentors McCarrick and O'Reilly. However the game was wrapped up for Tipp early in the second period as superstar Cian Darcy scored twice. Darcy was aiming for his hat-trick but his last ditch effort went off the crossbar to deny the youngster the honour.
Scoil Mhuire were on the receiving end of a 1-4 defeat to St. Muredach's in their second fixture. Hsar Mai Taw, Conor McStay, Moo Paw and Simon Leonard all got their names on the score sheet while the talented Ronan Hegarty got Scoil Mhuire's goal.
St. Peter's College surprised the odds with a narrow 1-0 win against a well disciplined St. Muredach's. The Dunboyne team were well mentored by Donncha McCarrick and Danny O'Reilly and can be proud of the fact that they won against the reigning Champions. Nonetheless, their victory was a little too late in coming for Dunboyne as their counterparts had already secured their place in the final stages with earlier victories.
Borrisokane played Scoil Mhuire in the third round with the Munster men enjoying a 4-1 win. Cian Darcy finally scored a hat-trick while Carl Williams got their fourth of the afternoon. The Scoil Mhuire goal came courtesy of some good play from Paul Doherty and Michael Grant for Eamon Sweeney to finish well.
BOYS THIRD & FOURTH PLACE PLAY-OFFScoil Mhuire, Buncrana v St. Peter's College, Dunboyne
Scoil Mhuire managed a goal spree with four first half goals as Jack McDaid (2), Michael Grant and John Doherty supplied the finishes. The second half was set at a slower pace as St. Peter's Daragh Nolan got one back. Buncrana completed their 5-1 victory as Jack McDaid scored a hat-trick to complete a third place finish for the Scoil Mhuire men. St. Peter's came a gallant fourth in an entertaining afternoon of futsal.
BOYS FINALSt. Muredach's College, Ballina v Borrisokane Community College
Borrisokane were up against defending Champions St. Muredach's College, Ballina in the final as both schools topped their group on four points each. St. Muredach's had dropped some valuable points when defeated by 2009 Champions St. Peter's College in their third fixture of the day. While Borrisokane had dropped points against Muredach's in the group stages with a nine goal thriller taking place. Borrisokane were on the receiving end of a 4-5 defeat but reversed this result with a splendid performance in the final to surprise the odds and take the Cup from the reigning Champions.
A ten goal tally was the result of the boys final that provided the large crowd with a splendid conclusion to the day's events.
St. Muredach's entered the final as favourites having previously won their head to head with Borrisokane earlier that day but more importantly the Ballina boys wanted to retain the title they worked so tirelessly to defend.
Borrisokane served up a wonderful display of teamwork to go two up inside three minutes with Stephen Burke and Stevie Daly netting for Orla Cunningham's crew.
Muredach's settled with an excellent strike from Mark Birrane to bring it back to 2-1.
Cian Darcy made it 3-1 to Borrisokane giving the Tipperary talent some breathing space in a dramatic finale.
However back came St. Muredach's three minutes later with the impressive Moo Paw scoring (3-2). Only one in it now as first time was fast approaching.
Borrisokane extended their lead to 4-2 courtesy of Stevie Daly before the half time whistle blew.
An awesome display from these youngsters set up for a rousing second half as it was all guns blazing for Emmet Peyton and Brian's Lacey's troops. They wouldn't give up their title ambitions just yet.
The second half came to life as Moo Paw and Hsar Mai Taw applied the pressure to Danny Maguire in the goal line. His defensive pairing of Adam Gorman and Darren Mooney were exceptional in clearing the ever present danger.
In spite of this it was Cian Darcy who scored first in the second period as the Munster men got a foothold on the game, 5-2 with eight to play.
Jack Dunne left the game out of reach as he slotted past Hugh O'Sullivan to make to 6-2.
Hsar Mai Taw brought the Muredach side back to within three as he netted to make it 6-3 while Cian Darcy was on hand in the final minutes to register the Borrisokane outfit with a seventh goal.
A marvellous feast of futsal that saw worthy winners Borrisokane collected the coveted Cup. Another first for the school, this there first year to compete in the futsal competition, we have no doubt that they will be back again next year to contest the event as will a disappointed St. Muredach's who had an outstanding run of form in the competition.
BOYS FIXTURESGroup Stages
11:30 Pitch 1 St. Peter's 0-1 Scoil Mhuire
11:30 Pitch 2 Borrisokane 4-5 St. Muredach's
12:10 Pitch 1 St. Peter's 0-3 Borrisokane
12:10 Pitch 2 Scoil Mhuire 1-4 St. Muredach's
12:40 Pitch 1 St. Peter's 1-0 St. Muredach's
12:40 Pitch 2 Scoil Mhuire 1-4 Borrisokane
Third & Fourth Place Play-off1:15 Pitch 2 Scoil Mhuire 5-1 St. Peter's
Final1:40 Pitch 2 St. Muredach's 3-7 Borrisokane
BOYS WINNERS: Borrisokane Community College
BOYS RUNNERS UP: St. Muredach's College, Ballina
BOYS THIRD: Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana
BOYS FOURTH: St. Peter's College, Dunboyne
GIRLS FIXTURESGroup Stages
11:30 Pitch 3 Grennan 2-0 St. Columbas
11:30 Pitch 4 Presentation 0-4 Convent of Mercy
12:10 Pitch 3 Grennan 0-2 Presentation
12:10 Pitch 4 St. Columbas 4-7 Convent of Mercy
12:40 Pitch 3 Grennan 2-3 Convent of Mercy
12:40 Pitch 4 Presentation 7-0 St. Columbas
Third & Fourth Place Play-off1:15 Pitch 3 Grennan 1-0 St. Columbas
Final1:40 Pitch 3 Convent of Mercy 6-1 Presentation
GIRLS WINNERS: Scoil Mhuire gan Smal, Convent of Mercy, Roscommon
GIRLS RUNNERS UP: Presentation Secondary School, Thurles
GIRLS THIRD: Grennan College, Thomastown
GIRLS FOURTH: St. Columbas College, Stranorlar
List of participating Schools:
Leinster (Boys) St. Peter's College, Dunboyne, Meath
Nathan Lee, Colm Dowling, Lavina Adam, Lorcan Conway, Sam McQuaid, Gavin Prior, Darragh Nolan, Lloyd Youngston, Sean Quigley, Sean Nealon, Cian Mullen, Brendan Courtney
Teacher: Danny O'Reilly & Donncha McCarrick
Leinster (Girls) Grennan College, Thomastown, Kilkenny
Niamh Sheehy, Ailis O'Shea, Aoife Holden, Rebecca Walsh, Orla Gardiner, Ciara Gardiner, Christina Begley, Niamh Costigan, Rachel Murphy, Fern Van Rooyen
Teacher: Nicola Murphy
Ulster (Boys) Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana
Toby Doherty, Paul Doherty, Michael Grant, Michael Owen Doherty, Eoin Murphy, James Adair, Ronan Hegarty, Noel McLaughlin, Eamonn Sweeney, John Doherty
Teacher: William O'Connor
Ulster (Girls) St. Columbas College, Stranorlar
Edel McBride, Demi Buchanan, Aoife Gillespie, Rhianna O'Brien, Emma McNulty, Aine Deasley, Kirstan Gallen, Karla Devine, Susan Coleman, Sarah Lafferty, Aoife Meadows, Ellen Keegan
Teacher: Nicola Ryan & James Rodgers
Munster (Girls) Presentation Secondary School, Thurles
Shonagh Cleary, Christine Coffey, Hazel McAuliffe, Sara McKevitt, Robyn Moore, Niamh O'Mahony, Niamh Ryan, Megan Woodlock
Teacher: Henry Flynn, Edel Harding
Munster (Boys) Borrisokane Community College
Carl Williams, Cian Darcy, Jack Dunne, Martin Grace, Gearoid Larkin, Danny Maguire, Gary Culbert, Stevie Daly, Stephen Burke, Rob Banaghan, Adam Gorman, Darren Mooney
Teacher: Orla Cunningham
Connacht (Boys) St. Mureduch's College, Ballina, Mayo
Hugh O'Sullivan, Daniel Maughan, Simon Leonard, Mark Birrane, James Doherty, Jason Muldoon, Conor McStay, Moo Paw, Eric Nash, Hsar Mai Taw, Ciaran Gaughan, Eric Connolly
Teacher: Brian Lacey & Emmet Peyton
Connacht (Girls) Scoil Muire gan Smal, Convent of Mercy
Arlene Feely, Fiona Tully, Rachel Fitzmaurice, Graínne Whyte, Niamh Farrell, Allanah Hanley, Aisling McGrath, Clare Keegan, Laura Keenan, Patsy Farrell
Teacher: Sean Boland
Futsal fever set for Franciscan CollegeMonday, 05 December 2011The cream of schools futsal will demonstrate their skills and ability with the conclusion of the FAI Post Primary Schools First Year Futsal Finals next Tuesday (December 6) as Franciscan College, Gormanston plays host. This event will see four provincial finalists in each of the boys and girls sections as they compete to be crowned ALL IRELAND FUTSAL CHAMPIONS.
Boys and girls of all sporting abilities will be hoping to emulate the talents of former players such as Lionel Messi, Zico, Juninio, Kaka and Ronaldo.
Futsal is said to be the world's most played small sided sport with 25 million participants. The game is praised for the number of star footballers it has nurtured over the years. Therefore it's not surprising to hear that Brazil is estimated to have more futsal players than football players. The two disciplines complement each another brilliantly.
These legends of the football world have inspired youngsters to get involved and in doing so have increased the profile of futsal on an International scale.
Futsal is the official indoor version of "the beautiful game". It's a fantastic way for young players to develop and improve their football abilities in a highly paced environment. The nature of the game creates an emphasis on improvisation, creativity, technique as well as ball control and passing in confined spaces.
The competition now in its fourth year has grown steadily with participation at an all time high. The competition caters for boys and girls in first year. Competitions commenced in October with schools progressing from County and Provincial levels to the All Ireland series.
As part of the FAI Schools development programme, futsal is used as a way of introducing youngsters to the game of football and thus increasing grassroots participation within the sport.
Over 7,000 students have taken part in the FAI Schools futsal Initiative inside a three month period in Primary & Post Primary Schools throughout Ireland.
Sean Carr, Chairman, FAI Schools paid tribute to the enormous contribution of the FAI's Regional Development Officers in overseeing the competitions at local level.
"The growth of the game within the schools structure can be attributed to the hard work being done at local level by the Development Officers as they play a vital role in the success of the initiative each year".
The climax of the Post Primary School's event will see the cream of schools futsal on display in Gormanston next week.
The focus will be on our local talent with eight schools competing for the coveted title of All Ireland Post Primary Schools Futsal Champions.
Schools representing Meath, Mayo, Tipperary and Donegal will contest the Boys Section while Kilkenny, Tipperary, Donegal and Roscommon will all challenge for the crown in the Girls Section.
The four girls Provincial finalists have created great excitement in their respective schools with their progression to the National stage. Thurles tornados Presentation Secondary School, Stranorlar stars St. Columbas College, gale force Grennan College and the Roscommon rockets Convent of Mercy are all within striking distance of the silverware.
Youngsters Sara McKevitt of Presentation Secondary School starred in the Interprovincial tournament for Munster in October while Rachael Fitzmaurice of Scoil Muire gan Smal featured in the Connacht panel. These two outstanding youngsters will lock horns again but will the Munster dominance reign supreme this time around?
The Convent of Mercy are no strangers to schools football having featured in some memorable finals in recent years. However, the inclusion of futsal has meant that the Roscommon rockets are now prevailing at this, which is no surprise given the schools successes in girl's sports especially soccer. Teacher Sean Boland will travel to Meath next week with a star studded panel of players at his disposal. He will be looking to etch his School's name on the Cup as they do battle with their opposition.
Thurles tornados Niamh O'Mahony and Shauna Cleary starred in their provincial qualifiers with impressive force. Teachers Henry Flynn and Edel Harding will have a difficult task at keeping these two from doing damage next Tuesday as they both have an eye for goal. The team selected are very versatile and this will suit their style of play as they pick their opposition off one by one.
Thomastown natives Grennan College are mindful of the fact that Kilkenny's Loreto SS claimed the All Ireland Girls title in 2009/10. The black and amber will have their sights set on emulating their neighbour's successes this season. Ciara and Orla Gardiner, Rebecca Walsh and Rachael Murphy were all outstanding in the Leinster Finals. A repeat performance will be wanted if they are to contest the All Ireland series.
The boys draw will be a closely fought encounter with reigning Champions St. Muredach's up against Ulster kingpins Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana, Leinster legends St. Peter's College of Dunboyne and the mighty Munster men of Borrisokane Community College are all bidding for glory.
Borrisokane will be entering next week's finals as debutants but mentor Orla Cunningham won't mind this as it takes the pressure off her team. All eyes will be focused on the reigning champions from Ballina so the opposition may feature well under the radar. Will the Borris duo of Martin Grace and Cian Darcy secure the result for the Tipperary side in Gormanston this time around?
William O'Connor will lead his side out as Scoil Mhuire of Buncrana make the long journey South to compete for the ultimate prize of being crowned All Ireland futsal stars.
The Buncrana boys showed great skill at their provincial qualifiers in Letterkenny. Most impressive were Michael Eoin Doherty, Michael Grant, Paul Doherty and Eoin Murphy who all registered on the score sheet that day. Another pivotal player for the Buncrana outfit is Ronan Hegarty who notched up an impressive hat-trick in the three games he featured in. Hegarty will definitely be one to watch out for come match day.
Brian Lacey and Emmet Peyton have seen this all before having executed a tactical victory in the same venue 12 months previously. The St. Muredach's side will be like a well oiled machine going into the final day as they go all out to retain their title. The Ballina School had an incredible Provincial performance notching up an outstanding 26 goals on route to the Finals. Conor McStay, Moo Paw and Daniel Maughan were three players that stood out on the day but Lacey and Peyton have a panel of capable players to choose from.
St. Peter's College are in a similar position to the Convent girls as the School featured in the 2009/10 finals against a determined CBS Limerick. The latter won out 1-3 on the day. Mentors Danny O'Reilly & Donncha McCarrick will be encouraged by their school's ability to play well under pressure as demonstrated both in their County and Provincial qualifiers.
Stranorlar's St. Columbas College featured in the same finals as Limerick and Dunboyne in the boys section. This time it's the girls in the commanding position and Nicola Ryan will want to do the school proud as her team goes in search of glory. The Stranorlar side defeated reigning Ulster and All Ireland Champions Moville Community College in convincing fashion at the Provincial stages and this will give her team a massive boost heading into the finals on Tuesday next.
Gerard Dunne, FAI National Co-ordinator for Schools, Colleges & Universities will oversee proceedings on the day and is very excited by the fixtures on display.
"Futsal is the way we see football being taken forward in the country and from what I have seen at Provincial finals nationwide and in Dublin, it is very encouraging,"
"Players like Fernando Torres have been brought up from a background of playing futsal and it can be a benefit to our young players."
The competition has proven to be very successful at local level and this is evident with the huge numbers of entrants and the sheer quality of futsal being demonstrated. The competition has caught the imagination of everybody involved and should prove highly entertaining for the travelling supporters when the games commence...
For further information on the event or images of participating schools please contact Diane Fay, FAI Schools on 01 8999 522.
BOYS FIXTURESGroup Stages
11:30 Pitch 1 St. Peter's v Scoil Mhuire
11:30 Pitch 2 Borrisokane v St. Muredach's
12:10 Pitch 1 St. Peter's v Borrisokane
12:10 Pitch 2 Scoil Mhuire v St. Muredach's
12:40 Pitch 1 St. Peter's v St. Muredach's
12:40 Pitch 2 Scoil Mhuire v Borrisokane
1:15 Pitch 2 Third & Fourth Place Play Off
1:40 Pitch 2 FINAL
GIRLS FIXTURESGroup Stages
11:30 Pitch 3 Grennan v St. Columbas
11:30 Pitch 4 Presentation v Convent of Mercy
12:10 Pitch 3 Grennan v Presentation
12:10 Pitch 4 St. Columbas v Convent of Mercy
12:40 Pitch 3 Grennan v Convent of Mercy
12:40 Pitch 4 Presentation v St. Columbas
1:15 Pitch 3 Third & Fourth Place Play Off
1:40 Pitch 3 FINAL
List of participating Schools:Leinster (Boys) St. Peter's College, Dunboyne, Meath
Nathan Lee, Colm Dowling, Lavina Adam, Lorcan Conway, Sam McQuaid, Gavin Prior, Darragh Nolan, Lloyd Youngston, Sean Quigley, Sean Nealon, Cian Mullen, Brendan Courtney
Teacher: Danny O'Reilly & Donncha McCarrick
Leinster (Girls) Grennan College, Thomastown, Kilkenny
Niamh Sheehy, Ailis O'Shea, Aoife Holden, Rebecca Walsh, Orla Gardiner, Ciara Gardiner, Christina Begley, Niamh Costigan, Rachel Murphy, Fern Van Rooyen
Teacher: Nicola Murphy
Ulster (Boys) Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana
Toby Doherty, Paul Doherty, Michael Grant, Michael Owen Doherty, Eoin Murphy, James Adair, Ronan Hegarty, Noel McLaughlin, Eamonn Sweeney, John Doherty
Teacher: William O'Connor
Ulster (Girls) St. Columbas College, Stranorlar
Teacher: Nicola Ryan
Munster (Girls) Presentation Secondary School, Thurles
Shonagh Cleary, Christine Coffey, Hazel McAuliffe, Sara McKevitt, Robyn Moore, Niamh O'Mahony, Niamh Ryan, Megan Woodlock
Teacher: Henry Flynn, Edel Harding
Munster (Boys) Borrisokane Community College
Carl Williams, Cian Darcy, Jack Dunne, Martin Grace, Gearoid Larkin, Danny Maguire, Gary Culbert, Stevie Daly, Stephen Burke, Rob Banaghan, Adam Gorman, Darren Mooney
Teacher: Orla Cunningham
Connacht (Boys) St. Mureduch's College, Ballina, Mayo
Teacher: Brian Lacey & Emmet Peyton
Connacht (Girls) Scoil Muire gan Smal, Convent of Mercy
Arlene Feely, Fiona Tully, Rachel Fitzmaurice, Graínne Whyte, Niamh Farrell, Allanah Hanley, Aisling McGrath, Clare Keegan, Laura Keenan, Patsy Farrell
Teacher: Sean Boland
Borrisokane capture Munster Boys Futsal titleFriday, 25 November 2011Tipperary kingpins Borrisokane Community College captured the Munster Boys First Year Futsal title with an emphatic performance in Nenagh Arena on Wednesday last (November 23).
Although the hosts enjoyed a victory on home soil which made it all the more sweeter it was a difficult tournament for them to contest as CBS Sexton Street and St. Flannan's College took the tournament to the talented Tipp side.
Many of the group games were nail-biting draws which lead the title race into a three way tie. The Limerick lads had it all to play for with a draw in their opening game to Borrisokane followed up by two comprehensive victories against Colaiste Mhuire and Mercy Mounthawk.
Borris were well able to match these credits as they won 4-3 against St. Flannan's and drew to Colaiste Mhuire.
Title races ambitions were ruffled further as Flannan's came back from an earlier defeat to win 8-1 against Colaiste Mhuire and draw 1-1 to CBS. This left the last two remaining fixtures for the trio of schools win or die battles.
Flannan's could do nothing but watch in anticipation for Borris to slip up as they recorded victories over the Waterford side and Mercy Mounthawk.
CBS spoiled their celebrations as they only drew in their final two games, 1-1 to Flannan's and an agonising scoreless draw to De La Salle.
The Borrisokane boys were in winning form as they notched up eight goals in the final two games with an emphatic 4-0 win against the Corkians and an even better mouth-watering tie with DLS which ended 4-2 in their favour. The Borris duo of front men Martin Grace and Cian Darcy secured the result for the Tipperary side.
Top spot on the league table was fiercely contested with Borrisokane just edging it on eight points followed by joint second place finishers St. Flannan's College and CBS Sexton Street.
Waterford's De La Salle gave a great account of themselves having secured victory to rivals Colaiste Mhuire in their opening game, this was followed by a scoreless draw to CBS, a 1-1 draw with Mercy, a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Ennis side St. Flannan's and a heartbreaking 4-2 defeat to Champions Borrisokane. The Waterford men finished up with four points and a fourth place finish.
This result meant a DOUBLE celebration for the County with Presentation SS, Thurles having snatched the girl's title the previous day. A remarkable achievement having two schools from the same county represented at the latter stages of the competition and more importantly they are both in with a shout of seizing some more valuable silverware
Both schools now progress to the ALL IRELAND FINALS which will be held on Tuesday, December 6 at Franciscan College, Gormanston, Co. Meath. We wish the schools the very best of luck in their endeavours to be crowned All Ireland Champions.
The event which is part of the FAI's football in schools programme will be co-ordinated by National Administrative Officer for FAI Schools, Diane Fay. For further information please contact Diane on 0860404952
List of participating Schools:
LIMERICK (Boys) CBS Sexton Street
KERRY (Boys) Mercy Mounthawk, Tralee
CLARE (Boys) St. Flannan's College, Ennis
CORK (Boys) Coláiste Mhuire
TIPPERARY (Boys) Borrisokane Community College
WATERFORD (Boys) De La Salle College
ResultsCBS Sexton Street 0-0 Borrisokane Community College
Coláiste Mhuire 0-1 De La Salle College
CBS Sexton Street 2-1 Coláiste Mhuire
St. Flannan's College 3-4 Borrisokane Community College
Mercy Mounthawk 1-2 CBS Sexton Street
Mercy Mounthawk 1-1 Borrisokane Community College
CBS Sexton Street 0-0 De La Salle College
St. Flannan's College 8-1 Coláiste Mhuire
Mercy Mounthawk 1-1 De La Salle College
Coláiste Mhuire 0-4 Borrisokane Community College
CBS Sexton Street 1-1 St. Flannan's College
St. Flannan's College 3-0 De La Salle College
Coláiste Mhuire 0 -0 Mercy Mounthawk
Borrisokane Community College 4-2 De La Salle College
Mercy Mounthawk 0-1 St. Flannan's College
St. Columbas & Scoil Mhuire claim Futsal titlesFriday, 25 November 2011Letterkenny's Aura Leisure Centre threw up a host of surprises yesterday (November 24) in the Ulster Post Primary Schools First Year Futsal Finals as both Patrician High School and Moville Community College relinquished their futsal titles.
Unfortunately too both the Monaghan and Cavan girl's qualifiers namely Largy College and Breifne College were unable to attend the Ulster Finals which meant only two teams contesting the girl's crown.
Meanwhile the boys section had all present and correct as St. Mogue's College, Bawnboy, Patrician High School, Carrickmacross, Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana and PCC Farcarragh all did battle in this category.
GIRLS COMPETITIONNicola Ryan's team based out of Stranorlar were well prepared for this event as they played their provincial qualifiers in the same venue a week previously and this stood them in good stead for the ultimate test against Noreen Meehan's reigning Ulster stars Moville Community College in the girls division.
The girl's competition took the format of two twenty minute deciders, leaving the aggregate score as the final result between the two sides.
Some fine futsal players were demonstrating their abilities on the ball as the game came to life four minutes in. Emma McNulty scored first for Columbas to give them a well needed confidence booster.
However, it didn't take Meehan's charges long to equalise as Emma Doherty put a halt to the Stranorlar celebrations. All level as the half time whistle went.
The second half was tense and Ryan had to look to her bench to revitalise the team midway through proceedings. The mentor called upon the services of super sub Demi Buchcanon to deliver and that she did in spectacular style with a strike worthy of goal of the tournament. The youngster sent a screamer from close on the half way line right to the bottom right hand corner leaving the Moville keeper dismayed.
This goal proved to be decisive as the second leg of the competition saw Emma McNulty score again to leave the Stranorlar girls 3-1 winners. Meehan's side can take consolation in their fine run in the competition which saw a cracking victory in their regional qualifiers. Unfortunately Moville met their match in Letterkenny and Ryan's side venture forth to Gormanston for the All Ireland decider.
FUTSALFutsal is a fast moving five-a-side indoor game where the rules are designed to discourage time wasting. The game develops speed, technique, skill and quick thinking of a player and is an excellent game for all young players and it certainly contributes immensely to the development of the young player.
But while many will say that it wasn't all about the winning, it was great to see so many players, whether playing or just watching games, enjoy themselves and it was a real fun day and definitely futsal is something that we are going to hear a lot more about in the future with more and more schools taking to the sporting halls around the country.
BOYS COMPETITIONFarcarragh hosted St. Mogue's in the opening game of this competition. The Cavan men were under the cosh as two first half goals from Dylan Doherty put the Inishowen team in a commanding position. The second half saw Farcarragh extend their lead as Dylan Harkin got his name of the score sheet leaving it 3-0 in Chris Smyth's favour.
A well matched Scoil Mhuire and defending Champs Patrician High School drew battle next in the second test. The Monaghan men mentored by Colm McEneaney got on the score sheet first with a stunning strike courtesy of Brian McCluskey. Buncrana's Ronan Hegarty equalised just before half time to make a real contest of it in the second period.
Further goals from Paul Doherty and a second from Brian McCluskey made it 2-2 with only minutes remaining. The Patrician shot stopper Thomas Marron was in fantastic form as he drew two marvellous saves before the rocket Ronan Hegarty executed the goal of the game. A hat-trick of goals from Buncrana left them snatching the points from the Monaghan men. 3-2 the final score in a wonderful encounter.
Farcarragh were looking to increase their points tally in the league table having defeated St. Mogues in their opening game while Scoil Mhuire were coming off a surprise victory to Patrician in this next test. Confidence was high from both sides as the game kicked off.
Scoil Mhuire pounced first with a nestling shot to the top corner with Ronan Hegarty turning the heads of Farcarragh. Scoil Mhuire were close to extending their lead as James Adare saw his effort hit off the crossbar as the Buncrana boys held their 1-0 cushion heading into the second half.
Smyth's team equalised soon after with a close range effort from Dylan Doherty but Scoil Mhuire's Eoin Murphy was the saviour with the glories winner with only minutes to spare. 2-1 to Scoil Mhuire the end result. Scoil Mhuire looking good now to progress following two fine wins in the series.
Patrician High School beat St. Mogue's 2-0 in their penultimate games as Shane Duffy and Adam Lynagh rattled the Cavan net.
With the final games up for contention it saw group leaders Scoil Mhuire against bottom of the table St. Mogues and Patrician High School do battle against Farcarragh Community School.
Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana made it three wins out of three with Michael Eoin Doherty and Michael Grant supplying the goals for a 2-0 victory over Bawnboy Boys St. Mogue's.
A five goal thriller in the other game saw Carrickmacross 4-1 winners over PCC Farcarragh. Shane Duffy, Jack Kelly and a brace of goals from Cathal McEneaney lead the Monaghan men to a positive end to their campaign. Unfortunately their title ambitions coming to an abrupt end but they gave an excellent account of themselves on the day.
St. Columbas College, Stranorlar and Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana will now progress to the All Ireland Finals which will be held on Tuesday, December 6 at Franciscan College, Gormanston, Co. Meath. We wish the schools the very best of luck in their endeavours to be crowned All Ireland Champions.
The event which is part of the FAI's football in schools programme will be co-ordinated by National Administrative Officer for FAI Schools, Diane Fay. For further information please contact Diane on 0860404952
List of participating Schools:
Monaghan (Boys) Patrician High School, Carrickmacross
Monaghan (Girls) Largy College, Clones (Absent)
Cavan (Boys) St. Mogue's College, Bawnboy
Cavan (Girls) Breifne College, Cavan (Absent)
Inishowen (Boys) Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana
Inishowen (Girls) Moville Community School
Donegal (Boys) Farcarragh Community School
Donegal (Girls) St. Columbas College, Stranorlar
FIXTURESGirls Section
St. Columbas College 2-1 Moville CC
Emma McNulty, Demi Buchanon Emma Doherty
St. Columbas College 1-0 Moville CC
Emma McNulty
Boys Section
St. Mogues 0-3 Farcarragh CS
Dylan Doherty (2), Dylan Harkin
Patrician High School 2-3 Scoil Mhuire
Brian McCluskey (2) Paul Doherty, Ronan Hegarty (2)
Farcarragh CS 1-2 Scoil Mhuire
Dylan Doherty Ronan Hegarty, Eoin Murphy
Patrician High School 2-0 St. Mogues
Shane Duffy, Adam Lynagh
St. Mogues 0-2 Scoil Mhuire
Michael Eoin Doherty, Michael Grant
Patrician High School 4-1 Farcarragh CS
Shane Duffy, Jack Kelly, Cathal McEneaney (2) Dylan Harkin
Convent of Mercy & St. Muredach’s claim futsal crownsThursday, 24 November 2011The Connacht First Year Futsal Finals were held in the Kingfisher Sports Centre in NUIG yesterday (November 22) were a host of schools old and new did battle for the coveted crown.
Reigning Connacht Champions Davitt College (girls section) and St. Muredach's College (boys section) were in attendance to defend their titles.
Under the surrounds of the marvellous facilities, both the boys and girls competitions were run simultaneously and a huge crowd of gathering supporters were present to cheer on the respective teams.
To open proceedings Leitrim's Lough Allen hosted Dominican College in the first game of the girls section. The latter enjoying a 4-1 victory over the newcomers.
Next up was Ursuline College, Sligo and superstars Davitt College who were going in search of their 3 in-a-row this season. A difficult battle arose for the Castlebar School but they managed a 2-0 win to take an early advantage with Galway's Dominican College after round 1.
The second series of games saw Lough Allen defeat Ursuline's 2-1 while the Convent had a nail-biting 4-3 win over Davitt College. A surprise victory for the Roscommon natives but one that would fill them with confidence in the prevailing rounds.
The Convent could not continue their winning ways in round 3 as the Dominican College lead them to a 1-1 draw. Davitt were back in contention with a 4-1 roasting of Lough Allen.
The final series of the group stages developed with a multitude of goals as the Convent scored 8-3 against Lough Allen and Ursuline's secured a hat-trick of goals against a determined Dominican College to leave the full time score at 3-0.
The Convent were strengthened by the appearance of Rachel Fee and Aoife McCawley and this duo would need to be watched closely if teams were going to progress against them.
Convent of Mercy sealed their top spot with three wins and a draw followed closely by Dominican College with two wins and one draw to claim the other finalist's position as the afternoon proceedings came to an end.
The finale was sure to entertain as their previous meeting served up a 1-1 draw midway through the day.
Pressure was mounting on both teams as a victory now would leave the winning team with a trip to the All Ireland Finals in a fortnight's time.
A clear winner was to emerge following the final whistle as the Convent stole the show with a 7-0 victory over the outclassed Galway girls. Unfortunately the talented Elle Rose O'Flaherty and Emer Alone imposed their authority in this game but just couldn't convert any of the chances they created as Mercy's goalkeeper was in outstanding form.
In the boys section St. Joseph's College were first to register their winning ways as they took the points off St. Clare's with a 3-1 win. St. Muredach's soon followed suit with a 5-2 whipping of Ballisodare.
The second series of games saw Ballisodare beat St. Clare's 4-1 and St. Muredach's enjoyed a comfortable triumph over Elphin.
Elphin were again under the cosh as the bish set about putting four past them in a highly entertaining encounter. The game ended 4-2 to the Galway lads. The Ballina School bombarded Manorhamilton in round 3 as they had an emphatic 6-0 win.
The fourth round saw the reigning champs overcome the bish 3-2 while Ballisodare held their nerve to take the points off Elphin with a 5-4 result in their favour.
The final round in the group stages created two draws with Elphin picking up some valuable points as their game with St. Clare's ended 3-3. In the other fixture another six goal onslaught saw the bish and Ballisodare finish even.
Reigning Champions St. Muredach's were up against 2009 Champions St. Joseph's College in the final as the contest drew to a conclusion.
Their previous battle served up a 3-2 win to the Ballina boys so what was to develop in the second test against the same opposition?
The Bish were under pressure early on as Ballina's St. Muredach's created a horde of chances. Luke Byrnes and Andrew Barcowscki had impressed previously for St. Joseph's but were man marked in this game and could do little to advance their teams progression in the competition.
St. Muredach's ran out well deserved winners on a 6-2 score line as Conor McStay, Moo Paw and Daniel Maughan had a great tournament lending a hand to their team's 26 goal tally. Goalkeeper for Ballina can be congratulated as he averaged only conceding once in every game.
Scoil Muire gan Smal, Convent of Mercy, Roscommon and St. Muredach's College, Ballina will now progress to the All Ireland Finals which will be held on Tuesday, December 6 at Franciscan College, Gormanston, Co. Meath. We wish the schools the very best of luck in their endeavours to be crowned All Ireland Champions.
The event which is part of the FAI's football in schools programme will be co-ordinated by National Administrative Officer for FAI Schools, Diane Fay. For further information please contact Diane on 0860404952
CONNACHT BOYS RESULTS ROUND 1
St. Clare's 1-3 St. Joseph's
Ballisodare 2-5 St. Muredach's
ROUND 2
St. Clare's 1-4 Ballisodare
Elphin 2-6 St. Muredach's
ROUND 3
St. Joseph's 4-2 Elphin
St. Muredach's 6-0 St. Clare's
ROUND 4
St. Muredach's 3-2 St. Joseph's
Ballisodare 5-4 Elphin
ROUND 5
Elphin 3-3 St. Clare's
St. Joseph's 3-3 Ballisodare
FINAL
St. Muredach's College, Ballina 6-2 St. Joseph's College, Galway
CONNACHT GIRLS RESULTS
ROUND 1
Lough Allen 1-4 Dominican College
Ursuline 0-2 Davitt College
ROUND 2
Davitt College 1-2 Dominican College
Ursuline 1-4 Convent of Mercy
ROUND 3
Lough Allen 2-1 Ursuline
Convent of Mercy 4-3 Davitt College
ROUND 4
Dominican College 1-1 Convent of Mercy
Davitt College 4-1 Lough Allen
ROUND 5
Convent of Mercy 8-3 Lough Allen
Dominican College 0-3 Ursuline
FINAL
Scoil Muire gan Smal, Convent of Mercy 7-0 Dominican College, Taylor's Hill
Thurles capture Munster Girls Futsal titleThursday, 24 November 2011Scenes of jubilation were witnessed in Nenagh Arena this afternoon (November 22) as the Presentation Secondary School in Thurles were crowned the Munster Girls First Year Futsal Champions.
Unfortunately Waterford qualifiers Blackwater Community School were unable to make the trip to Tipp, thus meaning five schools competed for the coveted crown.
The format for the event was that every school would play each other once in the group stages with the top two teams contesting the final.
In the opening two rounds of games Presentation, Thurles and St. Flannan's College, Ennis impressed with comfortable wins.
Reigning Champions Christ King Girls' started their day off with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Limerick qualifiers Crescent Comprehensive.
The Presentation and St. Flannan's clash proved to be the game of the group stages with the Thurles tornados taking an early lead only for Ennis to score an equaliser that was easily the goal of the tournament. This goal turned out to be the only goal conceded by the Tipperary side. Tipperary showed their class towards the end of the game by securing the win with two further goals for the game to end 3-1.
The St. Flannan's College, Ennis and Christ King Girls' Secondary School game turned out to be an interesting affair with both teams pushing to join Presentation Secondary School in the final. St. Flannan's College, Ennis prevailed 2-1 with a goal in the last few seconds of the game. Therefore Christ the King would relinquish their crown this season.
The final would be decided by Presentation Secondary School and St. Flannan's College in a tough contest.
A hat-trick of goals courtesy of Niamh O'Mahony (2) and Shauna Cleary provided Presentation with the victory they deserved. The team were top class notching up 16 goals in their campaign while only conceding once.
The Thurles School will now represent Munster in the girls section of the All Ireland Finals which will be held on Tuesday, December 6 at Franciscan College, Gormanston, Co. Meath.
We wish Presentation Secondary School the very best of luck in their endeavours to be crowned All Ireland Champions.
The event which is part of the FAI's football in schools programme will be co-ordinated by National Administrative Officer for FAI Schools, Diane Fay. For further information please contact Diane on 0860404952.
Competition co-ordinator James Scott paid tribute to both David and Lisa Rooney for the use of the stunning Nenagh Arena for the futsal finals and thanked all the schools that took part on the day.
List of participating Schools:
Limerick (Girls) Crescent College Comprehensive
Kerry (Girls) Listowel Community College
Clare (Girls) St. Flannan's College, Ennis
Cork (Girls) Christ the King Girls' Secondary School
Tipperary (Girls) Presentation Secondary School, Thurles
Waterford (Girls) Blackwater Community School, Lismore
Fixtures:
Group Stages
Crescent Comprehensive College 0-4 Presentation Secondary School
Listowel Community College 0-2 St. Flannan's College, Ennis
Crescent Comprehensive College 0-1 Christ King Girls' Secondary School
St. Flannan's College, Ennis 1-3 Presentation Secondary School
Listowel Community College 0-2 Crescent Comprehensive College
Listowel Community College 0-4 Presentation Secondary School
St. Flannan's College, Ennis 2-1 Christ King Girls' Secondary School
Christ King Girls' Secondary School 0-2 Presentation Secondary School
Crescent Comprehensive College 2-4 St. Flannan's College, Ennis
Christ King Girls' Secondary School 0-0 Listowel Community College
Final:
Presentation Secondary School 3-0 St. Flannan's College, Ennis
High res images available upon request
Posted by
Luca Ranocchiari -->
luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com
