Colaiste Íde agus Iosef, Abbeyfeale, capture First Year Munster Shield soccer title

COLAISTE Íde Agus Iosef, Abbeyfeale won the inaugural FAI Schools First Year Munster Shield against ISK Killorglin recently, with the game ending 2-0. Both goals came from striker Leon O’Connor, bringing his tally for the competition to 12 goals. Both teams had met earlier in the competition in the group stage, where ISK Killorglin came out on top of a 3-2 contest.

Weather conditions were perfect for soccer and the impressive facilities at Mounthawk Park really added to a great occasion. Big numbers of well-behaved supporters from both schools created an atmosphere of excitement and respect. This was a tight game with Colaiste Ide Agus Iosef’s second goal coming with only 3 minutes of normal time remaining. Colaiste Ide Agus Iosef started the brighter and really went after this talented ISK Killorglin team.  Headed chances from Jamie McAuliffe and Ashton Kelly went narrowly over the crossbar from great crosses. Leon O’Connor was quick to latch onto a miss kick from the ISK Killorglin goalkeeper but couldn’t keep his shot down. Colaiste Ide Agus Iosef’s defence were solid and organised over the first half, having to deal with some good play from ISK Killorglin as the game approached halftime. 

When the game restarted Colaiste Ide Agus Iosef knew that they had to renew their efforts and be more clinical in front of goal. The deadlock was broken 10 minutes into the second half when a chipped shot from Leon O’Connor went over the goalkeeper, hit the crossbar and bounced over the line. Tireless work from Scott Ryan, Gary Cahill and captain Ashton Kelly broke down many of ISK Killorglin’s efforts to get an equaliser. With the game still in the balance, Leon O’Connor popped up with his second goal of the day finishing calmly inside the box from some good build up play. At the final whistle the match ended 2-0 to Colaiste Ide Agus Iosef.

The final whistle was met with ecstatic celebrations from the Colaiste Ide Agus Iosef team and supporters. The First Year Munster Shield was presented by Munster FAI Schools Secretary Aidan Twomey to Captain Ashton Kelly, who thanked his team, coaches, the match officials and ISK Killorglin for a very sporting contest.

Colaiste Ide Agus Iosef managers Robert Culhane and Thomas Cahill were proud of their players and the history they have made by winning the first boy’s silverware in the school. They also emphasised how impressed they were with this talented ISK Killorglin team and their coaches.