St Columb's College young guns prepare for Cup Final

St Columb’s College hope to win a trophy that has eluded them since 2019 when they play Killicomaine, Portadown in the final at the Blanchflower Stadium tomorrow. Kick off 11am.

Their epic journey to their first U12 final in four years began back in October 2022 when they were drawn against Holy Trinity, Belfast, recording an impressive 8-0 victory. Talisman, Gallagher helped himself to a brace before the effervescent, Ryan Wilson opened his account. The second half was all about goal-machine, Smith, adding further gloss to the score-line, netting an extra-ordinary 5 goals, ensuring his side’s safe path into the last 32 of the illustrious competition.

Up next was a tough away tie to local rivals, St Joseph’s, but man of the match, Campbell grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck early on, setting up goal machine, Smith to add another to his account. College ‘keeper, Mc Glynn was soon called into action, pulling off a magnificent finger-tipped save, ensuring his team remained in front before Smith added another. St Joseph’s battled their way back into the game and deservedly pulled one back from the penalty spot through the impressive, Corey Gillespie before Gallagher restored his team’s two goal lead.

Joseph Doherty then helped himself to a goal before Smith completed another hat trick, putting St Columb’s into the last 16 with an impressive 5-1 score line.

St Columb’s knew they had a stern obstacle to overcome when they were drawn against the ever-improving, Newtonabbey in the last 16. A lot of credit must go to the Antrim side who gave their Derry rivals little time to settle on the ball. They clearly did their homework, stopping St Columb’s from playing their normal passing game.

Despite this, the College pressed for the opener, which came on the stroke of half time when Joseph Doherty was fouled in the penalty area and Smith made no mistake from the spot. St Columb’s came out a different team in the second half but had to wait until the last five minutes to book their place in the quarter final when Mc Cafferty smashed home a free kick before Smith added further gloss to the score-line, following neat work from Mc Garvey.

The quarter final against Lurgan Junior High was an even contest between two well-matched sides. It was Lurgan who settled quickest, creating several chances but Mc Glynn in the College goal was in top form. Once the College settled into their passing game, they opened the scoring through the impressive, Meenan. The College lads started the second half well and Meenan capped off a fine performance when completing his brace. Lurgan pushed for an equaliser but were caught on the break when Joseph Doherty fed Smith who finished with aplomb. Lurgan kept driving forward and got a deserved goal through the impressive, Hamilton.

This was followed by an intense semi-final versus unbeaten Belfast Cup Champions, OLSPK. In the first half both teams cancelled each other out with neither side managing to create an opening. However, the game burst into life at the start of the second half when Gallagher scored from Joseph Doherty’s corner.

The College looked to have booked their place in the final when Campbell put them two up, but OLSPK roared straight back into the game after an outstanding finish from their left winger. OLSPK pushed hard for an equaliser and were unlucky when they struck the College woodwork. The College defended in numbers and were relieved when hearing the full-time whistle, signalling their passage into the final.

Manager, Ryan Horner was clearly delighted at reaching another final, remarking, “This is my 16th College soccer team and we have been fortunate in reaching 10 finals, but this has been our most difficult passage. Credit must go to the full squad of players who have overcome difficult opposition to get here.”

Coach Xavier Prigent also heaped praise on the players for their endeavour throughout the campaign, admitting, “it has been an extensive and taxing campaign but the attitude of the boys since the start has made it all worthwhile. They have trained vigorously every week and deserve success.”

MEET THE SQUAD: St Columb's College young guns set for Cup Final

Coach Vincent Doherty remarked, “I have been impressed by both the quality and industry of all the young lads involved. They are a huge credit to the school and it is a privilege to work with them on and off the pitch.”

All three coaches expressed their gratitude to the parents of the boys for their continued support and encouragement with Horner commenting, “without them, the exemplary attendance to training would be impossible.”

Horner concluded by thanking team sponsors, Ulster University, Magee, the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems at Magee as well as Maria and Mickey at O’ Hanlon and Farrell electrical, Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry for their support throughout the year.