St. Joseph’s Boys School aiming for Cup Glory in Belfast

Derry’s St Joseph’s Boys School will aim for victory in the Northern Ireland u-16 Schools Cup tomorrow when they take to the pitch at the Blanchflower Stadium against Grosvenor Grammar School with a 1pm kick off.

With over 200 schools throughout Northern Ireland taking part in this year’s competition, it’s no mean feat for the Creggan school to have reached this prestigious final.

The Derry school had to play a preliminary round where they defeated Crumlin College, Belfast by six goals to 1, and have since gone on to take the notable scalps of Ballyclare High (4-2), Our Lady and St. Patrick’s College. 2-1; Ballymena’s St. Louis Grammar 5-3 in extra time; before progression to the quarter-finals where they defeated St. Patrick’s, Downpatrick 2-0, then narrowly getting through the semi-final by beating St. Malachy’s College 3-2.

Speaking during one of the final training sessions on Wednesday, manager Mr. Emmett McGinty said he was quietly confident of victory as St. Joseph’s had beaten some of the more established grammar schools along the way to Friday’s final.

‘This has a very tough journey to the final for our squad of boys as the competition started away back in October last year. Their ‘never-say-die’ attitude has been first class throughout and I have been impressed by every single member of the squad who has given their all in an effort to reach cup final day. Grosvenor will be no pushover on the day and we need to be on our A game for this one.’

In paying tribute to a teacher who passed away last year, Sean O’Kane, the manager said he asked the squad to remember Mr. O’Kane when they take to the pitch on Friday.

‘I am delighted for the whole school community. They all deserve a day out. Very much in our thoughts on the day will be the late Mr Sean O’Kane who sadly passed away last year. Sean was a very important figure in these young men’s school life, both through education and sport, and no doubt he will be kicking every ball up there on Friday. I’ve asked the boys to keep him in their thoughts.’

Head coach and former senior footballer, Sean Friars said he was proud of the boys who had come through a tough tournament.

MEET THE SQUAD: St. Joseph’s Boys School aiming for Cup Glory

TOMMIE McLAUGHLIN – Forward – leads the line extremely well. Works his socks off for the team every game and sets the tempo from the front. Currently the leading goal scorer for the team.

‘To say I am proud of this squad is an understatement. The character they have showed in this journey and how they have represented the school has been second-to-none. The football they have played at times has been exceptional and although the draw to reach the final has been tough, they fully deserve to be there.

‘For me, this squad have been getting stronger as the competition progressed. This is the last hurdle and I’m looking forward to these young men making their school and community proud by bringing the trophy back to Derry.’

International recognition

The St. Joseph’s squad is made up of young players who have international recognition for both Northern Ireland the Republic of Ireland. Some also play with local senior clubs Derry City and Institute as well as junior clubs throughout the city and district.

Principal, Mrs. Ciara Deane said she was very proud of her students and also thanked the coaches, adding: ‘The boys’ commitment to the preparation for this game and innate desire to win has been outstanding. They are truly a force to be felt. I feel proud to be their principal and to be part of the process with such hard-working staff that have volunteered their time since the beginning of the academic year. We will travel with pride on Friday as the winning has already begun!‘

St. Joseph’s Boys School coaches, from left, Emmett McGinty, Sean Friars, Corey McLaughlin and Oran McDaid. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

Also lending her support to Friday’s finalists, was the Mayor, Sandra Duffy who said the boys had done their community, school and parents proud.

‘I will be rooting for St. Joseph’s Boys School on Friday as they take on Grosvenor Grammar in the final of the u-16 Schools Cup. What a feat to come through from over 200 schools. My best wishes go to the school and hopefully we can see the trophy back in Derry on Friday evening.’

Team captain Shea McGinley paid tribute to the school for their great support and supplying a new kit for the occasion, adding: ‘We can’t wait to get out there on Friday now and get going.

'As captain, I would like to speak on behalf of the squad in thanking Mrs Deane and the school in general for kitting us out in our tracksuits and bags for the final. Their continued support throughout the year hasn’t gone unnoticed either. Let’s do this!’