Coláiste Ailigh crowned Ulster school Ward Cup champions

Coláiste Ailigh, Letterkenny claimed their first-ever Danske Bank Ward Cup title in Garvaghey on Thursday with a two-point win over St Mogue’s, Bawnboy, recovering from last year’s final defeat with a decisive first-half performance.

Playing into the wind during the opening half, the Donegal Gaelscoil found themselves trailing 0-3 to 0-1, with St Mogue’s registering scores through Dylan Edwards (two) and Mark Fahy.

READ NEXT: Letterkenny man Peter McEniff named Donegal New York GFC Player of the Year

However, a swift counter-attack saw Coláiste Ailigh win a penalty, which Pádraig Ó Murchadha confidently dispatched. Just three minutes later, another rapid break resulted in Odrhán Ó Riáin finding the net, shifting the momentum firmly in Letterkenny’s favour.

Despite two points from Luke McCafferty in response, St Mogue’s went into the break 2-1 to 0-5 behind.

Coláiste Ailigh extended their lead at the start of the second half, notching four consecutive points, three of which came from Luke Mac Aonghusa.

Although Seamus O’Reilly and McCafferty kept St Mogue’s in touch with a couple of scores, the Letterkenny side hit back with efforts from Harry Ó Siail and Caolán Mac an tSagairt.

Dylan Edwards sparked hopes of a comeback with a stunning goal, cutting the deficit to just two points, but St Mogue’s were unable to breach the Coláiste Ailigh defence again. W

hen the final whistle blew, the Ward Cup was heading to Letterkenny for the first time.

Among the standout performers for the winners were Philip Ó Dochartaigh, Senán Ó Máirtín, Odrhán Ó Riáin, top-scorer Mac Aonghusa, and Eunan Mac Lionsaigh.