Donegal lads on target as Ulster defeat Connacht in FAI Interpros opener 

A spirited Ulster side claimed all two points on offer in the opening match of this year’s FAI Schools Under 18 Boys’ Interprovincial Tournament at a windswept AUL Complex on Friday afternoon. 

Ulster 2-0 Connacht  

Connacht put in an impressive performance and created numerous opportunities throughout the game but were unable to finish off some excellent moves.  Eoin Hannon (Presentation College, Athenry), had the first real chance of the game in the 17th minute but Largy College stalwart Thomas Brady made a great save.

Ulster on the other hand were more clinical in front of goal when opportunities came their way.  A great move by McMenamin’s men in the 29th minute gave them the lead when Shaunie Bradley found Tiernan Ruddy and the Carndonagh Community School pupil fired home with a fine shot.

The lead was doubled five minutes later when Seaghan McCormick (Gairmscoil Chú Uladh) squared the ball to Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana star Shaunie Bradley who drilled the ball past Murphy in the Connacht goal.

The talented Donnacha Sammon (Presentation College, Athenry) came close on three occasions as Connacht put the Ulster team under serious pressure in the second half. 

Ulster’s Tiernan Ruddy’s free-kick struck the inside of the bar with 49 minutes on the clock.

Rice College, Westport scholar Connor Cannon’s header late on flashed just past the post as Connacht piled on the pressure. 

A superb opening win for Ulster as captain James McAteer from Loreto Community School, Milford picked up the Player of the Match for a super display in the heart of Ulster’s defence.

Ulster squad: Thomas Brady (Largy College, Clones), Shaunie Bradley, Darragh Coyle (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana), James McAteer (Loreto Community School, Milford), Kevin Muldoon (Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town), Adam McDaid, Luca Barrett, Jack Keys (St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny), Liam Carlin (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar), Conall Alfred (Coláiste Oiriall, Muineachán), Oisin Cooney, Nathan McDaid, Tierna Ruddy, Brendan McLaughlin (Carndonagh Community School), Seaghan McCormick (Gairmscoil Chú Uladh), Conor McGranaghan (Deele College, Raphoe), Luke Mulligan (Ballybay Comunity College)

Management: Oisín McMenamin (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar), Gary McHugh (Royal School, Cavan), Alan Boal (Royal and Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe)