Ulster suffer first FAI U-18 Boys' Interprovincial defeat at hands of Munster

Overnight leaders Ulster suffered a 2-1 defeat to Munster on match day two of the FAI U-18 Boys' Interprovincial Tournament at the AUL Complex.

Munster 2-1 Ulster  

The wind picked up even more than the earlier game and this unfortunately made it very difficult for both teams.

Ulster had a very strong penalty shout in the opening minute when Shaunie Bradley (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana) appeared to be impeded in the box but the referee waved play on.

Munster took the lead in the 16th minute when Evan Lynch (Christian Brothers College, Cork) finished from the edge of the box after a good team move with Matthew Kiernan (St. Francis College, Rochestown) assisting.

Two minutes later, Player of the Match, Lynch scored his second after disposing Ulster’s centre back and finishing neatly. 

Daragh Coyle (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana) headed off his line after a corner just before the interval to keep Ulster’s hopes alive.

Again the strong wind made it difficult for both teams to play great football but Ulster showed enormous character to get back in the game over the hour mark when Nathan McDaid (Carndonagh Community School) latched onto Oisin Cooney’s (Carndonagh Community School) long delivery before lifting the ball over the advancing Rory Moloney (Presentation Brothers College, Cork) in the Munster net.

Munster held on for the win and are now on three points while Ulster remain on two points.  Connacht are on two points with Leinster on one.

The finale will see Leinster take on Ulster today, Sunday, while Munster play Connacht at 11.30am for the ultimate title.

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)