Coláiste Ailigh are Ulster champions after victory over Coláiste Oiriall

Colaiste Ailigh, Letterkenny were worthy winners in the Ulster final of the FAI John Murphy Schools Senior B when they defeated Coláiste Oiriall from Monaghan at the Lakeside, Ballyshannon

Coláiste Ailigh 4 Coláiste Oiriall 1

The win was convincing with the Letterkenny college very strong in all areas of the field. With the wind swirling conditions were difficult but it was mostly one-way traffic in the opening half as Coláiste Ailigh had the wind in their sails.

It took some time for the players from both sides to judge the conditions but Coláiste Ailigh went ahead on 15 minutes when Keenan Coyle headed home from a corner from Iarlaigh O Dubhaigh.

There were plenty of chances created with Luke McGuinness and Matthew Flanagan controlling midfield matters, although there was also a great display from Conall Alfred for the Monaghan boys. He looks a real prospect and is on the books of Dundalk FC.
Sam Mac Garbheith had a chance and Luke McGuinness hit a magnificent effort that was just inches over.

The second goal arrived before half-time when the industrious Caoimhin Bonner chased a long ball and cut it back for Keenan Coyle to fire home and leave Coláiste Ailigh in a comfortable 2-0 lead at half-time. Just before the whistle, Alfred was almost in for a goal for the Monaghan boys, denied by Dan Mac aBhaird.

Just five minutes into the second half it became more comfortable for the winners when Bonner again was the provider and Paddy Murphy finished the third goal.

Both sides had shouts for penalties before Coláiste Oiriall hit back with their centre half Torfhinn O Laighleis powered home a corner. Alfred threatened to cut the lead further as the Monaghan boys had their best spell. Coláiste Ailigh 'keeper Mac a Bhaird had to make one magnificent reaction save to deny them.

However, the contest was put to bed on 80 minutes when Caoimhin Bonner fired home the fourth goal. Bonner had the ball in the net a minute earlier but it was ruled out for offside.

The Monaghan side kept going to the end and it was fitting that it was their No 7 Conall Alfred who was involved in the last chance, hitting the post after another mazy run.

Coláiste Ailigh, though were deserving winners with Iarlaith O Dubhaigh, Fionn MacLochlainn and Michael Mulrain very solid at the back.
Up front Caoimhin Bonner and Keenan Coyle were a constant threat.

Colaiste Ailigh captain Iarlaith O Dubhaigh is presented with the Ulster Cup by referee Paddy Duffy

Coláiste Ailigh: Dan Mac a Bhaird, Dualta Mac Ruairi, Iarlaith O Dubhaigh, Fionn Mac Lochlainn, Michael Mulrain, Matthew Flanagan, Ruairi Caomhanach, Sam Mac Garbheith, Caoimhin Bonner, Luke McGuinness, Keenan Coyle.
Substitutes: Paddy Murphy, Jeaic Riseley, Max Gallagher Conor Kenna, Charlie Leader, Philip McGee.

Coláiste Oiriall Monaghan: Patrick Mac Giolla Mairtin, Eoin O Cualain, Feilim hArtain, Daithi O hAilin, Torfhinn O Leighleis, Daire Mac Ceinne, Conall Alfred, Shay O Ceallaigh, Sean O Carthaigh, Oisin O Branagain, Michael Mac Fheilimi.
Subs: Aodhan O Dughaill, Conor Mac Giollnath, Diarmadh Mac Fhionnach, Cian O Marcaigh, Liam O Caolain, Conan O Muiri, Sean O Miagain.

Referee: Paddy Duffy. Assistants: John McGlanaghy, Ernie Pollard.