'These boys can hold their heads high, they did us proud' - AVS manager Mark Young

Abbey Vocational School soccer manager Mark Young said his side have taken great lessons and even greater memories from their season after losing out in the All-Ireland semi-final to Rice College on Tuesday afternoon in Ray McSharry Park. 

Mayo's U-17 soccer team is poised for a third consecutive All-Ireland final following a resounding victory in the last four. 

Facing off against Abbey Vocational School from Donegal, the Westport school asserted their dominance on the artificial pitch, controlling the game from start to finish. 

Speaking after the match, the Abbey manager Young had no complaints with the final result. 

“Yeah look, these boys can hold their heads high, they did the school proud with how far they’ve come,” said Young. 

“They (Rice College) are a serious side, they had players there today that did real damage, so we can have no complaints with the outcome, we gave it our all.” 

With two goals in each half, Darragh Connolly's squad secured a comfortable win in a match that lacked any real competition. 

Jack O'Malley and the defensive line showcased exceptional performances, underlining the team's strength and determination as they set their sights on the final showdown. 

O'Malley opened the scoring just 11 minutes into the game, with Simeon Popov extending their lead shortly after. Despite Abbey's attempts to rally a comeback, Rice College's relentless pressure led to O'Malley netting their third goal. 

Rice College maintained their momentum, sealing the victory with a fourth goal courtesy of substitute Rian Durkan, who capitalised on a rebound from captain Jamie O'Malley's shot. 

“It’s been a great season for us in winning the Ulster title last week. It’s not often that you win an Ulster medal. It’s brilliant to see how strong sport is in the school at the minute too. A few of these lads are coming off winning an All-Ireland GAA medal two weeks ago, so there’s real talent here,” said the Abbey school teacher. 

It was disappointing that we didn’t go one step further here today, but the lads can return to the school and their clubs knowing they did everything they could and have great memories of a brilliant season.”