Donegal Talent Leads Ulster Charge at Schools’ Interprovincial Tournament

This weekend, the spotlight will shine on the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh as sixty-eight of Ireland’s finest schoolboy footballers take part in the FAI Schools Under-18 Boys’ Interprovincial Tournament.  

Ulster’s squad, brimming with Donegal talent, promises to play a pivotal role in the fiercely competitive three-day series with the squad managed by Oisín McMenamin of St Columba’s College, Stranorlar.  

The tournament marks the initial stage in selecting the Republic of Ireland Schools International squad, which will compete in the prestigious SAFIB Centenary Shield. Ireland’s campaign will kick off with a friendly against Australia on January 18 at Home Farm FC, followed by Shield fixtures against Wales, Scotland, England, and reigning champions Northern Ireland. 

Ulster’s side brings both experience and fresh talent. Conall Alfred (Coláiste Oiriall, Monaghan), Luke Mulligan (Ballybay Community College), and Corey Sheridan (Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon) are set to feature prominently for the province. With several players returning for a second consecutive year, Ulster’s squad boasts a solid core and an opportunity to improve on past performances. 

Oisín McMenamin, known for his tactical acumen, has assembled a team he believes can challenge the tournament’s defending champions, Munster. “We’ve got a group of players with a real hunger to compete,” McMenamin remarked ahead of Friday’s opener. 

For all four provinces, the stakes are high. Beyond the Interprovincial bragging rights, the tournament is a launchpad for players aiming to secure a spot in Derek O’Brien’s Republic of Ireland Schools squad.  

This year’s Centenary Shield campaign will see the Irish team face Wales in March, Scotland in Glasgow, and Northern Ireland in Belfast, before concluding with a home game against England. 

The tournament begins on Friday with Connacht facing Leinster at 4pm, followed by Munster taking on Ulster at 5:30pm. As per tradition, the fixtures for Saturday and Sunday will be decided based on Friday’s results, ensuring suspense and excitement carry through the weekend. 

Ulster: Lewis McCaughan, Jack Glapa (Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town), Conall Alfred (Coláiste Oiriall, Muineachán), Declan Patton (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar), Daibhaid Lynch (Mulroy College, Milford), Daniel Cunningham (Coláiste na Carraige, Carrick), Zach McAuley (Royal & Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe), Seaghan McCormick (Gairmscoil Chú Uladh), Conor McGranaghan (Deele College, Raphoe), Luke Mulligan (Ballybay Community College), Colm Ó Dochartaigh (Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair), Fionn McNamara (St. Patrick’s College, Cavan), Conor Gibson, Rowan McGroarty (Loreto Community School, Milford), Tiarnan Callaghan McElwaine (St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny), Niko Lovrekovic (Our Lady’s Secondary School), Corey Sheridan (Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon). 

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