Illistrin U-14 claim glory in all-Donegal Ulster Cup final

Illistrin U-14 secured a thrilling victory in the Ulster Subway Cup final on Friday night with a 3-1 win over Bonagee United, played before a large and enthusiastic crowd at the Letterkenny Community Centre.

This was Illistrin's third consecutive final in the competition, having triumphed at U-12 level two years ago and narrowly missing out last year to Cootehill Harps.

The match proved to be a captivating, end-to-end encounter, with chances for both sides in the first half. Illistrin’s defence, marshalled by goalkeeper Daire Gallagher and the back four of Ryan Gallagher, Conn Ó Baoill, Noah Fairman, and Shay Murphy, stood firm.

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However, it was Bonagee who broke the deadlock when Charlie Bonner was adjudged to have been fouled in the box, and Eoghan Callaghan calmly converted the resulting penalty.

Despite Illistrin threatening from set pieces, Bonagee deservedly took their 1–0 lead into the half-time break.

Seamus Murphy’s half-time team talk worked wonders, as Illistrin came out in the second half with renewed purpose and energy. The midfield, consisting of Daithí Winston, Tom McElwaine, Jamie O’Donnell, Darragh Edwards, and Davyn McGlynn, began to dominate, putting the Bonagee defence under sustained pressure.

The equaliser came through Darragh Edwards, who delivered a trademark free-kick to bring Illistrin back into the game. Moments later, Ethan Buchanan put Illistrin ahead, latching onto a superb through ball from Conn Ó Baoill to slot home.

Zac O’Carroll worked tirelessly to neutralise Bonagee's key player, Bonner, and Illistrin sealed their victory with a third goal. Jamie O’Donnell found the net to put the result beyond doubt and spark jubilant celebrations.