Coláiste na Carraige's Cunningham and Ireland defeat England in Centenary Shield

Daniel Cunningham was part of the Republic of Ireland Schools side concluded their Centenary Shield campaign in style with a 2-1 victory over England at Athlone Town AFC.

Cunningham, a student at Coláiste na Carraige, lines out for the Finn Harps' U-20 squad, and his teammates ensured it was a fitting send-off for Head Coach Derek O’Brien, who departs after seven years at the helm. Ollie Horgan, the former Finn Harps manager from St Eunan's College in Letterkenny, is part of the management team, with Milford’s Mickey McGlynn the squad’s physio

Adam Brennan and Jack Sweeney's goals had Ireland 2-0 up before England pulled one back through Ashton Houlahan.

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Ireland got off to a bright start, with Summerhill College’s Callum Lynch testing the England goalkeeper just four minutes in. The early pressure paid off after 15 minutes when a sublime switch of play from Matt Jones, a standout from St Flannan’s College, Ennis, found Rhys Knight at the back post. Knight controlled well and teed up Brennan of Hartstown Community School, who made no mistake from six yards out to open the scoring.

Brennan thought he had a second shortly after the half-hour mark, but his finish was ruled out for offside. England had their best chance of the half seven minutes later when Luca Taylor’s audacious strike rattled the post and crossbar but somehow stayed out.

Ireland doubled their lead just before the break. Knight again played a key role, helping get the ball to Lynch, who danced past two defenders and set up Jack Sweeney from Merlin College, Galway. Sweeney finished from close range to give Ireland a well-deserved 2-0 cushion at halftime. Brennan almost added a third in injury time, rattling the woodwork once more.

The second half began with Ireland continuing to dominate. Nine minutes in, Brennan turned provider for Sweeney, but the striker dragged his shot narrowly wide. England pulled a goal back on 61 minutes through substitute Ashton Houlahan, giving the visitors a lifeline. However, Ireland maintained their composure and continued to create chances.

Sweeney had another effort cleared off the line with 15 minutes left, while Brennan sent another strike just over the bar. Despite England’s goal, Ireland always looked in control and saw out the match to seal a deserved victory.

Matt Jones was named Player of the Match for his commanding presence and intelligent play over the full 90 minutes. His role in the opening goal and his overall contribution capped off a brilliant performance.

The win saw Ireland finish third in the final Centenary Shield standings, behind champions Scotland, who took the title with eight points, and Northern Ireland, who ended on seven following their 3-0 win over Wales. England and Wales rounded out the table.

Ireland began their campaign at Graun Park in Tramore but narrowly lost 1-0 to a resilient Welsh side. Their difficulties continued in Stenhousemuir, where Scotland edged them out 1-0 in a hard-fought encounter.
Scotland were crowned Centenary Shield champions with eight points, just ahead of Northern Ireland on seven. The Republic of Ireland finished third with six points, while Wales ended with five and England took home a single point from their five outings.

Republic of Ireland: Kyle Gabbidon (Coola Post Primary School, Sligo), Alain Kizenga (St Mac Dara’s Community College, Templeogue), James Morahan (St Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway), Adam Nolan (Maynooth Community College), Daniel Cunningham (Coláiste na Carraige, Carrick, Donegal), Oisín Kelly (Ballyhaunis Community School), Rhys Knight (Clonkeen College, Blackrock), Callum Lynch (Summerhill College, Sligo), Matt Jones (St Flannan’s College, Ennis), Adam Brennan (Hartstown Community School), Jack Sweeney (Merlin College, Galway). Subs: Fionn McNamara (St Patrick’s College, Cavan), Sam Neville (Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge), Jacob Carroll (St Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway), Billy Regan (St Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway)

England: Joel Neale, Luke Jones, Charlie Matthews, Theo Ezea, Patrick McGowran, Jack Wallace, Joseph Kennedy, Alex Vick, Luca Taylor, Malachy Bowyer, Gilda Da Silva. Subs: Ashton Houlahan, Riley Smith, Ryan Johnson, Luke Parker, George Lycett, Liam Higgins.