Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana defeated in National semi-final to Kilcock

Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana were defeated in the FAI Schools First Year Boys National Cup semi-final by Scoil Dara, Kilcock in a highly entertaining encounter at Monaghan United FC on Thursday, May 15.

Kilcock talisman Jack Wren scored four of his side's five goals in a dazzling performance with Ryan Connolly getting in on the action late on too.

The scoreline might suggest a comprehensive result for Scoil Dara, but the boys from Buncrana had worked hard to bring it back to within one, but a late flourish from the Leinster Champions, saw them increase their tally and run out worthy winners on the day.

The talented Wren grabbed his first goal inside nine minutes slotting home from close range while he doubled his tally four minutes later with a powerful set piece that crashed into the roof of the net from 25 yards out.

Emmet McCauley and David McLaughlin's side made it 2-1 when Danny Friel converted from the penalty spot with ten minutes of the first half remaining.

The Donegal side could have equalised just before the interval as Jack Lynch had a wonderful effort on goal but the brave David Quinn pulled off an excellent block to ensure Kilcock had the slight advantage at the break.

Jack Wren completed his hat-trick five minutes into the restart with a neat finish from six yards out, making it 3-1.

Ten minutes later and it was Scoil Mhuire who came close to netting a second as Daniel Friel’s free-kick from outside the box hit off the post.

Harry McDaid grabbed a second for the Buncrana outfit with a delightful set piece, leaving it 2-3 with ten minutes remaining.

However, Scoil Dara were to go 4-2 ahead three minutes from time as substitute Ryan Connolly finished smartly.

Wren's fourth and Scoil Dara’s fifth was scored in added time to wrap up proceedings in the Monaghan venue.

Scoil Dara, Kilcock will now meet St. Flannan’s College, Ennis in the National Cup decider, which is scheduled for Athlone Town AFC on Monday, May 26.

Scoil Dara, Kilcock: David Quinn, Kealan Gibson, Jamie Craig, Rapolas Tamulis, James McElligot, Ewan Calderwood, Adan Dunne, Adrian Bartczak, Jack Wren, Giancardlo Di Mauro, Zaiki Abdollan

Subs: Ryan Connolly, Ryan Treacy, Matthew Attoe, Oran O’Neill, James O’Neill, Moses Da Costa, Will Doherty

Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana: Ciaran Wallace, Daniel McGonigle, Oisin Callaghan, James Cullen, James Bradley, Pauric Doherty, Michael Bradley, Harry McDaid ©, Jack Lynch, Danny Friel, Rhys Nicolas

Subs: Shane Tierney, Dylan Normortas, Stefan Hegarty, Ciaran O’Doherty, Cormac Moyre

Referee: Adrian O’Hanlon (Cavan)