Gallagher hails Abbey VS history makers

Leo Gallagher praised Abbey Vocational School’s history makers after Tuesday’s Ulster Under-18 Tom Ticher Cup final win.

The 3-2 win was Abbey VS’s first Ulster title, secured after a titanic tussle with Loreto Community School, Milford.

“The boys put in a big shift from the start of the season until now,” Gallagher told Donegal Live.

“It was a very good game. It was tight, not the way we wanted it. We were 3-1 up and we let a goal slip. Milford put it up to us, but we were prepared for that.”

Ruairi McLaughlin’s first half brace, either side of James McAteer’s goal from a corner, had Abbey in front at half-time before Kevin Muldoon’s header opened up a two-goal cushion.

Abbey VS make their history to win Ulster U17 schools final

Abbey VS defeat Loreto Community School in an exciting final

Abbey had a blistering start to both halves - something that didn’t happen by chance.

Gallagher said: “We were prepared for a fast start. We knew Milford would try and pass about at the back so we were ready for that. We stuck well to our game plan.

“We have been working on hard pressing for the first ten minutes of each half. We had brilliant starts to both halves.

“We were happy with the start - it was perfect really. We let in a soft corner, but Ruairi got us back ahead with a great finish.

“We could have had another one or two, but Milford were always a threat going forward too.”

Callum Cullen’s goal brought Loreto back into it, but Abbey held on for a memorable win.

Gallagher said: “I’ve had these boys since first year. We’ve lost a few times on penalties, but this is brilliant for them. It’s about the whole squad. I’ve told everyone in the school that it’s about the squad and every player steps up. They’re a very talented team and it’s great to see them get a trophy.”

A National Cup semi-final, against either Rice College, Westport or St Gerald’s College, Castlebar - who meet in the Connacht final on Friday - awaits next Tuesday.