Derry's St Columb's College attempting to make history

St Columb's College will attempt to make history this Friday morning when they face Lurgan Junior High School in the Northern Ireland under-12 final at Blanchflower Stadium in Belfast with an 11:30am kick-off, as they bid to retain a trophy they have already won for the past three consecutive seasons.

The Derry school have now reached the showpiece decider for a remarkable fourth year in succession and once again demonstrated their quality by negotiating a demanding route to this year’s final following a campaign that began last October. Managed by Ryan Horner alongside coaches Xavier Prigent and Jack Kirby, the side have navigated a challenging route to return to the national stage.

“This is my twentieth college team, and we’ve been very fortunate to reach fourteen finals, but this has been our most difficult passage,” said Horner. “Credit must go to the full squad of players who have overcome very difficult opposition to get here.”

St Columb’s opened their campaign with an impressive 5–1 victory over local rivals St Joseph’s, with captain Shea Breslin setting the tone before Ryan Mooney added a superb brace. Further goals from Jacob McMonagle and Aodhan McDevitt sealed comfortable progress.

A much tighter contest followed against Omagh CBS in the last 32, where Breslin struck twice, including a late winner, after Omagh had battled back to level the match. McMonagle also found the net in a hard-earned 3–2 victory that secured passage to the last 16.

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The Derry side produced one of their most complete performances of the campaign in the next round against Laurel Hill of Lisburn. A disciplined defensive display, led by Caoimhin Downey at the back, helped secure their first clean sheet of the competition, while Breslin added four goals in an emphatic 6–0 win. Georgie Friars and Conall Doherty also contributed on the scoresheet.

Perhaps the sternest test of their run came in the quarter-final away to Belfast side Ashfield. Goals from Oisín McGowan and Breslin put the visitors in control before Donovan Duffy sealed progress from the penalty spot after Max Mooney was fouled in the area.

That result set up a semi-final meeting with Belfast Cup finalists Coláiste Feirste, where St Columb’s delivered another emphatic display to book their place in Friday’s final against Mid-Ulster champions Lurgan Junior High.

Standing between the college and a fourth consecutive title is another significant challenge, but confidence within the camp remains strong after a demanding campaign. Victory in Belfast on Friday would secure an unprecedented fourth successive Northern Ireland Under-12 title for the Foylesiders and further underline St Columb’s College’s status as one of the leading forces in schoolboy football in the province.

Coaches Prigent and Kirby both heaped praise on the players’ commitment throughout the season as they prepare for the biggest match of the year and insisted that it wouldn’t be possible without the help of parents and sponsors Breslin Butchers and Paul Martin Menswear, who’ve played a vital role in their journey to the final.

“It has been an extensive and taxing campaign, but the attitude of the boys since the start has made it all worthwhile. They have trained vigorously every week and deserve success,” said Prigent. “Huge credit also has to go to the lads' parents; their exemplary attendance at training has been phenomenal, and it would be impossible if it wasn’t for the support of their parents.”

Kirby also praised the players’ dedication and application throughout the year as they prepare for the biggest match of their season.

“I have been really impressed by both the quality and industry of all the young lads involved. They are a huge credit to the school, and it is a privilege to work with them on and off the pitch.”