Four-in-a-row as Derry's St Columb's College claim U12 NI Cup

St Columb's College eased to victory over Lurgan Junior High School in the Northern Ireland Under-12 Cup final at Blanchflower Stadium on Friday afternoon to secure a record-breaking fourth consecutive title at this level.

Shea Breslin was in inspired form for the Derry school and finished the day with a brace of goals as well as an assist, becoming the first player to score in every round of the competition since current Derry City captain Michael Duffy achieved the feat 21 years ago. Jacob McMonagle and Ryan Curran added to the scoresheet for the Foylesiders, whilst Charlie Stewart netted for the Armagh school.

Oisín McGowan had the game’s first attempt on goal in the fourth minute but saw his effort from the edge of the box comfortably gathered by Tanner Rulov. However, the Derry school took the lead just two minutes later thanks to a superb finish from Breslin.

An inch-perfect pass from deep by Rian Black picked out the St Columb’s forward, who deftly flicked his effort beyond the onrushing Rulov to give the Foylesiders the ideal start. Breslin almost doubled his tally moments later when he again broke through on goal, but this time Rulov reacted quickly to smother the danger.

Ten minutes into the contest St Columb’s extended their advantage, and once again Breslin was central to the move. The lively attacker turned provider with a perfectly weighted lofted pass toward the right flank, where Jacob McMonagle rifled home from a tight angle to make it 2–0.

The Foylesiders soon settled into complete control of proceedings, restricting Lurgan’s attacking opportunities while remaining solid at the back. Just after the quarter-hour mark Rian Black came close to adding a third when he rose highest to meet Ryan Mooney’s inswinging corner, but his header was blocked on the line by determined Lurgan defending.

Five minutes before the interval Breslin struck again to effectively put the game beyond reach. Winning possession on the edge of the area, he unleashed a low finish into the bottom corner to secure his second goal of the afternoon and give the Derry school a commanding half-time lead.

St Columb’s continued to dominate after the restart, with much of the play taking place inside the Lurgan half as they controlled possession without creating clear-cut openings in the early stages of the second period.

However, eleven minutes after the break, Lurgan were handed a lifeline. A lofted free kick caused problems inside the St Columb’s penalty area, and, although goalkeeper Jake Deery produced an excellent save from Jovi Ferris at close range, Charlie Stewart reacted quickest to convert the rebound.

The response from the Derry side was immediate. Just three minutes later substitute Ryan Curran restored their three-goal advantage after winning possession inside the penalty area before showing great composure to shift the ball onto space and finish beyond Rulov. That goal effectively ended Lurgan’s hopes of a comeback and secured victory for St Columb’s with ten minutes still remaining.

The result sees St Columb’s break new ground as the first school to win the competition four years in succession, further cementing their reputation as one of the leading football schools in Ulster. For Lurgan Junior High, meanwhile, an excellent campaign ultimately ended in disappointment, with the Foylesiders full value for their victory on the day.

Lurgan: Tanner Rulov; Simon McShane, Archie Gardiner, Michael Askew, Eddie Hancock; Charlie Stewart, Alfie Preston, Caleb Flavelle; Jovi Ferris, Alfie Guy, Ben Dynes.

St Colombs: Jake Deery; Rian Black, Aaron O’Kane, Conall Doherty, Kieran Connor; Aodhan McDevitt, Luke McCauley, Jacob McMonagle, George Friars (Ryan Curran 34); Oisin McGowan, Shea Breslin.