Historic day as Scoil Mhuire Buncrana win All-Ireland final at the Showgrounds

Scoil Mhuire Buncrana has created history this afternoon after a thrilling display during the Dr Tony O’Neill National Senior Cup final, which saw them win their first All-Ireland title at boys' level following a 2-0 win over Belvedere College.

Held at the Showgrounds in Sligo, it took two remarkable goals in the second half from Shaunie Bradley and Conor Graham to turn the tide for the Buncrana side.

Competing against a strong win in the first half, Scoil Mhuire were satisfied to conclude the first period with both teams deadlocked in a fierce battle that saw the Dublin school attempting to use the wind to their advantage but were kept at bay thanks to a steady back four.

However, it was Buncrana Hearts' talent, Bradley, who broke the deadlock shortly after the hour mark, executing a splendid strike after receiving a well-placed pass from Graham.

Their advantage was further solidified with 15 minutes remaining on the clock when a penalty was awarded after Finn Harps player Darragh Coyle was fouled inside the box, leaving it to Graham to step up to the spot and confidently dispatch the penalty straight down the middle, effectively doubling their lead and seeing the side to victory. 

Scoil Mhuire Buncrana: McNulty; M McDaid, C McDaid, McLaughlin, McIntyre, Coyle, McMenamin, Graham, Bradley, Bradley, McLaughlin. Subs: A McColgan for McLaughlin.

Belvedere College: Loftus; Bryce, Delaney, Brennan, Canny; Stenson, Townsend, Healy, Isong; O'Flaherty, Smith. Subs: E Dowley for Townsend, Wright for Brennan, Mangan for O'Flaherty, Concannon for Canny, Clarke for Bryce.