Coláiste Mhuire crowned Br Bosco Cup champions

Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar 3-10, Ardscoil na Tríonóide, Athy 1-13

Excelling the face of adversity at times, Coláiste Mhuire, Mulingar ended 42 years of hurt as they overcame Ardscoil na Tríonóide, Athy to claim the Br Bosco Cup at Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore on Saturday afternoon.

The new Leinster champions will face St Colman's, Claremorris (who beat Sligo's Summerhill College, 2-9 to 1-9, in the Connacht decider) in the All-Ireland semi-final in two weeks' time.

Two first half goals from Will Scahill - scorer of 2-6 in total - kept them in the game and even though Athy went four points clear in the second half, the Mullingar men were relentless, hunting down their physically bigger opponents throughout.

Crucially, Athy full forward Darragh Farrell picked up a red card for a late tackle on Scahill as Coláiste Mhuire went in search of an equalising score in normal time. Moments later Ben Sheerin showed terrific poise to slot over a point two minutes into added time and it ended 2-7 to 1-10, meaning extra-time was required.

A motion to GAA congress in 2024 decreed that a team reduced to 14 men before the end of a game stayed with 14 for extra-time. That gave Coláiste Mhuire an advantage they duly exploited and Scahill had them ahead midway through the first period. With scores at a premium, Seán Byrne kept the Mullingar side in front.

A smart flick by substitute Paul Keating found the net and at the break it was 3-9 to 1-11.

Following intense Athy pressure in the second period, superb Scahill play set up Seán Byrne for an insurance point in added time at the end of extra-time. It ended in a three-point victory and wonderful celebrations followed as Matthew Thornton was presented with the trophy.

The Mullingar college are taking home the Br Bosco Cup for the first time since 1983. They were welcomed home by overjoyed supporters, including parents, friends and former pupils, who gathered to pay tribute to a special group of players.

Principal Keith Quinn said: "It is a very historic day for the school; we have been waiting 42 years to bring this cup back to Mullingar soil and it's fantastic that it's this special group of young men who have done it."

Deputy Principal Niall O'Brien introduced captain Matthew Thornton, who accepted the good wishes on behalf of his team mates and acknowledged the outstanding work of mentors Dean McNicholas, Brian Murtagh and Matt Kearney.

"The mood in the camp was so positive from the moment we met this morning and a lot of that is down to Mr Murtagh, Mr McNicholas and Mr Kearney. The three of them instilled in us the belief that we could go and win this title," he said.

There were tributes from all three mentors and sponsor Mattie Murray of Murray & Son Bus Hire presented the man of the match award to Will Scahill.

Coláiste Mhuire scorers: Will Scahill 2-6 (0-5 frees), Paul Keating 1-0, Seán Byrne 0-2, Matthew Thornton 0-1, Ben Sheerin 0-1.

Coláiste Mhuire team: Adam Buckley; Ben Sheerin, Ty Masterson, Conor Daly; Darragh Smith, Michael Weir, Michael Moloney; Eoin Conlon, Donnacha Maguire; Conor Heffernan, Matthew Thornton, Oisín O'Hara; Will Scahill, Eoin Meehan, Seán Byrne. Subs used: Ben McNamee, Paul Keating, James Murtagh, Conor Heffernan.