St Francis College Rochestown 2 Douglas Community School 2 

(Rochestown win 7-6 on penalties)

ST Francis College Rochestown lifted the FAI Schools U17 Munster Cup as they defeated a spirited Douglas Community School side on penalties at Carrigaline United’s Ballea Park on Monday afternoon.

With the two Cork teams locked at 2-2 at the end of extra time, a penalty shootout was required to determine the winner of the provincial title, who will then progress to the All-Ireland semi-final.

Douglas looked set to win it but Rochestown goalkeeper Ben O’Leary made a sensational save low to his left to deny Cathal Heffernan the winner.

And excellent spot-kicks from Adrian Thiabaut and substitute Padraig Murphy in sudden death helped Roco to a 7-6 triumph to seal the silverware. 

St Francis College were looking for revenge after their senior side were beaten 2-1 by Douglas in the Dr Tony O’Neill Senior Munster Cup final last week.

And after an even start, they took the lead on the quarter of an hour mark thanks to a neat finish from Jack Cunningham. 

Andrew O’Brien’s dangerous cross from the left picked out the run of his number seven in the box and he scored from close range.

DCS finished the first half strongly and they deservedly grabbed an equaliser just before the interval when Oscar McCarthy tapped home from a couple of yards after a brilliant build-up play from Republic of Ireland international Cathal Heffernan.

Rochestown dominated the beginning of the second period but with 14 minutes remaining they were punished for not taking their opportunities as Douglas edged in front. 

Great movement in the area from Harvey Skieters created space for Oran Crowe and the Cork City playmaker drilled a superb shot into the bottom left corner. 

But their opponents continued to battle and they forced extra time when Cian O’Flaherty fired a loose ball just inside the far post.

The two schools spurned a chance apiece to win it in extra time so penalties were required.

ST FRANCIS COLLEGE ROCHESTOWN: Ben O’Leary, Adam Walsh, Michael O’Mahony, Harry Nevin, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Murphy, Jack Cunningham, Paul Hanley, Cian O’Flaherty, Adrian Thiabaut, Andrew O’Brien.

Subs: Padraig Murphy for Jack Cunningham (74).

DOUGLAS COMMUNITY SCHOOL: Gavin Ryan, Connor Sheehy, Luke O’Herlihy, Cathal Heffernan, Jack Anthony, Jacob Jackson, Fionn Crowley, Oran Crowe, Brandon Idah, Oscar McCarthy, Josh Fitzpatrick.

Subs: Harvey Skieters for Jack Anthony (56), Dylan Cotter for Luke O’Herlihy (104), Stephen St Ledger for Oscar McCarthy (106).

Referee: Timmy Kelleher.