THE Cork SL U15 team overcame Limerick District in the final of the SFAI Subway Munster Inter League.

The Cork Schoolboys League squad travelled to Mounthawk Park and the trip was certainly worth it with the youngsters winning 1-0 on the day.

Harvey Skieters’ second-half strike was enough for Cork with the youngster hitting the back of the net after an accurate corner kick. Limerick did their best to level proceedings thereafter but a professional display from Cork was enough for the win.

A flawless performance in the group stages of the SFAI U15 Subway Championship saw Cork Athletic top Group 1 in style.

For the 2019/2020 campaign, Cork were tasked with a difficult opening game away from home. The Cork Schoolboys League side travelled to WIT Arena to take on rivals Waterford and the visitors recorded a hard-fought 1-0 victory. 

In their next game, Cork Athletic recorded a 4-0 victory over South Tipperary. The youngsters were made to work for their next victory at Ballea Park in Carrigaline when Clare provided the opposition. On the day, Cork won 2-1 to make it three wins from three.

In their final group game, Cork were paired with Kerry in a home clash at Ballea Park again and the CSL side made it four wins from four by beating their opponents 2-0. As a result, Cork finished the group in pole position on 12 points with Waterford finishing in second on nine points. Both teams qualified for the semi-finals.

Cork beat Limerick Desmond at Ballea Park in Carrigaline in the semi-finals to set up a clash versus Limerick District in the Munster final.

Speaking before the final, Cork Schoolboys League chairman Peter Connolly talked about the team’s aim for the season.

“Our goal from day one was to win the Pat Cronin Munster Cup. Waterford won it last year and it is very much our goal to bring the trophy back to Cork this season. Beating Waterford in our first group game set up us nicely for the remaining group games and the players have been in fine form.

“Overall, we have had a very good season and the players, as always, have been very good. Some difficult games versus the likes of Kerry and Tipperary saw the players digging deep to break teams down. 

"A particular highlight was Liam Murray receiving a call up to the Republic of Ireland U15 team and we are all delighted for the player.” 

Connolly also talked about their player positivity. “The players are winners. They love winning and they want to win each game they play."

That certainly turned out to be case on the weekend with Cork deservedly winning more silverware.

CORK U15 SQUAD: Ross Hennessy (Ringmahon), Jake Freyne (Ringmahon), Franco Umeh (Ringmahon), Dara O’Shea (Ringmahon), Micheal Jordan (Ringmahon), Ciaran O’Leary (Ringmahon), Ryan Delaney (Carrigaline), Kieran McCarthy (Carrigaline), Sean Casey (Carrigaline), Matthew Broderick (Corinthians), Robbie O’Brien (Corinthians), Liam Murray (Corinthians), Harvey Skieters (Corinthians), Max Lee (Corinthians), Cian Buckley (Corinthians), Charlie O’Brien (Midlelton), Rojus Vitkevicius (Fermoy), Oscar Ahern (Blarney), Louis Hanover (Blarney), Charlie Cummins (Blarney), Darragh Bowdren (Blarney), Zack Philpott (Blarney), James Burke (Douglas Hall).