Leeside looking to make club history in U16 National Cup final

Leeside United are in the final of the SFAI Subway U16 National Cup this weekend.

The Little Island outfit are looking to win the competition for the first time in the club’s history and Leeside will need to overcome St Joseph’s FC if they are to do so.

It has certainly been a season to remember for Leeside. Not only was there an amalgamation of two local clubs – Leeside AFC and Glounthaune United, but also the timely installation of a state-of-the-art astro pitch at Leeside Park.

Prior to this season, Leeside United never had a schoolboy’s team reach the last 32 round of an SFAI Cup competition. 

As the 2023/24 campaign progressed, the U16 Premier team secured a place in the National Cup semi-finals and the U16 Leeside ‘A’ Division 3 team were at the same stage in the National Trophy.

The U16 Premier team regularly exited the SFAI Subway National Cup in the Cork rounds over the past few seasons. 

The players impressed right from the go this season however with St. Mary’s, Springfield Ramblers, Leeds, Douglas Hall, Drogheda Marsh Crescent and Bridge United all falling victim to first rate Leeside performances. 

Among the scorers en route to the quarter finals stage were Alex Bollard, Cian Daly, Jamie Coughlan, Ronan Murray and Tim Hegarty. 

Lusk United fell victim to a strong Leeside performance in the semi-final of the U16 National Cup. 

Although their U16 counterparts failed to make the Trophy final, their accomplishments reflected the progress made at the club recently.

Club Chairman, Brendan McCarthy talked about how important the U16 Premier team's achievement is for the club overall.

"I am delighted for the team and it's management. This is a huge occasion for the whole club and its members. 

"Reaching a National Cup final is a huge sign of the progress at Leeside United in recent years and I look forward to seeing everyone getting behind the team in Kilkenny.” 

Head Coach Conor Murray talked about how proud he is of his side.

"We are very proud of the boys for reaching the final of such a prestigious and difficult competition. 

"We've been very competitive in every round thus far and we go into the final on the back of a great 2-0 away win at Holycross.

”We've kept three clean sheets out of our four open round games and if we can maintain this level of performance we have every chance of being successful in the final. 

"No matter what happens, it's been an extraordinary journey and the boys have made great memories. 

"Hopefully there is one more to be had."

Team Captain Aaron O Mahony added it has been a great few weeks leading up to the final.

“The squad have had a fantastic couple of weeks building up to the final. 

"There's been a real focus at training and there's a huge buzz around the club. 

"We'd like to thank our coaches, our families, our sponsors and the club for the incredible support we've received. 

"I can't wait for the big day.” 

Cork are strongly represented in the Trophy competition also. 

Wilton United go up against BT Harps in Kilkenny on Saturday, May 11th, at 1pm in the U13 Trophy final. 

On the same day at the same venue, Douglas Hall challenge Crumlin United in the U14 Trophy final at 5pm. 

Monaghan United go up against Midleton at Jackson Park in Dublin in the U15 Trophy final at 2pm.

Leeside United's National Cup final against St. Joseph's gets underway at 3pm in Kilkenny.

National Cup Last 16: Leeside Utd Team Vs Bridge Utd: Back row L to R: Conor Murray (Manager), Tim Hegarty, Ronan Murray, Jamie Coughlan, Surinder Padam, Rory Cullinane, Aaron O’Mahony, Ryan Dineen, Daniel Brennan, Don O’Mahony (Manager). Front Row L to R: Alex Bollard, Craig Nolan, Christopher Kelly, Ciaran Beecher, Ryan Lane, Ewan O’Shea. Missing from Photo: Cian Daly, Maidhc Ross, Michal Czaja, Emmanuel Bomer, Konrad Drewnicki, Oscar Verdonshot, Ronan Walsh