Cork Youth League players thrilled to have beaten Mayo and capture the U17 FAI Inter-league title

There were joyous scenes at the Fairview Rangers Complex last Saturday evening when the Cork Youth League were crowned FAI Inter-League champions for the fifth time in ten years.

Cork beat Mayo 2-1 in a very competitive game and they had to dig deep from going behind early to eventually take control of the game in the second half to get their hands on the cup.

This team has improved from game to game from the very first match against Limerick Desmond League in Ringmahon Park last October, however, Mayo gave them all sorts problems with the aggressive pressing play before their midfield got a foothold in the middle of the park in the second half.

The big smile on the Cork captain Kealan Crowe’s face told its own story as he was beaming with pride after guiding his side to National honours.

“This mean’s the world to all of us from the players, Louis and his management team, the committee members and all our parents who travel here again today,” Kealan said.

“The lads in the management put in so much work with us since last September and I couldn’t be as proud to captain this team for them. 

"From the get go all of us players have had a great connection and it makes things a lot more enjoyable when we all get on so well.

“To be fair, all credit to Mayo, they were the far better side in the first half, but in fairness to Louis and the lads they just calmed everyone down and reminded us how good of a side we was and just stay patient. 

"I thought we came more into the game as Mayo tired and we then began to stretch them, which gave us some goals opportunities.

“Finally, I want to thank to Cork Youth committee for all their support and the way they looked after us players all year,” Crowe added.

Kealan’s College Corinthians teammate Kai O’Neill who picked up the man of the match awarded was also extremely emotional after the game.

“Personally I think winning the Munster Youth Inter-League cup a few weeks ago and now the FAI Inter-League cup now it’s a massive achievement,” Kai said.

“We have a great squad to be honest and with great competition for places on the starting eleven, but we all had the save goal at the start of the season and thankfully we got our reward today.

“I was a bit surprised to be named the man of the match to be honest and certainly didn’t expect it so it makes today even more special for me.

“We had great support again today and I just want to thank everyone who made the journey,” O’Neill added.