Cork Youth team out to defend their FAI Inter-League Youth Cup title against Dublin 

All eyes will be on on the FAI Inter-League Youth Cup final tomorrow at St Colman’s Park when the Cork Youth League will be bidding to retain the title they won last season when they play the Dublin District and School League at 2pm.

Both sides come into this game with unbeaten records and is a very difficult game to call, as both have plenty of match winners in their sides.

The Cork side road to the final was with a 3-1 victory against Clare District League in Ennis and they had to come from a goal behind at halftime to eventually win 3-1 with second have goals from Ben Fitzgerald JJ Foley and James Grayem.

Then came the Munster Inter-League Cup final at Carrig Park and again they had to come from behind to win the title after extra time and penalties to beat Limerick District League. 

Cian O’Callaghan gave Cork an early lead, however, they were pegged back by the Limerick side for both sides to go in at halftime level at 1-1. Limerick took the lead 2-1 with ten minutes remaining in the game, but Alex Bolland was sprigged for the Cork bench to level the game 2-2 five minutes later. 

Both sides couldn’t be separated in the extra time periods and the game went to a penalty shootout, Rian Thornhill, Darragh Sheehan Ben Fitzgerald all converted their respective spot kicks, however, they were pegged real hero was the Cork keeper Zack Lynch-Healy as he expertly saved two of Limerick spot kicks for his team to retain their title.

In their FAI Inter-League semi final they met Donegal Youth League at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown. 

Again, they trailed 1-0 at half time, however, goals from Ben Fitzgerald, Liam Lynch and two from Rian Thornhill to win 4-1.

The Cork manager Conor Murray and his team are really looking forward to the game and there is one thing for sure that they certainly won’t be found lacking in any department.

“We are very much looking forward to the final, since the players and mu management team have been working hard to get to this point of the competition and I am very confident that if we perform as I know we can we will be successful tomorrow,” Conor said.

“Any final is to be savoured but this FAI Inter-League final is particularly special. We will come up against a very strong Dublin side, but I'm confident the boys will give a great account of themselves.

“We have fallen behind at some stage in each game so far but have showed great resilience and belief to always finish strongly and get the victory. 

"It is also a testament to the strength in depth in the squad that we can always make an impact off the bench.

“This whole experience has been hugely rewarding for us as coaches. 

“Success can be measured in different ways, the boys have loved training and mixing together and their sense of commaradarie is palpable. 

"In that sense, this whole adventure has already been a hugely positive experience for them and ourselves.

“However, the boys are hungry, hugely competitive and will give it everything to ensure the cup stays on Leeside at the end of the game tomorrow.

“Lastly, we are hugely appreciative of all the support we have received to date. From everyone from the Cork Youth League, all the clubs, Kieran from the Echo, friends, families and the Cork public in general.

“We all hope to see everyone at St Colemans park tomorrow to roar the boys on to victory,” Murray added.