Soccer glory for Christians after keeper Harry Walsh makes two saves in penalty shootout
Aidan O'Shea, Christians, celebrates with team-mates after scoring against Coláiste Bhaile Chláir. Picture: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
Christians were crowned 2026 FAI Schools Senior National Cup champions for the first time after beating Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in a penalty shootout in Mounthawk Park, Tralee.
Calum Carroll scored the winning penalty after Finn Dalton, Donal O’Connor and Max Murphy all converted before him. CBC keeper Harry Walsh stood tall to deny the Claregalway School on two occasions.
The game wasn’t dominated by either side, with momentum swinging back and forth on several occasions on a sundrenched Mounthawk Park.
Both sides wasted several scoring chances in the first half. David McLaughlin, Jack Kelly and Kalen Ainsworthy threatened for the Galway men, while Conor Burke came close to the opening goal for CBC on a couple of occasions.
CBC eventually broke the deadlock midway through the second half after a sustained spell of pressure. The fourth phase of the attack saw Hickey’s shot deflect to Aidan O’Shea coming off the right wing, and the sub, only on the field 10 minutes, fired into the roof of the net.
Coláiste Bhaile Chláir looked a bit shaky after going behind but used the second water after 70 minutes to regroup. A long free kick into the box was headed backwards, which took his keeper out of the equation, leaving Cathal Heavey the simple task of slotting into the gaping net.
Five minutes into the extra-time period, CBC was reduced to 10 when goalscorer O’Shea picked up a second yellow.
Both sides had chances to win it. Luke O'Keeffe forced O’Gorman into a big save minutes after coming on, whilst at the other end, McLaughlin saw his left-footed shot come back off the foot of the post, so the game had to be decided on penalties.
Both captains were first to step up. Jack Kelly scored for Bhaile Chláir, while Finn Dalton made no mistake for CBC. Next up for Claregalway was Ruairi Flaherty, who saw his left-footed attempt saved by Walsh to give CBC.
Donal O’Connor, David McLaughlin, and Max Murphy all converted before Daniel Murphy took what would be Bhaile Chláir’s last penalty, saved down the middle by Walsh leaving Calum Carroll the chance to become the hero. He smashed home as the jubilant celebrations began from the CBC fans.
Harry Walsh; Emmet Coughlan, Larry Butler, Max Murphy, Ben Phillips; Finn Dalton (c), Liam Lynch; Darragh Morley, Conor Burke, Tom Hickey; Donal O’Connor.
Aidan O’Shea for Morley (56), Shane Kavanagh for Hickey (75), Luke O'Keeffe for Burke (96), Calum Carroll for Philips (103).
Charlie Greene, Matthew Casey, Ruairí Flaherty, Darragh Killian, Daniel Murphy, Michael Bradbury, Jack Kelly (c), Dylan Rabbitte, David McLoughlin, Cathal Heavey, Kalen Ainsworth.
Evan McDonagh for Heavey (86), Aaron O’Gorman for Charlie Greene (110 inj).
Darren O’Rourke.
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