First Cork Primary School 11-a-side soccer competition a major success as 70 schools take part

The inaugural Cork Primary Schools 11-a-side soccer competition has been hailed as a major success after more than 70 schools participated.

Organised by Alan Bennett, Aidan Twomey, Darren O’Keeffe and John Collins, the schools competed across three categories, small, medium, and large, with boys’ and girls’ teams. The new format gave young players the opportunity to represent their schools in a structured 11-a-side environment for the first time.

The small schools winners were Analeentha boys of Mallow while Ballinacarriga won the girls. The medium schools will be played tomorrow between Watergrasshill boys and the winners of Gaelscoil Kinsale and Scoil Mhuire BNS. The girls final is between Watergrasshill NS and St Mary’s (Enniskeane). 

The large schools finals, held recently at College Corinthians, were a particular highlight.

In the boys’ large schools final, Holy Well, Carrigaline delivered a composed and highly organised performance to overcome a talented Beaumont. Holy Well impressed throughout the game with their discipline, tactical awareness and teamwork, running out 3-0 winners to claim the Derek Collins Perpetual Cup.

Beaumont showed plenty of quality and determination, contributing to an entertaining final that reflected the high standard across the competition.

The girls’ large schools final saw Gaelscoil Carrigaline produce a confident display against a spirited Midleton Educate Together side.

Beyond the results, the finals served as a celebration of youth soccer in Cork.

For competition coordinator John Collins, the launch of the tournament was the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.

Speaking at the finals, Collins reflected on both his family’s long-standing connection to Cork football and the emotional significance behind the competition.

“On a personal note, it is both an honour and privilege for me to participate in the organisation of these competitions,” Collins said.

“My family has been involved in Cork soccer going back generations. I had an uncle who played with Cork United in the 1940s and with West Ham United, before later managing Cork Hibernians in 1961 and 1962.

“I also had two brothers, both now deceased, Kevin and Derek Collins, who were passionate supporters of the Rebel Army and Cork City FC.

Collins explained that the competition was inspired partly by the fact that he and his brothers never had the opportunity to represent their schools.

All three of us would have given anything to represent our school in a primary schools soccer competition, but unfortunately that opportunity did not exist 50 years ago.

“I had the privilege of participating in the first post-primary soccer competition in 1972-73, and that competition has gone from strength to strength over the years, including the addition of a girls’ competition.

“To now inaugurate a soccer competition at primary school level for both boys and girls is a dream come true.” 

The emotional connection to the event was reflected in the trophies themselves, with Collins sponsoring two cups in honour of his late brothers, while the remaining four cups were sponsored by Foras.

The boys’ large and medium schools competition trophies were named the Derek and Kevin Collins Perpetual Cups.

The girls’ competition also carried special significance, with the John Kennedy Memorial Cup presented following the final between Gaelscoil Carrigaline and Midleton Educate Together.

ON A ROLL

The success of the first year has already created strong momentum for future editions. With over 70 schools participating across all categories, organisers believe the competition has filled an important gap in the sporting calendar and provides a new pathway for young players to develop their skills and passion for the game.

Most importantly, the tournament gave hundreds of children the opportunity to create lasting memories while representing their schools on a big stage.

If the quality, excitement, and community spirit shown throughout this inaugural year are anything to go by, the Cork Primary Schools 11-a-side competition looks set to become a major fixture in the county’s sporting calendar for many years to come.