Schoolgirls' soccer year ends on a high as Coláiste an Phiarsaigh lift U19 title at Turner's Cross
Coláiste an Phiarsaigh celebrated their win over MIC Dunmanway in the U19 cup final held at Turner's Cross.
The 2026 girls’ schools football season in Cork concluded in style with a thrilling finals programme that highlighted the rapid growth of the game across the county.
Hosted at top-class venues, including the prestigious Turner’s Cross for the showpiece U19 Cup Final, the competition once again demonstrated the remarkable development of girls’ football at schools level.
This year’s campaign was the biggest yet, with over 30 schools participating and more than 1,200 students involved throughout the season. A record-breaking 67 teams competed across multiple age groups, underlining the continued rise in popularity of girls’ football in Cork schools.
Competition coordinator Finn O’Sullivan reflected positively on the progress made in a relatively short space of time.
“With over 30 schools involved, the competition catered for more than 1,200 students, while a record 67 teams competed across the various age groups this season,” said O’Sullivan.
The year concluded with an exciting finals programme, featuring four Cup Finals and four Trophy Finals, showcasing the tremendous talent, commitment and sportsmanship displayed by students, coaches and schools throughout the campaign. While we always encourage girls to participate even recreationally, not only did they do so, but the standard on show was extremely high with many of the girls playing club football in the CWSSL and a lot also playing League of Ireland with either Cobh Ramblers or Cork City.
The growth is particularly notable given how recently the competition was established. Only two years ago, the girls’ schools programme launched with just two small cup competitions at U15 and U19 level. Since then, it has expanded dramatically to include both Cup and Trophy competitions across every age group from U14 to U19.
“The girls’ competitions continue to grow year on year across the area. Having only launched the girls’ competitions two years ago with two small cup competitions at U15 and U19 level, the competition has now expanded to include both Cup and Trophy competitions across all age groups, from U14 right up to U19 level, reflecting the growing participation and interest in girls’ football throughout the county.
In the U14 Cup Final, Ashton produced a dominant performance to overcome Coláiste Eamann Rís 5-0, while Coláiste Choilm claimed the U14 Trophy with a 3-1 victory over Carrigaline Community School.
At U15 level, Regina Mundi secured a hard-fought 2-0 win against Ballincollig Community School in the Cup Final. Meanwhile, Coláiste Mhuire Buttevant were impressive in the Trophy decider, defeating Presentation Secondary School Ballyphehane 5-0.
Regina Mundi continued their strong form in the U17 Cup Final, recording a commanding 5-0 victory over Boherbue Comprehensive School. In the U17 Trophy Final, St Mary’s Mallow lifted silverware after a convincing 6-1 win over St Colman’s Community College.
The U19 finals rounded off the programme. Coláiste an Phiarsaigh were crowned U19 Cup champions following an outstanding 4-0 victory over Maria Immaculata College Dunmanway, while Glanmire Community College secured the U19 Trophy title with a 4-0 win against St Colman’s Community College.
The U19 Cup Final served as the centrepiece of the season, bringing the curtain down on another successful year of schools football. Played at Turner’s Cross, the home of the Munster FA.
Coláiste an Phiarsaigh rose to the occasion with an excellent all-round team display.
Defensively, they were outstanding, with Julia Ní Éalaithe, Aoife Ní Choileáin, Olivia Ní Ghóilín, Juliet Nic Aodh and Ella de Buitleir providing a solid foundation at the back.
In midfield, Aoileann Ní Bhaoill, standout player Grace Ní Uigín and Ailís Ahmeti worked tirelessly, combining defensive duties with creative play to great effect. Further forward, Siofra Ní Bhaoill, Bláithín Ní Mhathúna, Amelia Nic Cumascaigh and their teammates consistently threatened the Dunmanway defence.
Despite the defeat, Maria Immaculata College Dunmanway earned praise for their determination and resilience, battling until the final whistle and representing their school with pride.
As the season concludes, O’Sullivan was keen to acknowledge everyone who contributed to another landmark year.
“A huge thank you to all participating schools, players, teachers, referees, volunteers and supporters who helped make the 2026 season such a success.” With participation numbers climbing each year and standards improving across all age groups, the future looks exceptionally bright for girls’ schools football in Cork. What began as a small initiative just two years ago has quickly developed into one of the county’s standout schools competitions, offering more opportunities than ever before for young players to develop, compete and thrive.
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