Christian Brothers College Cork Crowned 2026 FAI Schools Senior National Cup Champions

Tralee, Ireland – March 19, 2026 – Christian Brothers College (CBC), Cork, secured their first-ever FAI Schools Senior National Cup title after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Claregalway, at Mounthawk Park in Tralee. The match concluded 1-1 after extra time, with CBC ultimately prevailing 4-2 in the penalty shootout.

A Tense Encounter

The final, played on a sun-drenched pitch, was a closely contested affair with both sides creating opportunities throughout. CBC broke the deadlock midway through the second half when a deflected shot from Tom Hickey found Aidan O’Shea, who fired the ball into the roof of the net. However, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir responded with a goal from Cathal Heavey, leveling the score and forcing the game into extra time.

Drama in Extra Time and Penalties

The drama continued into extra time as CBC were reduced to 10 men following a second yellow card for Aidan O’Shea. Despite being a man down, CBC held firm, and the game ultimately went to penalties.

In the shootout, Calum Carroll scored the decisive penalty for CBC after successful conversions from Finn Dalton, Donal O’Connor, and Max Murphy. CBC goalkeeper Harry Walsh proved to be the hero, saving two penalties to give his side the advantage. Walsh denied Ruairi Flaherty and Daniel Murphy, setting the stage for Carroll to win the cup.

Key Moments

• Second Half: Aidan O’Shea scores for CBC after a deflection.
• Second Half: Cathal Heavey equalizes for Coláiste Bhaile Chláir.
• Extra Time: Aidan O’Shea receives a second yellow card, reducing CBC to 10 players.
• Penalty Shootout: Harry Walsh saves two penalties, and Calum Carroll scores the winning penalty.

Team Lineups

Christian Brothers College (CBC): Harry Walsh. Emmet Coughlan, Larry Butler, Max Murphy, Ben Phillips; Finn Dalton (c), Liam Lynch; Darragh Morley, Conor Burke, Tom Hickey; Donal O’Connor. Substitutes: Aidan O’Shea for Morley (56), Shane Kavanagh for Hickey (75), David Callanan for Burke (96), Calum Carroll for Philips (103).

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir: Charlie Greene, Matthew Casey, Ruairí Flaherty, Darragh Killian, Daniel Murphy, Michael Bradbury, Jack Kelly (c), Dylan Rabbitte, David McLoughlin, Cathal Heavey, Kalen Ainsworth. Substitutes: Evan McDonagh for Heavey (86), Aaron O’Gorman for Charlie Greene (110 inj).

Match Details

Date: March 19, 2026

Location: Mounthawk Park, Tralee

Referee: Darren O’Rourke

Result: Christian Brothers College Cork 1 – 1 Coláiste Bhaile Chláir (CBC win 4-2 on penalties)