CBC U19 soccer team create school history winning the All-Ireland title
History was made in Tralee last week as Christian Brothers College Cork claimed their first ever All-Ireland soccer title, capping a remarkable rise for a school whose soccer journey began as a simple Transition Year activity. The Munster champions overcame Connacht champions Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in a dramatic decider, sealing victory in a nerve-shredding penalty shoot-out in front of more than 300 travelling supporters.For a programme that only entered U17 competitions in its formative years, the achievement marks a seismic leap forward. It was just the second time CBC had reached a national final, having narrowly lost the 2023 U15 National Cup decider to Marist College Athlone in Limerick. Eight members of that squad progressed to form the backbone of this year’s triumphant U19 side, demonstrating the steady development within the school’s academy.Manager Stephen Hogan was understandably thrilled afterwards, praising his players’ resilience in adversity.“It was a fabulous occasion for the school and for everyone involved,” said Hogan. "The game went all the way to a penalty shoot out which wasn’t great for the heart.” In the shoot-out, CBC lost the toss and were required to go second — never an easy task. After Coláiste Bhaile Chláir captain Jack Kelly converted the opening spot kick, CBC captain Finn Dalton replied in kind. Harry Walsh then produced the first of two crucial saves, denying the Connacht side’s second penalty. Donal O’Connor calmly slotted home to edge CBC ahead.Both sides converted their third efforts, Max Murphy scoring for CBC, before Walsh again rose to the occasion, diving low to his left to save the fourth penalty. That save handed Calum Carroll the chance to etch his name into school folklore. He made no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and sparking euphoric celebrations among the CBC faithful as the school secured its first national crown.The road to All-Ireland glory was anything but straightforward. CBC’s Munster campaign began with a 3-1 home win over Ashton, followed by a 3-0 victory against Coláiste Mhuire Buttevant. A 5-2 triumph over Patrician Academy, Mallow set up a quarter-final trip to Tramore to face Ard Scoil na Mara.Trailing 2-0 with 20 minutes remaining, CBC seemed destined for elimination. Instead, a stunning Darragh Morley hat-trick — including a last-minute winner — turned the game on its head and propelled them into the semi-finals.There, they dethroned holders St. Paul’s Community College, Waterford, 2-1, courtesy of a towering Max Murphy header and a clever Conor Burke finish.The Munster final against Douglas Community School in St. Colman’s Park was another tense affair. Falling behind once more, CBC showed their trademark character. Captain Finn Dalton scored a superb equaliser before Harry Walsh saved Douglas’ fourth penalty in the shoot-out, allowing Darragh Morley to clinch only the school’s second ever Munster title.On the national stage, CBC met Leinster champions Wexford CBS in atrocious conditions at Evergreen FC, emerging 3-2 winners in a thrilling semi-final. Considering that 72 schools contested the Munster U19 competition and 116 entered in Leinster, the scale of the achievement is immense.Soccer at Christian Brothers College has grown dramatically since its introduction in 2003 by then Principal Dr. Larry Jordan. Initially confined to U17 level as a Transition Year activity, immediate success followed with a Cork Cup triumph over Douglas Community School at UCC.Over time, the programme expanded, bolstered by dedicated coaches such as Tim Mawe and Ethan McCarthy, both of whom achieved UEFA A Licences. The establishment of the CBC Academy laid the groundwork for sustained success across multiple age groups. Victories in the U15 Cork Cup, the inaugural First Year Cup at Turner’s Cross, and numerous Munster finals steadily built a culture of belief.At U19 level, CBC only entered the Cork Cup for the first time in 2024, reaching the semi-final before winning it the following year. To capture a Munster title at just the second attempt — and now an All-Ireland crown — is extraordinary progress.Principal Mr. David Lordon has long championed excellence in both academic and extracurricular spheres. Last Thursday’s triumph represented a defining moment in the college’s proud history.CBC now stands among a select group of Irish schools competing at the highest level across rugby, hurling and soccer simultaneously. In Tralee, backed by hundreds of passionate supporters, they demonstrated that ambition, perseverance and belief can transform a modest Transition Year initiative into national champions.Squad: Harry Walsh, Emmet Coughlan, Ben Philips, Max Murphy, Larry Butler, Liam Lynch, Darragh Morley, Finn Dalton, Conor Burke, Donal O Connor, Tom Hickey, Aidan O’Shea, Calum Carroll, Oisin McCarthy, Shane Kavanagh, David Callanan, Luke O’Keeffe, Charlie O’Riordan, James O’Mahony, Adam O’Brien, Evan Coughlan, Jack Mills, Rossa Kinirons, Tom McGrath, Darragh Lawless, Jack Punch, Coleton Corkery
