Holy Trinity win Vocational Title

All Ireland U16 Vocational Schools Final:
Holy Trinity, Cookstown 0-13  St Brogan’s, Bandon 1-05

Tears of joy flowed at sun-splashed Banagher in Offaly on Saturday as Holy Trinity College from Cookstown claimed an inaugural All-Ireland U-16 crown.

It was an occasion to savour in so many ways for the Cookstown College whose U-16’s thus emulated Holy Trinity’s 1998 All-Ireland winning U-18 team twelve years on.

Trinity carried the game to St Bandon’s despite taking a little time to settle playing with the first half breeze.

The Tyrone team managed to establish an interval advantage of 0-6 to 0-1 and withstood a spirited St Brogan’s rally in the second 30 minutes.

Cork and Munster winners St Bandon’s tried valiantly to turn it around but came up against a well-drilled and fluent Holy Trinity side.

Trinity’s defence proved rock solid and throughout the team players stood up to the plate and delivered strong performances, including Micheal Cassidy, Eoin Coyle, Conan Campbell, Cathal Devlin and Adrian Armstrong to mention some.

Holy Trinity manager Adrian O’Donnell, his assistant Peter Canavan, helpers, players and supporters shared in a momentous milestone here. It’s one that is extra special according to Adrian.

“Thank God we were able to produce a really solid team display on the day and overcome a very good St Brogan’s side.

“There were times, especially in the second half, when the nerves got frayed but the lads responded brilliantly to finish the game off in style.

“To win a first U-16 All-Ireland is a landmark achievement and one that will be remembered fondly for years and years.

“It’s a great feeling to be heading back to Holy Trinity with an All-Ireland trophy to show everyone and that’s just reward for all the hard graft put in by the players,” stressed the Trinity teacher.

Scores didn’t come easy in the opening 30 minutes but Holy Trinity still put six on the board for just one in reply and constructed a solid platform in the process.

Aidan Armstrong notched the breakthrough point after a few nervy opening minutes as both teams tried to get a handle on things.

Cathal Devlin tapped over from open play and placed points in succession to leave Cookstown three up heading into the second quarter.

Barry Potter was denied by the post as Trinity pushed forward but Potter punched over a 27th minute point with St Brogan’s still to register.

Devlin added his third score and Eoin Coyle put Trinity six in front on 30 minutes before Gary Farrell broke Bandon’s duck with a 32nd minute point. The industrious Aidan Armstrong repeated his opening half point feat when putting Trinity 0-7 to 0-1 ahead and Cathal Devlin continued his scoring contribution with a 34th minute point.

St Brogan’s began to make some progress as Jason Crowley and Farrell pointed, followed by Devlin and Crowley swapping scores.

A Devlin free made it 0-10 to 0-4 for Holy Trinity with 15 minutes remaining but St Brogan’s won a 47th minute penalty that Farrell knocked home to reduce Trinity’s lead to three.

Jason Crowley closed the gap to two points when landing a 50th minute score but referee Damian Brazil brandished a red card in Crowley’s direction not long after, Bandon losing another player to a second yellow late on as Trinity emerged worthy winners.

Ciaran Blake, Conor McAleer and company upped the pace again for Trinity who finished the stronger to secure victory via Devlin(0-1) and a Kieran McGeary brace in the closing minutes.

Scenes of sheer elation greeted the last whistle in the Holy Trinity camp and they then took delighted delivery of the precious All-Ireland U-16 Cup.

Report by Damian Donnelly: Ulster Herald (nwipp-newspapers.com)