Scoil Mhuire Buncrana poised for second FAIS National Cup final in-a-row

Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana girls' team manager Paddy Carr believes his side are as ready as they’ll ever be as they go in hunt for their second All-Ireland National Cup title in-a-row next Wednesday. 

Following a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Presentation College, Athenry in Ray MacSharry Park two weeks ago, Carr praised his side for their work commitment and effort so far this year as they now prepare for Presentation Secondary School, Thurles in the final. 

"All is going well with the team," Carr affirmed, relieving that the squad currently boasts a clean bill of health. "At the minute we’re injury free and that’s the main thing."  

He exhales a sigh of relief, particularly grateful that the players who were away skiing on a school trip returned unscathed from the adventure.  

"A few of the players were away skiing last week, so I’m glad they got back in one piece without any major injuries, it’s all about preparing properly now for the week ahead." 

However, like all school teams, the road to the final isn't without its hurdles. With an important GAA match scheduled just days before the final, Carr acknowledges the challenge ahead, however, he remains steadfast in his belief in the team's ability to excel in both sports for the school.  

"The girls have a GAA match on Monday, they are in an Ulster semi-final," he explains. "I just hope they can all come through that together and be okay for Wednesday,” Carr said. 

“But you know what, it’s great to see the girls in these kinds of competitions. They should play as much sport as they can and I hope they do well on Monday in the Gaelic and do the school proud, and then follow it up on Wednesday with an All-Ireland victory. 

“The girls, from underage club level to school football, they’ve all played together in top games. They know each other really well and they all have a real drive to win, so from a school’s point of view and a coach’s point of view, we’ve been very lucky. They know how to manage themselves. 

“We’re reaping the benefits at the school currently with this squad of players. Huge credit as well has to go to the amount of time and effort that has gone into developing club football in Inishowen.  

“Again, we’re just really privileged to see these girls develop as players and I hope they can finish on a high in their last year in the school. 

“It’s great to see any team getting to two All-Ireland final in-a-row, it’s an amazing achievement. And they have nothing to fear. Our side faced this Thurles team at U-17 level and beat them in penalties. So, while we know they’re a really good and solid team, we know we can beat them.” 

And yet despite the challenges that lie ahead, Carr is confident in the team's ability to rise to the occasion.  

"The girls are very seasoned players at this stage, nothing seems to faze them," he notes.  

"They’ve been here before and have played in a lot of big games in their careers, they’re well able to manage themselves and they know what they have to do to win on the big day." 

However, preparing his team for Wednesday’s final isn’t the biggest issue for the Scoil Mhuire manager, but rather hoping the final can find a location to play the match in time for next Wednesday. 

With the venue originally fixed for Oriel Park in Louth, it was eventually moved after finding out that Dundalk will be using the main field that afternoon to train.  

And since then, no venue has been finalised, with fear that the schedule could be changed if one is not found. 

“It’s very hard at the minute getting a venue. The FAI Schools are working hard to sort it out, but with the League of Ireland starting now it is difficult to get a stadium, we’ll just have to wait and see if we can get one.” 

With the stage set and the team poised for victory, all eyes are on Scoil Mhuire Buncrana's U-17 girls as they strive to make their mark in the annals of school history.