The senior Gaelic footballers of St Paul’s High School have been crowned All-Ireland champions after a gripping final played in front of a huge St Paul’s crowd at Kingspan Breifne Park in Cavan.
The Ulster Mac Larnon champions faced the Leinster winners Ardscoil Rís, Dublin.
St Paul’s were always the dominant side, and the team never looked in trouble despite going behind to an early Ardscoil Rís goal. Superior passing, work rate and speed of thought ensured the unlocking of a well drilled blanket defence which fell apart in the second half after some excellent long range scores and the sheer pressure of wave after wave of maroon attack.
At the final whistle there were scenes of sheer delight as the large St Paul’s crowd of supporters swarmed on the pitch to congratulate their heroes.
Captain Michael Murphy accepted the cup, Corn Uí Nuanáin on behalf of his teammates and thanked the St Paul’s Army for their dedicated support, and expressed gratitude to the management team of John Rafferty and Martin O’Rourke for their belief, commitment and determination.
St Paul’s Bessbrook 0-20, Ardscoil Rís 1-03.
Photos, videos and full match analysis will appear here soon.
28 comments
Many, many congratulations, sorry I couldn’t be with you. Enjoy the celebrations!
by John Campbell on 31/03/2012 at 6:05 pm #
congratulations to all…
by james keenan on 31/03/2012 at 6:54 pm #
My daughter`s birthday prevented my being there today but I`ve followed every kick via Twitter.So proud of you all.
by Martin Canavan on 31/03/2012 at 7:37 pm #
well done lawds
by james on 31/03/2012 at 9:08 pm #
Well done to everyone involved. To the outstanding players, the backroom staff, the coach and the manager, you have broken new ground and started a whole new adventure for St Paul’s. You really are the “High” Kings of Ireland tonight. I’m looking forward to seeing you all on Monday morning as the cups arrive back in St Paul’s and we can properly acknowledge today’s historic achievement. That was probably the best second half of Colleges’ football seen for years.
by Oliver Mooney on 31/03/2012 at 9:44 pm #
Unreal result. Second half was something else!
by Christine fearon on 31/03/2012 at 10:30 pm #
well done lads
by james dynes on 31/03/2012 at 10:47 pm #
Outstanding game ,outstanding team,great supporters. Top marks to all
by Hugh Murphy on 31/03/2012 at 11:36 pm #
Congratulations to all concerned; a landmark victory for St. Paul’s and a great honour for your school.
by marie and jimmy graham on 01/04/2012 at 12:33 am #
Thrilled to hear the result- well done to Conor Moley. Aidan Conlon and all the rest!
by Fergal O'Brien on 01/04/2012 at 2:45 am #
Well boys, lesson for life, when the going gets tough, the tough score points!!! So proud to be associated with everyone concerned. You really deserve to be the ALL IRELAND champions!!!!
by Mary Mc Mahon on 01/04/2012 at 12:41 pm #
Well done boys. The only place success comes before work is the dictionary. Glad to see all your hard work paid off!
by Laura Hollywood on 01/04/2012 at 1:17 pm #
A historic and well deserved achievement for the entire team and management – maith sibh uilig! We would like to congratulate our very own Aodhan Quinn, Fionnan Burns & Eoghan Burns for the part they played in achieving ALL IRELAND SUCCESS!! It’s just great!
by Silverbridge Harps on 01/04/2012 at 1:24 pm #
One of the best footbal matches i have ben to in a long time. Well deserved win boys! You done the school proud! Well done! #NaomhPolAbu!!
by Jade Anderson on 01/04/2012 at 6:00 pm #
A well deserved victory for both the boys and management team. Thank you so much for providing some thrilling games and showcasing stylish football during your journey to All Ireland greatness. The Wilson’s won’t know what to do with themselves now on a Saturday. We are absolutely thrilled for you all
Well Done
by Maria Wilson on 01/04/2012 at 6:01 pm #
A fantastic result. All Ireland Champions – GREAT. Congratulations to the management team and the players on a superb job.You have taken St. Paul’s to a new level in schools football and there are very exciting times ahead. Naomh Pol Abu!
by paddy mc avoy on 01/04/2012 at 8:18 pm #
WHAT A DAY
Really enjoyed every minute of this historic victory. Between heroic and sporting performances on the pitch from a full panel and management and a support network unmatched in Ireland both there in person and online this has just been an occasion beyond compare. Well done to all of you.
by Mr S Quinn on 01/04/2012 at 8:28 pm #
Such a fantastic achievement not just for the boys but for the school! Another reason to be proud to have been a student in St Paul’s!
by Ronan Sharkey on 01/04/2012 at 11:37 pm #
Congrats on an historic win! What a day for St Paul’s, all the players, mentors, pupils, staff and parents. Just reading very comprehensive account of game in the Irish News. Enjoy the celebrations. Francis Duffy
by Francis Duffy on 02/04/2012 at 10:09 am #
well done guys from 0992 😉 lucking forward to seeing the cup.
by Clodagh Quinn on 02/04/2012 at 10:31 am #
A well deserved win for the boys and their management. Delighted for you all.Well done. Up St. Paul’s!!
by Kathy Branagan on 02/04/2012 at 12:05 pm #
Cant believe we won it lads, sooooo proud of us!!!!! Such an amazing achievement for an amazing bunch of lads. Best school in N.Ireland!!!!! I’ll be sooooo sad to leave!!!! Such a great night out too! Dan is a nice man! yeo xox
by Michael Mallon on 02/04/2012 at 2:46 pm #
forgot my hash tags! #oneteamonedream #championsssss #niceman
by Michael Mallon on 02/04/2012 at 2:48 pm #
well done lads cant beleive youse really dne it 🙂 well done guys
by Ronan Lennon on 02/04/2012 at 3:16 pm #
I can’t imagine a team that deserves the win more than our squad! Well done to all.
by G McMahon on 02/04/2012 at 3:47 pm #
Maith sibh, a ghasúraí. Comhghairdeachas speisialta d’ár n-iardhalta Oisín Mac Murchaidh.
by Maria Nic Fhearchair on 03/04/2012 at 11:53 am #
well done to me man Aodhan Quinn and the boys.. yas done soo well.. #naomhpolabu
by emer nugent on 03/04/2012 at 12:17 pm #
What a great week its been in school after such a brilliant win. The hype, the craic and the sheer enjoyment of the whole occasion.We want more days like this – and SOON! Up St. Paul’s
by Paddy McAvoy on 03/04/2012 at 10:11 pm #