St. Joseph’s Boys’ School, Creggan will make history on Thursday as they take on Aquinas Grammar in the NI Schools U12 Plate Final at the Danny Blanchflower Stadium, Belfast.
History in the form of being the first father and son to reach a schools’ final with PE teacher and manager, Paul Gibbons, and his son and team captain, Kian. The Derry school head to Belfast with an excellent record in the early rounds, scoring 19 and only conceding two on the way to the final.
Notable scalps were fellow Derry school Oakgrove College (3-0), followed by Castlederg High School (6-0), a comprehensive drubbing of Wellington College by 9 goals to 2, and a narrow victory over Omagh CBS (1-0) in the semi-final.
The U12 squad have been putting in extra hours of training after school in the build-up to Thursday’s final which will be played at the Danny Blanchflower Stadium with a kick-off of 11.30am.
The boys hope to better their U6 team’s narrow loss to St. Malachy’s in last week’s Plate Final and manager Paul Gibbons believes they are more than capable of victory.
“To say I’m proud of this squad is an understatement,”explained the St. Joseph’s manager, “The character they have showed on this journey and how they have represented the school has been second to none.
“The football they have played at times has been exceptional and although the draw to reach the final has been tough, they fully deserve to be there. For me, this squad have been getting stronger as the competition progressed and Thursday is the last hurdle. I believe if they play to their full potential, they can bring back the trophy to the school.”
Coach Emmett McGinty also endorsed the team’s potential, believing their never-say-die’ attitude always shines throughout the team and squad.
“This was a very tough journey to the final for our squad of boys," added Mr McGinty, “Their never-say-die attitude has been first class throughout and I have been impressed by every single member of the squad who has given their all in efforts to reach cup final day. Indeed, I am delighted for the whole school community
as they all deserve a day out in supporting the team in bringing back the trophy to Creggan.”
13. Aaron McVeigh – Midfielder – Ballymoor- A box to box midfielder who’s very intelligent on and off the ball. Loves a tackle.
Aaron McVeigh (Midfielder) Club = Ballymoor: A box to box midfielder who’s very intelligent on and off the ball. Loves a tackle. Photo: Jim McCafferty
14. Harry Morrow – Midfielder – The magician in the team. Harry has the ability to thread a ball through the eye of a needle and this has created endless chances for his teammates.
Harry Morrow (Midfielder) The magician in the team. Harry has the ability to thread a ball through the eye of a needle and this has created endless chances for his teammates. Photo: Jim McCafferty
15. Kian Gibbons (Defender, Capt.) Club = Newell Academy: An energetic, quick, and tough tackling player who works tirelessly for his team. Confident on the ball and loves to play out from the back.
Kian Gibbons (Defender, Capt.) Club = Newell Academy: An energetic, quick, and tough tackling player who works tirelessly for his team. Confident on the ball and loves to play out from the back. Photo: Jim McCafferty
16. St. Joseph's Boys School principal, Mrs. Ciara Deane pictured with school u-12 captain Kian Gibbons, his dad and manager, Paul and coach Emmett McGinty wishing the team all the best for Thursday's final.
St. Joseph's Boys' School principal, Mrs. Ciara Deane pictured with U12 captain Kian Gibbons, his dad and manager, Paul, and coach Emmett McGinty wishing the team all the best for Thursday's final. Photo: Jim McCafferty