Under 19 Soccer
The U19 soccer team had an up-and-down year, producing some great football and displays alongside a few disappointments. The highlight of the season was a mammoth match against reigning All-Ireland champions Wexford CBS at Newbridge Town Astro, where the lads pushed Wexford all the way to penalties after a 2-2 draw after extra time (AET). Unfortunately, Lady Luck ran out as we were finally defeated 14-13 in an incredible penalty shootout.
The team ultimately reached the quarter-finals of the Leinster Shield but did not progress past the knockout phases of the Midlands League competition. Injuries played a significant role this season, with key personnel unavailable for long stretches. The team was best served this year by Alex Murphy, Eoghan O’Carroll, and Shaun Hall, who all put in stellar performances throughout the campaign.
It is with regret that we say goodbye to stalwarts Shaun Hall, Padraic Noonan, Marc O’Callaghan, Callum Reilly, and Luke Mahon, who won many titles and medals during their time in the black and amber strip. Thank you, lads, for your service over the years.
Under 17 Soccer
The first game of the season was against Cabinteely CS. In a match that could have gone either way, the Cabinteely team won 3-1 to progress to the next round.
In the Midlands League, we started our campaign with a 0-0 draw against Piper's Hill, followed by a 2-1 victory over our neighbours, Newbridge College, with goals from Alex Murphy and Kaden Coombes. Progressing to the quarter-finals of the competition, we secured a terrific 8-1 win over Naas CBS (goals from Alex Murphy (5), Andrew MacAuley (2), and Daithí De Lasa).
We backed up this performance with an outstanding display against a very strong Blessington CS team in Peamount, winning 4-2 with goals from Daithí De Lasa (2), Cian O’Shea, and Callum Reilly. In the final, we came up against a formidable Cross and Passion team from Kilcullen. In a game that ebbed and flowed, we had our chances; however, we were undone late in the match and lost 5-2, with goals from Kevin Gallagher and Eoin Doyle.
This concluded a year where we made great progress as a team. We are truly looking forward to representing the school at the senior level. Many thanks to Mr. Doyle and Mr. Quinn for their assistance throughout the year.
Under 15 Soccer
Our first game for the school’s Under-15 soccer team took place on November 24, 2025, against Arklow CBS in the first round of the cup. Played away in Arklow, we secured a convincing 6-1 win. The goalscorers were Henry McCormack (2), Padraig Cairns (2), Joe O’Connor, and Ryan McDonald. It was an excellent start to our season and a very comfortable victory.
Our second game was our first league match against Blessington CBS on December 8, 2025, played at the Killashee Hotel in Naas. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the start we wanted in the league, losing 4-2 to a decent Blessington side. We had a strong first half and were leading 2-1 at the break; however, Blessington scored three goals in the second half to take the win. Our goalscorers were Charlie McGann and Padraig Cairns. We were disappointed with the result, as we felt we could have taken something from the game.
Our third game was in the Leinster Cup against Dunlavin on January 12, 2026, also played at the Killashee Hotel. It was a disappointing 1-0 loss, and the team felt frustrated knowing we were capable of a better result. While we were knocked out of the Leinster Cup, the scoreline could have been higher if not for James Etuh, who played excellently in goal and made several vital saves to keep us in the match.
Our fourth game took place on January 14, 2026, facing Dunlavin again just two days after our cup defeat. This was a Midlands fixture where the loser would be knocked out. We went into the match confident that we could win, and we did, beating Dunlavin 2-1. We were all delighted to get the win so soon after losing to them. James Etuh had another outstanding game in goal. Nathan Rodden, a first-year student brought up for his debut, was brilliant throughout the match with a superb work rate. The goalscorers were Joe O’Connor and Charlie Wolfe. It was also Charlie’s first game for the team; he played excellently at center-back and scored a last-minute winner on his weak foot to secure the victory.
Our final game was against Rathangan on February 24, 2026, at the Rathangan school pitch. It was a tough afternoon for us; we started poorly and ultimately lost 5-1, with our lone goal coming from Joe O’Connor. We were all disappointed to end on a loss, especially as it marked the conclusion of our Under-15 season. Overall, it was a decent season with some hard-fought performances.
First Year Soccer
When I look back on this season, what stands out most isn’t just the matches we won, but the moments we shared as a team, both on and off the pitch. It was a year that brought us together, helped us grow, and created memories that will last well beyond the season itself.
As the year began, we held trials during lunch where 24 first-year students were selected to represent the school in soccer. From there, we started with light training sessions, easing ourselves into the style of play that Mr. Quinn and Mr. Smith wanted us to develop. As a team, we trained twice a week—one session outdoors and one indoors—and even used some of our school breaks to continue improving and building our understanding of the game.
Over the course of the year, we had some brilliant team performances, including strong displays against Maynooth and Marist College. Our biggest result by far came against Holy Family Rathcoole. In that match, goals from Adam Monan, Scott Byrne, and Charlie Wolfe, along with some outstanding saves from Harry Tiernan, helped secure our most memorable and impressive win of the year.
But more important than any single result was what we built as a group. Over the season, we created something strong, and it is only continuing to grow and improve. The friendships, teamwork, and shared experiences defined our year just as much as the football did.
On behalf of the team, and as captain, I would like to thank everyone—players, coaches, and supporters—for all the hard work and commitment you’ve shown throughout the year.
By Charlie Wolfe