The first was an U-13 first year Cup that was run on a group basis. Cahir, Cashel and Tramore were in our group. In our first game we were unlucky to lose 4-3 having missed a penalty against Cahir. Next up was a home game against Cashel. Here we found ourselves 2-0 down before battling back to get a well deserved 2-2 draw.

Having only one point, we knew we had to win our last game to have any hope of qualifying for the knockout stages. That game was away to a strong Tramore team. We would have to do it the difficult way after going 1-0 down early on. The lads battled well and were deserving 2-1 winners. All four teams ended up on the same points and the same goal difference, but we topped the group due to goals scored.

In the last sixteen we drew Blackwater College from Lismore and had a narrow 2-1 victory. This meant we were through to the quarterfinals against De La Salle from Waterford City . De La Salle were a strong side and deserved their 4-1 victory.

This signalled the end of our involvement, but on the up side it was the only the beginning for our newest crop of players. There was a lot to be enthusiastic about and hopefully success will follow over the years to come.

The second age group was U-14. This competition was a straight knockout. We were drawn to play St. Pauls from Waterford City . In a very close game we were beaten by a last minute strike and that was that.

Another competition for this group was the SouthEast Munster Cup, which is being run off right now. We won our first game against St. Ailbes from Tipp town 9-0, but lost our second game 4-2 against Killenaule. Those results mean we finished second and qualified for the quarterfinals.

There were big changes in our senior squad this year as we lost a lot of players from the squad that made it to a final last year. There were two Munster competitions for the U-18 senior squad. In the first competition we drew De La Salle and after a very good first half we were level 1-1 at half time. Unfortunately a much stronger Waterford side ran out 4-1 winners.

In the second tournament we had a local derby against Cahir. This was a very close game and we got the only goal of the game due to a goalkeeping error. This set up a home tie against St. Pauls. Unfortunately a number of players decided that they were finished playing soccer for the school for one reason or another. Due to this and injuries, we were without seven players and were made to pay the price when we lost 7-1 which meant the end of the road for our senior squad.

The fourth age group and our most successful this year were our U-16's. In our group we beat St. Ailbes 6-1 and got walkovers in our other two games. This put us top of our group and into the last 32 in Munster.

Our first game of the knockout stages saw us record a 2-0 victory over Borrisokane. A trip to Nagle of Cork City was our reward. We won 2-0 and were safely through to the quarterfinals.

Next was a home tie against St. Aidans from Cork . A very good second half performance and some wonder goals saw us victorious on a 5-2 scoreline. This gave us a home semi- final against Cobh from Cork . Home advantage paid off and we won 4-2 but the concession of goals was a worry.

The High School were through to another Munster Final and the opponents this time were Limerick C.B.S. This game was played at a pristine Bansha Celtic. Conditions were perfect for football. We brought the game to our opponents but found ourselves 2-0 down at half time. We pulled a goal back, but as we pushed forward for an equaliser, Limerick found gaps at the back and scored a killer third. Our lads kept their effort up and scored a second and hit the crossbar in the last minute. Limerick C.B.S counted themselves fortunate to come away with a victory. Many spectators made the observation that the better team were left empty handed. I guess it can all be put down to experience.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our sixth years well as they head off and look forward to seeing them play in the future.

I also want to wish Marky Power in third year every success as he embarks on a career with Aston Villa this summer.