UPDATE: SFAI Skechers National Cup Quarter Final and Semi Final draw date confirmed

The draws for the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the SFAI Skechers National Cups will take place this coming Friday evening, 21st February 2020 in Mullingar.

It is the SFAI’s intention to live stream the draws as has become the custom in recent years – exact times will be confirmed in due course.

Due to the poor weather in recent weeks, one Round of 32 tie still has to be played, while several Round of 16 ties across the ages are set to be played in the coming weeks.

In the U12 SFAI Skechers National Cup, St Kevin’s Boys Club, Midleton FC, Westport United, Kilmacrennan Celtic and Aisling Annacotty are already into the last eight.

Meanwhile in the U13 competition, Willow Park, Mervue United, Corinthian Boys, Kilcock Celtic and Evergreen have all booked their place in the quarter-finals.

The U14 SFAI Skechers National Cup has seen Malahide United, Leixlip United, Cavan Shamrock and Home Farm get through to the quarter-finals, while Midleton FC, Corinthian Boys, Glenmuir United and St Francis are awaiting the rest in the U15 competition.

Finally, Carrigaline United, Villa FC and Ringmahon Rangers have already ensured their spot in the U16 draw, while one outstanding game in the Round of 32 between Bellurgan United and Barna Na Forba still has to be played.

All other outstanding fixtures are due to the be played this coming weekend (Feb 22nd/23rd) and no later than Feb 29th/Mar 01st 2020.

Keep an eye on the SFAI’s social media channels for more updates on the draw later in the week.

Draw numbers will be shared prior to the draw as usual.

Quarter-Final ties are to be played on or before the weekend of 07th/08th March 2020.

Best of luck to all involved.

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VIDEO: DDSL v Sligo/Leitrim U13 SFAI Subway Championship National Semi-Final

The DDSL booked their place in the national final of the U13 SFAI Subway Championship last Sunday when they overcame Sligo/Leitrim in Abbotstown.

The sun shone for much of the tie, and the DDSL were in sparkling form, although the visitors proved their worth, with plenty of good football played by both teams.

Below are some highlights from the game….

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VIDEO: Freebooters AFC v Kilmacrennan Celtic U12 SFAI Skechers National Cup Round of 16

Although several SFAI Skechers National Cup ties fell to the poor weather last weekend, Donegal SL side Kilmacrennan Celtic made the trip down to Kilkenny the night before their U12 Round of 16 tie against Freebooters AFC and the game went ahead.

Both teams adjusted well to the blustery conditions, and the two sides scored a goal apiece in the opening couple of minutes of the second half.

Chances came and went before and after that, but with the match tied after extra-time, it was left to penalties, and it was the visitors who progressed.

Check out highlights from the game below….

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UPDATE: Rescheduled U13/U15 SFAI Subway Championship and Plate National Semi-Final details

Despite Storm Ciara, three of the eight scheduled U13/U15 SFAI Subway Championship and Plate National semi-finals did go ahead last weekend, with Clare SSL, Galway SL and Donegal SL all booking their places in Mullingar.

On Saturday the Donegal U15 side brought Drogheda SL’s historic run in the SFAI Subway Championship to an end, winning 2-1 in Drogheda IFE.

Robbie Murphy bagged both goals on a day when the blustery conditions did not deter either team from trying to play the game in the right way.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Galway SL travelled to the NDSL in the U13 SFAI Subway Plate National semi-final and returned home with a 2-0 victory after extra time.

They will play Clare SSL in the national final after they overcame Donegal SL on Sunday in Frank Healy Park.

Like Galway’s tie with the NDSL, extra-time was required in Ennis, and a breakaway attack saw the homeside score the all-important goal to win the game.

The other ties scheduled for last weekend, which were postponed due to Storm Ciara, will be played this coming weekend (Feb 15th/16th), with details below:

U13 SFAI Subway Championship National Semi-Finals

Cork SL v Mayo (16th February, 4pm, Ballea Astro, Carrigaline)

DDSL v Sligo/Leitrim (16th February, 12pm, Abbotstown)

U15 SFAI Subway Championship National Semi-Finals

Cork SL v Galway SL (16th February, 12pm, Ballea Astro, Carrigaline)

U15 SFAI Subway Plate National Semi-Finals

Mayo v Inishowen YSL (15th February, 2pm, Milebush)

Cork SL v Carlow (16th February, 1pm, Moneygourney)

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UPDATE: U13/U15 SFAI Subway Championship and Plate National semi-final details confirmed

The details for the U13 and U15 SFAI Subway Championship and Plate National semi-finals have now been confirmed.

Following the Munster semi-finals on Sunday, the line-up was complete, with Cork SL featuring in three semi-finals.

Their U13 team will be seeking to make it two national titles in a row, having picked up national honours last season.

The DDSL and Sligo/Leitrim feature in the other U13 Championship tie.

Elsewhere, the Mayo SL will play in both the U13 SFAI Subway Championship against Cork SL and U15 Plate semi versus Inishowen YSL. Cork SL and Carlow JDL make up the other pairing in the U15 Plate.

Clare SSL host Donegal and NDSL play Galway in the U13 SFAI National Subway Plate, while Drogheda SCL feature in the national rounds for the first time where they play Donegal at home in the U15 SFAI Subway Championship.

Fixtures to be played weekend of 8th/9th February

U13 SFAI Subway Championship National Semi-Finals

Cork SL v Mayo (9th February, 2pm, Ballea Astro, Carrigaline)

DDSL v Sligo/Leitrim (9th February, 2pm, Abbotstown)

U13 SFAI Subway Plate National Semi-Finals

Clare SSL v Donegal SL (9th February, 11.30am, Frank Healy Park)

NDSL v Galway (8th February, 4pm, Oscar Traynor Ctre)

U15 SFAI Subway Championship National Semi-Finals

Drogheda SCL v Donegal (8th February, 2pm, DIFE)

Cork SL v Galway SL (9th February, 12pm, Ballea Astro, Carrigaline)

U15 SFAI Subway Plate National Semi-Finals

Mayo v Inishowen YSL (8th February, 2.15pm, Milebush)

Cork SL v Carlow (9th February, 2pm, Moneygourney Astro Douglas)

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U13/U15 Munster SFAI Subway Championship and Plate Finals Preview

Mounthawk Park and Frank Healy Park will host the U13/U15 Munster SFAI Subway Championship and Plate Finals this Sunday, 02nd of February.

Cork SL will feature in both Championship Finals in Mounthawk Park, with Waterford SFL and Limerick District SL the opposition in the U13 and U15 showpiece events, respectively.

Beating Kerry SBGL in the their semi-final earned the Cork youngster their place, while Waterford overcame Limerick District in their semi.

Both teams proved their strength in the group stages before Christmas, and this Cork side will be aiming to go one better than last year when they narrowly lost the U12 national final against Donegal.

The U15 Munster SFAI Subway Championship Final between Cork SL (Athletic) and Limerick District SL will be another much anticipated tie, and the winners will feel they have a real chance of making the national finals with a semi-final home draw already confirmed.

Clare SSL will be playing in both the U13 and U15 Munster SFAI Subway Plate Finals in Frank Healy Park on Sunday, with Limerick Desmond and Cork SL (United) their opponents, respectively.

South Tipperary lost to Clare SSL in the U13 Munster semi-final, while the Desmond overcame neighbours Limerick County to earn their place.

Clare SSL also beat South Tipperary in the U15 Munster SFAI Subway Plate semi-final, and they will be up against Cork SL (United) after they narrowly beat Kerry SBGL.

Fixtures

U13 Munster SFAI Subway Championship Final

Cork SL v Waterford SFL – KO 2.30pm (Mounthawk Park)

U15 Munster SFAI Subway Championship Final

Cork SL v Limerick District – KO 12.30pm (Mounthawk Park)

U13 Munster SFAI Subway Plate Final

Clare SL v Limerick Desmond – KO 11.30am (Frank Healy Park)

U15 Munster SFAI Subway Plate Final

Clare SL v Cork SL – KO 2pm (Frank Healy Park)

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SFAI Connacht Skechers Regional Cup Finals set for this weekend

Lecarrow in Roscommon and Eamon Deacy Park in Galway will play host to the SFAI Connacht Skechers Regional Cup Finals this weekend, with an exciting schedule planned across Saturday and Sunday.

The U13 Final in Lecarrow will kick off proceedings on Saturday when Mervue United face Westport United in what should be one of the ties of the weekend – KO is 12 noon.

Both sides come into the final off the back of wins in the National Round of 32 last weekend, with Mervue beating Shelbourne away and Westport proving too strong for Drogheda Town (video highlights of that game below).

In the U15 SFAI Connacht Skechers Regional Cup Final, Mervue United will play Merville United, with that tie kicking off at 12.30pm.

Mervue will be hoping to bounce back from a penalty shootout loss to Peamount United last weekend in the National Round of 32, while for Merville, there was a home win against Gorey Rangers to see them through to the National Round of 16.

The last Final of the day on Saturday will pit Kiltimagh/Knock United against Athenry FC in the U16 SFAI Connacht Skechers Regional Cup Final – KO 2.30pm.

These two teams have already proven their strength in the earlier rounds, and wins in the National Round of 32 last weekend for them will mean they bounce into tomorrow’s Final in good form.

Mervue United will feature in both Finals on Sunday, meaning four of their teams have reached the finals – huge credit goes to all involved.

The opening game in Eamon Deacy Park will feature previously mentioned Mervue and Athenry FC in the U12 SFAI Connacht Skechers Regional Cup Final – KO is 12 noon.

Mervue’s win over Belvedere FC at home last weekend in the last 32 of the national competition will give them plenty of confidence going into Sunday’s showpiece event, while Athenry were narrowly beaten in the same round by Maree Oranmore.

The last game of the weekend will feature Mervue United and St Francis (Athlone) in the U14 SFAI Connacht Skechers Regional Cup Final – KO is 2pm.

Both teams, and their clubs have put a huge amount into this season, and Sunday’s Regional Final promises to bring the weekend to an exciting close.

Fixtures

U13

Mervue Utd v Wesport Utd – KO 12 noon (Lecarrow)

U15

Mervue Utd v Merville Utd – KO 12.30pm (Lecarrow)

U16

Kiltimagh/Knock Utd v Athenry FC – KO 2.30pm (Lecarrow)

U12

Mervue Utd v Athenry FC – 12 noon (EDP)

U14

Mervue Utd v St Francis Athlone – KO 2pm (EDP)

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SFAI North Leinster Skechers Regional Cup Finals set for this weekend

The Finals of the SFAI North Leinster Skechers Regional Cups will take place this Sunday (2nd February) in the Oscar Traynor Centre, with five ties being played across the day.

Up first at 10.30am is the U13 Final which will see Dundalk SL’s Bellurgan United face Balbriggan FC.

United come into the tie off the back of an impressive win in the Round of 32 in the SFAI Skechers National Cup last weekend when they hosted Mullingar Athletic.

Meanwhile, Ballbriggan FC will be looking to bounce back from defeat to Cork side Corinthian Boys in the same round of the national competition last Saturday.

The U15 SFAI North Leinster Skechers Regional Cup Final will follow the U13s at 12 noon, with both Balbriggan FC and Bellurgan United again represented.

Bellurgan had a tough test against Midelton FC last weekend in the National Round of 32, eventually losing, while Balbriggan FC travelled to Tramore AFC and returned home with the win.

In the U12 SFAI North Leinster Skechers Regional Cup Final, Skerries Town will take on Baldoyle United on the Paddock pitch, with that game kicking off at 1pm.

Skerries Town will come into the tie full of confidence following a very impressive win in the National Round of 32 last Sunday, while Baldoyle United narrowly lost to Douglas Hall.

Both teams will be very strong, and a good match between two very talented teams is expected.

The U14 SFAI North Leinster Skechers Regional Cup Final will also feature Skerries Town, and they will play Kingscourt Harps, with kick off at 2pm

The day will finish with the U16 SFAI North Leinster Skechers Regional Cup between Ardee Celtic and Rock Celtic, that game will kick off at 4pm on the all-weather pitch.

Last weekend Ardee travelled to Cork and beat St Mary’s 3-0 in the National Round of 32, while Rock Celtic suffered defeat at home to a very impressive Portlaoise team.

Fixtures

U13

Bellurgan Utd v Balbriggan FC – KO 10.30am

U15

Balbriggan FC v Bellurgan Utd – KO 12 noon

U12

Skerries Town v Baldoyle Utd – KO 1pm

U14

Skerries Town v Kingscourt Harps – KO 2pm

U16

Ardee Celtic v Rock Celtic – KO 4pm

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UPDATE: SFAI Skechers National Cup Round of 32 and 16

Following a cracking weekend of SFAI Skechers National Cup action, the majority of Round of 32 games have now taken place.

In December the draws for the Round of 32 and 16 took place, and below are the confirmed pairings for the vast majority of Round of 16 ties.

Games outstanding from the Round of 32 are due to be played this coming weekend.

Across the country, a huge number of clubs and their teams took to the field, and we want to thank all who helped to facilitate the playing of so many matches.

The below Round of 16 fixtures are due to be played on or before the weekend of February 15th/16th.

 

U12

St Kevin’s Boys P v St Kevin’s Boys S3

Midleton FC v Maree Oranmore

Westport Utd v Crumlin Utd

Freebooters AFC v Kilmacrennan FC

Shamrock Rovers v Mervue Utd

Tullamore Town v Corduff FC

Thomastown FC v Aisling Annacotty

Douglas Hall v Skerries Town

 

U13

AK Utd or Willow Park v Salthill Devon

Mervue Utd v Bellurgan Utd

Cherry Orchard or Peake Villa v Westport Utd

Corinthian Boys v Corduff FC

Kilcock Celtic or St Josephs Boys v Newcastlewest Town

Aisling Annacotty v Tramore AFC

St Kevin’s Boys or Castlerea Celtic v Illistrin FC

Evergreen FC v Cabinteely FC

 

U14

St Kevin’s Boys P v Mervue Utd

Mungret Regional or Mallow Utd v Donacarney Celtic

Castlebar Celtic v Caherdavin Celtic or Corinthian Boys

Malahide Utd v St Kevin’s Boys M

Leixlip Utd v Knocknacarra FC

Villa FC v Cavan Shamrock

Clane Utd v Shamrock Rovers

Home Farm v Aisling Annacotty

 

U15

Kildimo Utd v St Mochtas

Midleton FC v Ennis Town

Peamount Utd v Cherry Orchard

Corinthian Boys v Balbriggan FC

Newtown FC v St Kevin’s Boys

Glenmuir FC v Merville Utd

St Francis v Fairview Rangers

Keadue Rovers v Ringmahon Rangers

 

U16

Mount Merrion v St Josephs Boys

Carrigaline Utd v Ardee Celtic

Shelbourne Academy v Cappry Rovers

Athenry FC v Cherry Orchard

Villa FC v Portlaoise AFC

Kiltimagh Knock Utd v Avenue Utd

Shannon Town v Bellurgan Utd or Bearna Na Forbacha

St Brendan’s Park v Ringmahon Rangers

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VIDEO: Watch highlights from U13/U15 Leinster SFAI Subway Championship and Plate Finals

The U13/U15 Leinster SFAI Subway Championship and Plate Finals were hosted by the DDSL in Abbotstown last weekend, with four games taking place over the course of the day.

First up, the NDSL took on NECSL in the U13 Leinster SFAI Subway Plate Final, and although the NECSL showed a late resurgence, the North Dublin youngsters had too much and claimed their place in the national semi-finals.

The second tie of the day pitted the Wexford DSL against the DDSL in the U13 Leinster SFAI Subway Championship Final.

The DDSL were in unbelievable form, and proved too strong for a Wexford DSL side that had travelled to Carlow the previous week and played very well to make the final.

The first of the U15 showpiece events saw Drogheda SCL play Wexford DSL, and it was Drogheda SCL that came out on top in what was a very entertaining game.

The win meant Drogheda SCL claimed their first ever U15 Leinster SFAI Subway Championship title.

The last game of the day involved Carlow JDL and Midlands SL in the U15 Leinster SFAI Subway Plate.

Carlow had already shown their strength this season, and some wonderful goals meant they took home the plate and a place in the national semi-finals.

The draw for those national semi-finals took place on Wednesday evening and is available HERE

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