South West College has made history by claiming the prestigious Corn na Mac Léinn Cup for the first time, following a thrilling victory over defending champions New York. The final, held at the Connacht Centre of Excellence on Saturday, 15 February, saw the South West College team, made up of Higher Level Tyrone and Fermanagh students, deliver a commanding performance, securing the title with an impressive scoreline of 5-12 to 2-07.
Led by captain Aidan Colton and Man of the Match Paudie Dillon, both from Dromore St Dympna’s GFC, the team showcased exceptional footballing skills, overcoming a strong New York side to be crowned All-Ireland champions. This monumental achievement marks a historic milestone for the College, bringing the coveted Corn na Mac Léinn Cup home to Enniskillen for the very first time.
South West College's road to the final was marked by a series of outstanding performances. The team overcame Newry SRC with a 1-12 to 1-07 victory in Tempo last week, setting up a crucial semi-final clash against Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) at the Connacht Centre of Excellence on Friday. A hard-fought win against LJMU paved the way for the final showdown against New York, where the team delivered a stellar performance to claim the championship.
Reflecting on the victory, manager Dermott Feely expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, particularly after falling short at the semi-final stage in previous years. “We said at the start of the year that we were going to knuckle down. We have a great group of young players coming through to support the college, and it was all about getting them to play and enjoy it. We’re delighted that all the hard work since November has paid off.”
Commenting on the team’s performance in the final, Feely added: “We played great football and moved the ball well. We knew that New York was strong in the tackle, so we focused on keeping the ball out of contact and transitioning quickly. It worked, and credit must go to our defence as well; they really stepped up, turned over possession, and provided the platform for our attack.”
The team and management extended their gratitude to several individuals and organisations for their support throughout the campaign. Special thanks were given to Kiltimagh Park Hotel for their hospitality, Shaun Doherty (Elevate Kids), Fermanagh GAA, Kieran McGrath, Peter Cassidy, Barry Doherty, and Aoife Groarke for their unwavering support. Additionally, appreciation was expressed to Kevin from Lynch’s Coach for transportation and to Pat Blake (Sponsor) for generously providing the team with new half-zips as well as the entire squad and supporters whose unwavering support helped make this victory possible.
This remarkable achievement cements South West College’s place in the history books and sets a new benchmark for future teams to aspire to. Next year South West College will compete in the second-tier competition of college football, The Trench Cup.
Final - Team Lineup
The South West College team lineup in the final, was led by captain Aidan Colton, who contributed 0-1, and top scorers James Corry (2-2), Paudie Dillon (2-2), and Tiarnan McKenna (1-3, 2f). Other key players included Ethan McCaffrey, Rian McNally, Cathal Colton, Jack Quinlan, Ultan O’Reilly, Nathan Farry, John Edgar, Gareth McGovern, Jack Law (0-2), Tiarnan McCusker, and Oisin Teague. The team was further strengthened by substitutes Cal McAnespie, Conor Clifford, Ben Warnock (0-2), Enda McCabe, and Caolan Brennan.
The full squad list, comprising students from a variety of higher education courses at the College, including Construction, Computing, and more, who made valuable contributions to securing this historic victory, includes:
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Lisnaskea Emmetts
Teemore Shamrocks
Dromore St Dympna's
Erne Gaels
Kinawley Brian Boru
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Derrygonnelly Harps
Management Team
Tempo Maguires
Aghadrumsee St Macartan's
Bellanleck Art Morrows
Devenish St Mary's
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Trillick St Macartan's
Enniskillen Gaels
Edenery St Josephs
Derrylin O’Connells
Fintona Pearses
Augher
Belcoo
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The South West College management and backroom included Shanu Doherty (coach), Lochlann Drumm, Dermott Feely (manager), Peter Cassidy (selector) and Kieran McGrath (selector).
For more information or to get involved please contact: dermott.feely@swc.ac.uk