The Inny FC U14s, who won the SFAI All-Ireland U14 Boys Cup, back from left; Garry Doyle (coach), Jack Cahill, Oisin O’Farrell, Senan Brody, Adam Bracken, Liam Doyle, Jack Hegarty, Robert Whelan, Patrick Wallace, Ben Loughlin and Tommy Keana (coach); front, Colm O’Rourke, Harry Brennan, Darragh Orme, Antonio Bertolo, James Nea, Cian Lawlor, Conor Fox, Oisin Keana.

Inny success 'an amazing story' says Doyle

Published: Thu 15 May 2025, 4:30 PM

Last updated: Fri 16 May 2025, 9:19 AM

There were scenes of unbridled joy following Sunday's success. Inny FC's victory over Kilkenny’s Freebooters AFC at Evergreen FC’s ground is a landmark moment, not just for the club, but for grassroots football across the country.

The win capped a phenomenal season for Inny, whose journey to the title included a stunning semi-final victory over Dublin giants Home Farm.

Garry Doyle, who along with Tommy Keena coached the successful team, was full of pride after the final whistle, praising the collective spirit that carried them all the way.

"It's amazing and wonderful to be associated with such a terrific group of players. All 17 players are wonderful; behind them are 34 great parents. Families have bought into this and supported it. The club has survived on the goodwill of volunteers. It is an amazing story," Doyle said.

The game was decided by a moment of magic from striker Patrick Wallace, whose long-range strike was described by his manager in glowing terms.

"It was brilliant and football people will appreciate the quality of the strike. A special way to win a final. He has scored in six of the eight finals we played in. A wonderful footballer, great athlete. He is such a humble, modest young man; a great talent. Bobby Charlton-esque is how I'd describe the strike; that's the name that comes to mind."

It was also about the collective will shown as 'keeper Colm O'Rourke produced a fine display, saving a second half penalty, while in front of him, Oisín Keena was quite superb. Antonio Bertolo in midfield was another who caught the eye.

While the victory was cause for celebration, Doyle also highlighted the lack of national recognition for his players, making a pointed reference to their absence from the Republic of Ireland youth setup.

"We have no player on the Irish side; Freebooters AFC have four players on it. There are 24 players on the Irish side; none of our players are part of it. I'll let people make up their own minds on that. I strongly disagree with the people who are selecting that team."

The manager also took a moment to remember a special figure in the Inny FC family, dedicating the win to Shane Lawlor, father of team member Cian, who passed away suddenly in February.

"The victory was for Shane; we dedicate it to him. The amount of time and effort all parents and families put into this is amazing. This victory happened because of that. It is their day; this is for all those people to savour. And the support we have received from the GAA community has been amazing also. All the players play Gaelic football and/or hurling, some of them play both and there has never been an issue with any of the clubs."

Outside of Dublin and Galway City, only the large town of Middleton, Cork, have lifted the cup since 1982, a stat that underlines just how rare and special this win is.

From their remarkable travelling support, who covered 189km to get to the game, to the dedication of chairman Richie Fagan, secretary Colin Murtagh and PRO Jenny Murtagh, Inny FC’s triumph stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when community, commitment and passion combine.

It truly is a David versus Goliath story, one that will be remembered for years to come.