Dramatic shootout win seals final spot for Inny FC U12s

Inny FC Under 12 Reds booked their place in the Connacht Trophy final after a thrilling semi-final victory over one of the strongest sides in Connacht, Strand Celtic of Strandhill, County Sligo, emerging 8-7 winners on penalties after a hard-fought 1-1 draw.

The game was evenly contested early on, but Strand Celtic created the better first-half chances. Strong defending from Inny FC which included a Donagh Bourke goal-line clearance, along with key saves from Daniel Brady, kept Inny level at the break. Strand Celtic pressure was rewarded, scoring with 15 minutes to go.

With little to lose, coach Nick Sheldrick pushed Donagh Bourke forward from his deeper midfield role, trusting Donagh’s quality to make an impact in attack. The instruction was clear: ‘go for broke’. The impact was almost immediate. Inny’s next attack brought a superb equaliser, with Killian Hardman surging down the wing and linking with Bourke, whose advanced positioning proved vital. A composed pass into Liam Monaghan allowed him to find Shane O’Neill in space, who finished clinically into the bottom corner.

Penalty shootout heartbreak and heroics

With no further goals in normal time, it took a tense and dramatic penalty shootout to divide the sides. Donagh Bourke, Shane O’Neill, Sean Gaffney, Sean Reynolds and Fiachra Scally took Inny’s first five penalties, with the score remaining level at 4-4 after both teams had taken five spot kicks. A crucial save from Daniel Brady proved vital in keeping Inny in the contest.

The shootout then moved to sudden death. The next Inny penalty takers in order were Killian Hardman, Corey Galligan, Daniel Brady (who showed he can score penalties as well as save them) and Liam Monaghan, all of whom showed great composure under pressure to convert their spot-kicks.

In the end, Inny prevailed 8-7 as Strand Celtic’s ninth penalty was missed, leading to joyous celebrations from Inny players and supporters.

Praise for gallant opponents

Inny U12 coaches Eamonn Brady and Nick Sheldrick said they were proud of their team’s resilience and camaraderie, while also praising Strand Celtic as an excellent side unlucky to lose. They expressed sympathy for the player who missed the final penalty, noting he was one of their best performers. Inny Manager Eamonn Brady described Strand Celtic as one of the finest teams they have faced.

He added that the manner of defeat was tough on such young players and praised Strandhill volunteers and supporters for their warm hospitality.

Lucky mascots strike again

A light-hearted aspect of Inny FC’s recent success has been the presence of mascots Ciarán Reynolds and Donnacha Slevin. Since they began attending matches, the team has maintained a perfect record, earning them a reputation as good luck charms.

Proof that smaller clubs can succeed

This success highlights the growing strength of rural football, with Inny U12 Reds defeating larger clubs en route to the final. A major milestone came in 2025 when Inny U14s won both the SFAI National Cup and Connacht title, becoming Ireland’s top team and going unbeaten for over two years, beating sides like Shamrock Rovers, Home Farm and Knocknacarra, showing smaller clubs can compete with and beat the country’s top teams.

Final showdown in Westport

Inny U12s now look ahead to the Connacht final on Sunday May 3 in Westport against Galway side Corrib Rangers, making history as the first Inny u12 side to reach this prestigious final.

Their opponents are favourites, but this determined Westmeath team has shown teamwork, belief, and resilience throughout their campaign.