Gary Staunton in action for Marist College against James Shannon of St Mel's College in an earlier round of the 2025-2026 Leinster Schools SF 'A' Championship. Photo: Paul Molloy.

Marist College bid for place in Leinster final

Kieran Galvin

Published: Tue 13 Jan 2026, 4:37 PM

Last updated: Tue 13 Jan 2026, 4:39 PM

Marist College are preparing to play Ardee Community School in their Leinster Schools Senior Football 'A' Championship semi-final tomorrow. Kinnegad is the venue for the game (throw-in 12pm) and the winner will advance to the Br Bosco Cup final.

The Marist claimed a dramatic victory over Terenure College in their quarter-final before Christmas. The sides finished level at 3-15 each after extra-time, with the Athlone side eventually prevailing 3-2 on penalties in a contest played at the Terenure College grounds.

James McHugh scored 1-6 in that game, with the other goals coming from his Garrycastle colleagues Andrew Henson and Darragh Glennon, while Tubberclair's Sean Whittaker contributed 0-5.

Ardee CS knocked out Moate CS in the knockout preliminary round on a scoreline of 3-14 to 0-15. The Ardee goals that day came from Calum Caffrey, Tomás Dillon and Jack Martin, with Charlie McBride scoring five points.

The Louth outfit went on to defeat Knockbeg College at the quarter-final stage.

The other semi-final is between defending champions Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar and Naas CBS on Friday. The winner of this semi-final will be perceived as favourites to lift the Br Bosco Cup, but the Marist and Ardee CS will both harbour their own ambitions.

Interestingly, Coláiste Mhuire are still in contention for a Leinster double, with their senior hurlers claiming a notable victory over the combined Offaly Schools team last week, and they will meet Kilkenny CBS in the hurling semi-final.

Marist College team (vs Terenure College, Leinster Schools SF 'A' quarter-final): Zac Mullally; Tadgh Fallon, Jacob Bourke, Sean Keegan; Diarmuid O’Higgins, Sean McDonnell, Rory McMickan, Adam Smyth, Donal Dawson; William Geraghty, Darragh Glennon, Cian Duffy; Sean Whittaker, James McHugh, Andrew Henson. Subs used: Darragh Lough for O’Higgins (inj.), Darragh Murray for Geraghty, Dáire Burke for Lough, Aidan Brennan for Burke, John Timlin for McMickan.

Leinster PPS 2025-2026 Senior Football 'A' (Br Bosco Cup) semi-finals - Wednesday, January 14: Marist College v Ardee CS (Kinnegad, 12.00). Friday, January 16: Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar v Naas CBS (Gracefield, 11.30).