U-16 Vocational Schools Football Championship Five names now remain in the hat for the 2006/07 under-16 Vocational Schools title, all of them familiar at that. Last year's champions, Draperstown, face Clady in a quarter-final tie for the right to play St. Patrick's, Dungiven in the semi-final, while the other half of the draw pits together another strong Kilrea side that won the U-14 title two years ago against last year's under-14 champions, Limavady. The sides will all be extremely familiar with each other by this stage. Kilrea have been a regular fixture in schools football finals in recent years, last year falling to Draperstown in an enthralling final, 1-07 from Eugene Hegarty the key difference between the sides. Having won the U-14 title in 2004/05, they would have been pre-tournament favourites and have lived up to expectations by comfortably topping Group A ahead of Clady, Carnhill and last year's winners, Draperstown, defeating all three en route to their up-coming semi-final with Limavady. Ironically, it's a Ballinascreen man who presides over the St. Paul's team, Mickey Boyle hoping to build on recent successes with a team headlined by players from the Pearses' club, Swatragh, Glenullin and Ballerin. That victory in 2004 came at the expense of Dungiven, a majestic attacking performance from the St. Paul's school guiding them to an 8-12 to 6-07 victory in a thrilling match. Benny Quigg scored 3-01 in that game and his scoring prowess has been a key factor in his side's success. Paddy McNeill captained the side that year and is the all-round full-forward, while youngsters like Daniel McCusker, Diarmuid Quinn and Ballerin senior star Paul Ferris make them a formidable attacking outfit, although possibly one that could be exposed at the back. Limavady were a feared side in this competition five or six years ago but that aura appeared to have gone and South Derry sides looked to once more rule the roost. Good times could soon return though for the Roesiders. Having won the under-14 title with some conviction last year, hammering Kilrea in the final, the current side is littered with players who have made the breakthrough to under-16 and look set to challenge the 'big boys' again. Overseen by Desmond O'Connor and Fergal McGilligan, the side begins with trusty Drum 'keeper Eunan O'Hara between the sticks and progresses solidly through the middle, Paul McGonigle and captain Ciaran Barr patrolling things from the centre with the likes of Sean Doherty pulling the strings up front. However, St. Mary's skipper Barr was injured playing for Slaughtmanus in the North Derry U-21 final against Banagher and is rated doubtful for the semi-final. A prodigious talent, Limavady's hopes might well rest on his fitness but Kilrea will be favourites for the semi-final regardless of his involvement. Their campaign so far has brought mixed results. While Kilrea have strolled relentlessly through, Limavady stuttered and relied on victories over Claudy and Carnhill to see them through after a six-point reverse against rivals Dungiven. That under-14 team steam-rolled everything in their path last year but this is a different kettle of fish - instead of being the Goliaths, they are now Davids again as they enter a new age group and their inexperience might yet count against them. The other half of the draw has yet to be finalised. While Limavady have already won through the semi-final, circumstances have meant that Clady and Draperstown have yet to face each other for second spot in Group A. That game is scheduled for Monday, 20th November, with Carnhill out of the running early on despite having reached the semi-finals two years ago. Draperstown would be expected to come through from this game but Martin Boyle's lads will not allow Mickey Boyle's troops an easy passage. Group C saw Dominican College Portstewart, St. Joseph's Coleraine and Sperrin Integrated College Magherafelt go head-to-head; the competition's three weaker sides in a group which would see only the top team qualify for the quarter-final. Limavady comfortably negotiated that obstacle to progress. The Dungiven side that lies in wait is a strong one. St. Patrick's were easily defeated by the all-conquering Kilrea side in the U-14 final two years ago. At U-16 level, it's been a famine in recent years - a far cry from the days of Geoffrey McGonigle and co guiding the side to All-Ireland success in 1990 - and it's even been several years since the North Derry side have reached the final, never mind won it. However, in his first season in charge, Lavey man Mervin McMullan hopes to change all that and the panel at his disposal might be capable of doing so. There are imperfections, as there are in any school team, but the basis of a side capable of challenging the South Derry stalwarts appears to be there. With a nucleus of talented players such as Banagher's John Lynch, Dungiven clubmen Ryan McReynolds, Seamus Kealey and Enda Mullan, Banagher's John Lynch alongside Michéal Archibald (Drumsurn) and Cathal O'Hara (Foreglen) could cause problems but it's whether they have strength outside of those names that is the biggest question. Three games in and the answers appear positive, three wins in the bag and a place in the final a real possibility for Damien Harkin's school. The draw was as follows ('Q' symbolises qualification to next stage): Group A: St. Paul's Kilrea (Q), St. Colm's Draperstown, St. Mary's College Clady, St. Brigid's High Carnhill. Group B: St. Patrick's Dungiven (Q), St. Mary's Limavady (Q), Oakgrove Integrated College, St. Patrick's & St. Brigid's Claudy. Group C: Dominican College Portstewart, St. Joseph's High Coleraine, Sperrin Integrated Magherafelt. Semi-finals: Kilrea v Limavady; Dungiven v Draperstown / Clady. Tweet

Most Read Stories