Rathmines College Take Home the Silverware at Belgrove Cup

Seven colleges entered this year’s Belgrove Cup, and Rathmines took home the cup with a super goal in the dying minutes. The tournament was played in an excellent spirit, with all matches taking place in glorious sunshine

Belgrove Cup Report 2026 – 15th April

Seven colleges entered this year’s Belgrove Cup on 15th April, with six teams competing as Cathal Brugha and Coláiste Dhúlaigh joined forces.
Participating City of Dublin FET colleges  included:

  • Pearse
  • Rathmines
  • Coláiste Dhúlaigh
  • Cathal Brugha
  • Ballyfermot FET
  • Coláiste Íde
  • Inchicore

The teams were divided into two groups of three.

  • Group A: Rathmines, Pearse, and Cathal Brugha/Coláiste Dhúlaigh
    Rathmines topped the group on score difference, with Pearse finishing in second place.
  • Group B: Coláiste Íde, Inchicore, and Ballyfermot FET
    Coláiste Íde topped the group, with Inchicore finishing second. Ballyfermot FET were unfortunate not to reach the semi-finals and continue to improve each year.

Semi-Finals & The Final

Coláiste Íde defeated Pearse College in a dramatic penalty shootout—Pearse’s luck in shootouts will surely turn soon.Rathmines College secured a convincing 3–0 win over Inchicore in the second semi-final.

The final saw reigning champions Coláiste Íde face Rathmines, champions from two years ago. It was a hard-fought and entertaining match that ended 1–1 in normal time.
Extra time was closely contested, with chances at both ends. Just as the game seemed destined for penalties, Rathmines goalkeeper Harry O’Sullivan scored a remarkable late goal to win the match in the dying seconds.

 

 

 

Awards:

Leo Myers of Coláiste Íde was named Player of the Tournament, an award selected by the referees.
Rathmines were presented with the City of Dublin FET Colleges Belgrove Cup trophy, but all teams left in great spirits. As always, a 99 ice cream helped take the sting out of defeat.The tournament was played in an excellent spirit, with all matches taking place in glorious sunshine. One suggestion for next year: factor 50 sunscreen for some of the coaches!