DUNMANWAY Town’s remarkable run in this season's SFAI U15 Schoolboys National Trophy competition was ended by Trim Celtic on Saturday.

The last remaining West Cork Schoolboys and Schoolgirls League club left in SFAI competition did their region, league and club proud before bowing out at the last 16 stage.

Trim Celtic, who made the long journey from Meath, took advantage of a nervous Dunmanway start. The visitors underlined their quality by building a 3-0 lead inside the opening 18 minutes.

Admirably, Dunmanway roared on by a vociferous home support, pulled one back. Oisin O’Regan and Patrick Hennigan combined to release Hugh McCarthy who found the net from the edge of the penalty area.

Wasted opportunities proved costly for the home team, however, when Trim Celtic capitalised on a defensive mistake to make it 4-1 after 43 minutes.

Town toiled hard to get back in the tie with Hugh McCarthy, Max Bramoulle and Patrick Hennigan pushing their team forward. The cushion of a three-goal lead saw Celtic defend in numbers before seeing out the remaining time to win 4-1.

Despite the loss, it’s been a tremendous run to the last 16 for a young Dunmanway Town squad that has a bright future ahead of them.

‘Well done to everyone as the final score didn’t reflect our performance,’ Dunmanway Town manager Padraig McCarthy said.

‘It was great to get this far and everyone should be proud of the high level of performance played in each of the games.’

Dunmanway Town coach Cathal Kelleher added: ‘Well done to our entire squad for showing great character after a bad start today. You have done us proud all year and given us great entertainment.’

Dunmanway Town: Oisin Kelleher, Matthew O’Connell, Max Bramoulle, Eoghan Foley, Darryl O’Donovan, Hugh McCarthy, Danny Carroll, Eoghain Holland, Tristan Hayes, Ryan Healy Crowley, Oisin O’Regan (captain), Ben Machie, Sam Kingston, Jamie O’Sullivan, Sam Mullany, Patrick Hennigan.

Vittor Coutinho has signed for Cork City FC.

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Shortly before Dunmanway contested last weekend’s SFAI National U15 Schoolboys Trophy tie, it was announced that Vittor Coutinho had signed for League of Ireland club Cork City FC.

Coutinho played an integral role in his club’s journey to the last 16 of the competition. The versatile player proved equally important for the West Cork Academy U15s throughout the campaign and should prove a valuable asset to Cork City’s Academy.

Dunmanway Town posted a message on their Facebook page stating: ‘We would like to wish our former player Vittor Coutinho the very best of luck after he signed for Cork City FC.

‘We couldn’t be happier as a club to see Vittor sign for Cork, a fantastic achievement for him. Our loss is definitely Cork City’s gain.

‘Ever since Vittor signed for Town in 2023, everyone could see how good a talent he was. He has developed into a marvellous player and person. Vittor was a pleasure to coach and will be sorely missed by all his coaches, friends and fans.

‘Well done on your wonderful achievement and the best of luck for the future from everyone within the club.’