THE West Cork Academy’s hopes of reaching an SFAI National U16 Schoolboys Inter-League Trophy final were dashed by Clare.

David Hall’s side produced side battling performances throughout the campaign ahead of reaching the last four of this year’s National Trophy competition.

Drawn in a difficult opening provincial phase, defeat to Limerick District preceded a much-improved display before going down to the Cork Schoolboys League.

Those outcomes set up a National Trophy semi-final away to the Clare Schoolboys League with a place in the decider, against Wicklow, on offer for the winners.

Disappointingly, none of the registered West Cork Academy U16 squad were available for selection, leaving a team made up of U15s to fulfil the fixture in Ennis.

The visitors got off to the perfect start with Lyre Rovers’ Ryan brothers combining to break the deadlock – Dara’s set-piece delivery was finished by his brother Michael to edge West Cork in front.

Things got even better when Dunmanway’s Hugh McCarthy doubled West Cork’s lead to cap off an excellent opening spell after ten minutes.

West Cork, despite facing a physically stronger opponent, defended superbly and changed ends 2-0 ahead.

The second period proved a different affair. Tiring West Cork limbs coupled with deteriorating weather conditions enabled Clare to storm back into contention.

Amid rain, hail and a strengthening wind, Clare scored three times without reply, including a winner three minutes from the end, to break West Cork Academy hearts.

Despite the 3-2 defeat, there was much to admire in the visitors' performance, not least the fact a young squad took on an opponent a full age-grade older.

‘While this result ended West Cork’s National Trophy journey at the semi-final stage, the performance of our U15 players who stepped up cannot be overstated,’ David Hall told The Southern Star.

‘Competing against older opposition, in extreme weather conditions, they demonstrated courage, pride, and a commitment to the jersey that reflects their strength of development within the West Cork Academy.

‘This was a tough end to a remarkable campaign, but one that promises much for the future.’

West Cork Academy U16 schoolboys: Blake Hegarty (Bay Rovers), Adam Whelton, Marcus Moynihan (both Bunratty United), Max Bramoulle, Vittor Coutinho, Hugh McCarthy (all Dunmanway Town), Michael Ryan, Dara Ryan (both Lyre Rovers), Fiachra Garrett (Skibbereen), Eoghan Hickey, Sam Mullany (both Bay Rovers), Aaron Harrington (Castlelack), Henrikas Dabrys (Beara United).