Banbridge Academy Boys’ Hockey 1st XI are the All Ireland Schoolboy Champions for a record equaling seventh time after victory in Dublin last week. Simon Jess’ young squad went into the sixteen team tournament as underdogs but they showed that determination and togetherness are fantastic qualities to possess, as everyone dug deep and fought for each other throughout the gruelling schedule of five matches in three days.

Firstly, the Emtek and Carbonfit backed Banbridge Academy squad overcame Sandford Park School who were playing in the championships for the first time. Goals from Charlie Taylor, Josh Baird and Adam McKee (twice) secured a comfortable 4-0 win over the Dubliners at Newpark Comprehensive School. The second match was a chance for revenge against Waterford’s Newtown School who had knocked the Academy out of last season’s tournament. Another two goals from Adam McKee was enough to get the victory at Wesley College and set up a winner takes all group decider against St. Andrew’s College on their home pitch. In front of a ferocious crowd, the Academy took the lead when McKee scored yet again. Despite a late equaliser from the home side, a draw was enough to take Bann into the semi-finals on goal difference. An unlucky semi-final draw saw the Academy playing much-fancied Wesley College at Wesley College. With all four sides of the pitch thronging with Wesley pupils and supporters, the Bann lads ignored the noise and played some determined hockey. Yet again, Adam McKee got on the scoresheet before turning provider to release Charlie Taylor who casually rolled the ball into the bottom corner to give the Academy a two-goal lead. Wesley pulled one goal back with ten minutes to go but some fantastic goalkeeping from Denver Golbey kept Bann in front to secure an unexpected win. St. Columba’s College hosted the final where the Academy faced Friends’ School from Lisburn, the only Ulster side who the Academy were yet to play this season. By this stage of the competition both teams were carrying a lot of sore legs and squad depth proved crucial as Simon Jess continually rolled the substitutes. The Academy played some great passing hockey but despite many chances, the only goal of the game didn’t come until the third quarter. Fittingly it was Adam McKee again who scored when he picked a loose ball in the circle and smashed it past the Friends’ goalkeeper. The final whistle signalled scenes of elation from the Academy players, coaches, parents and supporters. Captain Ben Thompson lifted high the Tasmanian Shield to join a unique group of Academy pupils to have had such an honour.

Squad: Denver Golbey, James McCoy, Ben Thompson(c), Max Nicholson, Theo Milligan, Harry Taylor,
Michael McHugh, Shaun Ward, Sam Mills, Josh Osborne, Josh Baird, Daniel McKee, Mark Hanna, Adam

McKee, Charlie Taylor, Adam Ewart, Max Murphy, Owen Dobson.
Staff: Simon Jess, Colin Walker, John Clarke, Tom Murray.