St Fintan's are closing in on Leinster Senior Cup history after the public school stunned St Vincent’s Castleknock 29-27 in a thrilling quarter-final.
A key try from Michael Bolger proved decisive for the underdogs at Energia Park in Donnybrook as the North Dublin club continued their remarkable campaign.
A brace from Bolger as well as scores from Simon Cantwell and a stunning solo effort from Tadhg Young have helped the school in their bid to become the first public school to reach the final in 39 years.
Churchtown De La Salle remains the last public-funded school to get as far as the showpiece final in a competition which has been dominated by private insitutions.
St Fintan's could become first public school in 39 years to reach LSC final
Fintan's head coach Marc Kaveh shared his sentiments to Premier Sports after their hard-fought win on Thursday.
What maybe we lack sometimes in resources... the lads, their spirit is unbelievable," he said.
"That has been the story of this team all the way through; it feels like every league and cup game they've won has been at the last minute.
"It just always seems to be written that way. They are an unbelievable group - the character... the lads just put their bodies on the line and I am so so proud of them.
"This should be an example to other public schools out there that, although it is a competition primarily dominated by the private schools, if you get the right group together there is no reason why you can't have a go at this competition and the lads are a testament to that."
"I'm so, so proud of them." 🗣️@StFintansHS Head Coach Marc Kaveh in conversation after guiding his team to their first ever Senior Cup Semi-Final 🟡🔴@LeinsterBranch pic.twitter.com/PymPtvhMfF
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) February 13, 2025
The win means St Fintan's, who are based near Sutton, will compete in a Senior Cup semi-final for the first time in their history.
Awaiting them in the final four could be any of former winners Terenure, Roscrea, Blackrock or St Michael's College but judging by Kaveh's demeanour they do not seem too daunted by whatever challenge lies ahead.
