Blaney to the fore again as Irish Schools win derby against NI in Bangor

Shane Blaney played a lead role again as the Republic of Ireland Schools overcame Northern Ireland in the Centenary Shield.

At Clandeboye Park in Bangor, Paddy O’Reilly’s Republic of Ireland overcame their NI counterparts 2-1 thanks to a pair of late goals by Alec Byrne and Neil Farrugia.

Ireland had beaten Wales 2-1, also via a late goal, in their opening game and they did likewise today.

St Eunan’s College scholar Blaney had captained the Ireland team for the Welsh win and the Finn Harps centre-back retained his place today at the heart of the defence.

Ireland fell a goal behind as NI took the lead courtesy of Daniel Reynolds in the 36^th minute.

However, with ten minutes remaining Farrugia created an equaliser for Byrne.

And with time ticking fast, Farrugia proved to be the match winner as he fired home from Conor Layng’s pass.

Ramelton man and Loreto Milford student Connor Gormley of Derry City came on as a late substitute, replacing Ronan Manning while Finn Harps’ Jamie Bell, who attends St Columba’s College in Stranorlar, was an unused substitute.