2026 Dublin Senior “A” Colleges final- Colaiste Eoin v St Fintan’s HS

The 2025/26 final of the Dublin Senior “A” Colleges final between Colaiste Eoin and St Fintan’s HS will take place this Thursday, 26th March in DCU St Claires, with a 1:30pm throw-in.

This showpiece will give a platform for some of the best young hurlers in Dublin to showcase their talent, with players from past and current minor, U20 and development squads.

These two sides last met in the 2021/22 final, where current Dublin Senior Hurlers Paddy Doyle and Sean Gallagher from St Fintan’s came out on top against Colaiste Eoin, who had Diarmuid O Dualaing, Brendan Kenny and David Purcell in their ranks.

Ard Scoil Ris prevailed in the 2022/23 decider, with Ciaran Stacey playing a leading role. He then went on to star in Na Fianna’s run to All Ireland Club success in January 2025.

The 2023/24 and 2024/25 renewals were between St Fintan’s and Terenure, with current U20 panellists Daniel O’ Kelly, Cormac Quinn and Joe Sheppard playing starring roles for both teams.

This is St Fintan’s fifth final in-a-row and they are aiming for a three in-a-row of wins. They had only ever qualified for one final ever before their maiden win in the 2021/22 decider.

They have beaten Malahide CS and Maynooth PP to get to this stage. They also competed in Leinster Senior A league and championship earlier this year.

St Fintans are backboned by players from clubs in its hinterland such as Beann Eadair, Raheny, Naomh Barróg, Trinity Gaels and Clontarf. They have former county minors Adam Ryan (Raheny) and Darragh Nolan (Naomh Barróg) in their ranks, while Oscar Finnegan (Clontarf), Conor Wilson (Trinity Gaels) and Kyle Comerford (Naomh Barróg) are also integral parts of the team.

Cathal Barrett (Trinity Gaels), who was MOTM in last year’s final accruing 2-14 on the day, is a notable absentee as he is recovering from a long term injury.

This is Colaiste Eoin's first final since 2021/22.

They had good wins over St Benildus and Terenure College to reach this stage. They have been the standard bearers for post-primary hurling in Dublin for a long time, with their most famous day in 2020 when they won the Leinster A title.

Colaiste Eoin also competed in Leinster A hurling this year, having a comprehensive win over St Peter’s of Wexford in the early rounds.

Players from Cuala, Kilmacud Crokes, Ballinteer St Johns, Faughs, Ranelagh Gaels, Ballyboden St Endas, St Judes and Naomh Ólaf form their panel.

Rory Ó Flannabhra (Kilmacud Crokes), Finnian Ó Donnchú (Kilmacud Crokes), Cormac Ó Grádaigh (Cuala) and Connie Ó Súilleabháin (Kilmacud Crokes) are players who have distinguished themselves at county level in recent years.

They are without the services of Deimhne O’ Muruchu (Kilmacud Crokes) who will miss out through injury.

This promises to be an exciting game and high quality contest, which should shine a spotlight on all that is good about second level hurling in Dublin.

The management and teachers in both schools should also be commended for all they do to promote hurling in the county.

Entry to the game in DCU St Claires is free.