05/05/2026
The final whistle has blown for our 2008 lads (U18) on their underage Football journey last week in MacSharry Park, where they played their final league game before lifting their 5th consecutive “A” League title and completing a 3rd straight League & Cup double. A mention too for Jack, who once again picked up the league’s top scorer award on the night also.
This was a fitting end for an exceptional group. While the success on the pitch speaks for itself, it was never just about trophies or accolades. From day one, the priority was simple: create an environment where players could improve, be challenged, and enjoy their football.
One of the greatest rewards for coaches has been watching players progress — earning selection for Sligo/Leitrim squads, Kennedy Cup panels, and moving on to National League clubs like Sligo Rovers, Longford Town, and Mayo FC. Also seeing two of our own play key roles in Connacht’s recent FAI All-Ireland Youth Interprovincial success in Galway, shows the standard and character within this group.
Losing players was never easy, but it created opportunities — and this group never let standards slip.
There have been countless memories along the way — from early futsal sessions at U8/U10, Christmas tournaments, Joe Davy Summer Cups, “beat the parents” games, turkey trots, marathons, countless bus trips and an unforgettable Barcelona Cup 5-day trip in 2023 with 45 players and supporters. Also watching so many of these lads step up and contribute at senior level already.
While trophies weren’t the focus, they do reflect the work, effort, and standards maintained over the years — and this group’s record is exceptional:
U11 - U12C League Winners
U12 - Covid so season did not finish
U13 - Short season due to Covid. U13A League Runners-up
U14 - U14A League Winners
U15 - U15A League Winners
U16 - U16A League Winners
U16 Cup Winners
Team this season also reached final 8 in Ireland of U16 FAI Trophy, Runners-Up in the U16 Connaught Shield plus a very strong showing at the Barcelona Cup.
U17 - U17A League Winners
U17 Cup Winners
Also worthing mentioning that out U17B team also won the U17B league this season which was very pleasing.
U18 - U18A League Winners
U18 Cup Winners
That’s 8 from 8 local competitions in the last 5 years, and an overall record of 9 titles and 1 runners-up finish from 10 competitions — not easily achieved at any level.
As this chapter closes, we hope this is only the beginning, with many of these lads continuing their journey into senior football — ideally with St. John’s.
A huge thank you to:
• All involved in St. John’s underage and the senior team for their support
• The Sligo/Leitrim League for organising fixtures
• The referees across the years. Not an easy job.
• Local business sponsors and supporters
• VEO Sligo for all the match recordings. Great to have.
• The Blue Lagoon for the Wrap party last week
• And most importantly, the incredible families behind every player — your support made it all possible
To the players: on behalf of all coaches, past and present, it has been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be part of your journey and to watch you grow — not just as footballers, but as young men.
If you carry the same determination, drive, and attitude into life as you did on the pitch, you’ll go a long way.
Thanks for the memories, lads — and the very best of luck in everything that comes next.
St Johns F.C. Sligo
Sligo Leitrim & District Soccer League
Veo Sligo
The Blue Lagoon Sligo
