SRC Football Team Lift CUFAI Plate Title

Southern Regional College’s Higher Education (HE) Football Team have won the College University Football Association of Ireland (CUFAI) Plate final against ATU Galway. Held on Thursday 19^th March at Athlone Town Stadium, it was the SRC team who commanded the pitch with a nail biting 2-1 result over their opposition on the final whistle.

This was the HE Football team’s second consecutive year in the finals. Having missed out on the 2025 title, the team came back with a vengeance to secure the 2026 title win. At half time there was everything to play for, with the game score at 0-0, following a spectacular save from SRC’s goalie.

After a strong start in the second half, SRC team scored their first goal in the 63^rd minute, with a goal from Aaron Downey. With several chances being thwarted by the opposition, disaster struck when SRC’s goalie incurred a red card, leaving the team a man down.

Player Ross Watson stepped up to the challenge covering the centre back and goals, a position he has much experience in. With only ten men on the pitch, the SRC side worked hard producing multiple goalscoring opportunities, but were left frustrated. With time dwindling down, the ATU Galway side struck an equaliser goal in the 91^st minute.

It looked like the final result would be decided by penalties, before SRC striker Dominik Piotrowski seized a chance during injury time in the 95th minute to finish the game with a decisive goal. Following many heart stopping moments, the SRC side were finally able to claim the CUFAI Plate title.

SRC football manager Rory McGreevy commented:

“After last year’s final disappointment, the SRC HE Football team showed great determination to win the game in the dying seconds to lift the CUFAI Challenge Plate. I am extremely proud of all the work and dedication they put in to win the match and all the effort they have put in the last few years to help establish this team.”

Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal and CEO of Southern Regional College, further added:

“Congratulations to our Higher Education Football team who secured the CUFAI Plate title, in what was a thrilling match final. This is a fantastic achievement for the team, and each player should be incredibly proud of their success. A special word of thanks must also go to the dedicated SRC coaching and support staff, whose commitment, guidance, and hard work behind the scenes have been instrumental in this accomplishment. This success is a true reflection of the collective effort, teamwork, and determination shown by everyone involved.”

Rewatch the final on CUFAI’s You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/@CUFAI_