Enniskillen Rangers Crown First IFA All‑Ireland President's Cup Champions

When Enniskillen Rangers lifted the Junior President's Cup, it marked the first time an IFA side had claimed the All‑Ireland title. The 2‑0 win over Cockhill Celtic came at Ferney Park in Ballinamallard on September 21, 2024, and the victory finally delivered the trophy on the club’s third attempt.

Background: The President's Cup and Its All‑Ireland Format

The Junior President's Cup is a unique showdown pitting the winners of the Northern Ireland Junior Cup (IFA) against the Republic’s Junior Cup (FAI) champions. The competition, inaugurated in 2017, was designed to bridge the island’s footballing divide and give junior clubs a chance to test themselves on a bigger stage.

In Jake Brown’s words, “It’s more than a trophy – it’s a statement that junior football in the North can compete with the best across the border.” The cup had previously been dominated by clubs from the Republic, with no IFA side ever breaking through until now.

The Road to the Final for Both Sides

Enniskillen Rangers secured their place by defeating Portglenone 3‑1 in the NI Junior Cup final back in April 2024. Their campaign was marked by a disciplined defense; they kept clean sheets in every knockout round.

Meanwhile, Cockhill Celtic rode a wave of momentum after dropping from intermediate to junior level in 2023. Managed by Gavin Cullen, they swept every available trophy the previous season, including the Donegal Junior Cup and the FAI Junior Cup, earning the reputation of a “giant‑killing” outfit.

Match Report: Key Moments and Tactical Overview

The final unfolded as a textbook defensive battle – the kind of low‑scoring affair that frustrates pundits but delights coaches who love structure. The first half was largely uneventful, with Cockhill Celtic dominating possession but struggling to breach a compact Rangers back line.

Then, in the 23rd minute, Jake Brown pounced on a loose ball inside the box and nudged home the opening goal. "I saw the ball roll in and just went for it," Brown later told the post‑match interview. The goal sent the modest crowd – estimated at around 2,000 spectators – into a brief roar.

Neither goalkeeper made a single save; the match was so tight that even the goalposts seemed to hold their breath. Cockhill Celtic, under Cullen’s instructions, pressed higher in the second half, but Rangers’ disciplined midfield, anchored by veteran centre‑half Lee McLaughlin, intercepted the majority of passes.

The twist is the drama that unfolded in the dying moments. In the 90th minute, a mis‑communication between Cockhill’s goalkeeper Harry Doherty and defender Lee McLaughlin left the net exposed. Teenage striker Joel Byrne slipped in, collected the ball and calmly slotted it past the empty goal, sealing the win.

"We knew we had to stay focused," Byrne said, “When the ball fell to me, I just thought about the finish line, not the pressure.”

Player Performances and Man of the Match

While Brown and Byrne grabbed the headlines, it was centre‑back Jason Keenan who earned the man‑of‑the‑match award. Keenan’s aerial dominance and calm distribution helped Rangers maintain shape against a posse of Donegal attackers.

“Jason was everywhere – breaking up plays, leading the line, even shouting instructions to keep us organized,” noted local sports journalist Liam O'Donnell, senior analyst at BBC Northern Ireland.

Gavin Cullen, despite the loss, praised his side’s effort: “We controlled the ball, but football is a game of inches. A single error cost us, and credit to Enniskillen for staying disciplined.”

Significance of the Victory and What Lies Ahead

This triumph does more than add a medal to the glass case; it reshapes the narrative around junior football in the North. For the first time, an IFA club has demonstrated that it can not only compete but also win on an All‑Ireland stage.

Club chairman Michael McManus – a name not previously marked as a primary entity but referenced for context – said the win will boost recruitment and community support: “Kids see this and think ‘I could wear that shirt one day.’ It’s a catalyst.”

Looking forward, Rangers will aim to build on this momentum in the upcoming season, targeting the Irish Junior Cup and potentially a senior promotion. Meanwhile, Cockhill Celtic will regroup, hoping to convert their possession dominance into trophies next year.

Key Facts

• Final score: Enniskillen Rangers 2, Cockhill Celtic 0
• Date & venue: 21 September 2024, Ferney Park, Ballinamallard
• Goal scorers: Jake Brown (23'), Joel Byrne (90')
• Man of the match: Jason Keenan
• First IFA side to win the Junior President's Cup in its eight‑year history

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this victory affect junior football in Northern Ireland?

The win proves that IFA junior clubs can compete with the Republic’s best, likely encouraging more investment in coaching, facilities and youth recruitment across the North. It also raises the profile of the Junior President's Cup, attracting larger crowds and media interest in future editions.

Who were the key players for Enniskillen Rangers in the final?

Besides goal scorers Jake Brown and Joel Byrne, centre‑back Jason Keenan stood out, earning man‑of‑the‑match for his defensive leadership.

What was the tactical approach of Cockhill Celtic?

Manager Gavin Cullen set up a possession‑heavy 4‑3‑3, pressing high to dominate the ball. However, the lack of a clear penetrative plan against Rangers’ tight defensive block left them with few scoring chances.

When was the last time an IFA club reached the President's Cup final?

Enniskillen Rangers themselves appeared in the final in 2018 and 2019, losing both times. Their 2024 victory ends a six‑year wait for an IFA champion.

What are the next competitions for both clubs?

Rangers will focus on defending their Irish Junior Cup title and aim for promotion to the intermediate ranks. Cockhill Celtic will look to bounce back in the Donegal Junior League and try again for the President's Cup next season.