Newbridge United complete historic U21 league and cup double in the Leinster Football League

Newbridge United FC have written another proud chapter in the club’s history, completing a Leinster Football League double with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Donacarney Celtic in the Patsy Brown U21 Cup Final on Sunday.

Having already secured the LFL U21 League title last month, this win caps a remarkable campaign and marks the club’s third consecutive double at U20/U21 level—two in the KDFL and now one in the club’s debut Leinster League season.

The game was a showcase of determination and talent from both sides, with fans treated to an absolute spectacle.

Donacarney started strong, taking an early lead after striker Finn Coombers saw his shot deflect into the Newbridge net to make it 1-0.

Newbridge were then forced into an early change after centre-back Cian Quinn went off injured. His replacement, Ben Loakman, made an immediate impact, latching onto a superb back-post delivery from James Mahony on the 30-minute mark to draw the game level at 1-1.

Both sides continued to create chances, but the United backline of Ryan Harvey, Callum Sinclair, Ben Loakman, Glen Bracken, and Rhys Cassin remained resolute to keep things even.

Just before the break, Newbridge took the lead. A clearance from Cassin was knocked down by striker Dennis Kave to James Mahony, who played Kave back through on goal — the striker making no mistake to slot home and send United into the interval 2-1 ahead.

Donacarney responded well after the restart, levelling through Martin after a well-worked ball in behind the defence.

The midfield trio of Conor Walsh, Ryan Kearney, and captain Cian Delaney began to assert their authority on the game, with Walsh in particular controlling the tempo and transitions.

Newbridge retook the lead on 70 minutes as James Mahony’s corner was powered home by Ben Loakman at the back post to make it 3-2 — his second of the match.

The pressure continued to build, and it was Kave again who gave United breathing room, rising highest from another Mahony corner to head home his second and Newbridge’s fourth. 4-2.

Donacarney refused to go quietly. A late corner was met by substitute Fagbule, whose firm header into the far corner brought the game back to 4-3 in the 85th minute.

In the closing stages, Newbridge showed their experience and composure, with Keane Kennedy, Mahony, and Kave working tirelessly in the final third to keep the pressure away from their goal.

The final whistle brought scenes of celebration as Newbridge United were crowned U21 League and Cup champions in their debut Leinster Football League campaign.

The Man of the Match award went to Conor Walsh, whose performance in midfield was outstanding from start to finish.

After he match, manager Scott McNamara said:

“I’m just so happy for this group of players. To make it a Leinster double in our last game together — it’s the fairytale ending we wanted. No doubt all these lads will go on to achieve great things on and off the field. This legacy is theirs and theirs alone. I feel blessed to have been a part of it.” Captain Cian Delaney added:

“Words can’t express how happy and proud this team has made me feel. It’s been an honour to play alongside these lads and be coached by such an incredible group. We wouldn’t be here without the support of our friends, families, and everyone at the club. We hope this inspires the younger players coming up.” 

Club Secretary Rowland Luttrell said:

“This is a truly special group of players and coaches. To step into a new league and make such an impact speaks volumes about their quality, character, and ambition. They’ve not only set a new benchmark for the club but created a legacy that younger teams can now aim for. We’re incredibly proud of them all.”