Our boys’ hockey 1st XI squad recently took part in the prestigious Irish Schools’ Tournament, hosted by Villiers School, Limerick. Our pre-tournament goal was to qualify for the semi-final of the Tasmanian Shield. With Wallace drawn in a group against Cookstown, Newpark (Leinster) and Ashton (Munster), this was going to be a hard task for a team that had been struggling for form recently.
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Irish Schools’ Group Stage
Upon arrival in Thurles for the first game against Cookstown, the boys were in good spirits. Having narrowly beaten Cookstown in their first McCullough game earlier in the season, they knew it was going to be a very competitive and hard-fought game. Cookstown started the better of the two sides, but with Ant Spence and Finn Thompson marshalling the defence and the midfield trio of Joseph Bennet, Milo Thompson and Thomas Barbour sticking to their task, Wallace weathered the early storm. The short format of the matches allowed the coaches to modify some tactics for the second quarter and from then on Wallace started to apply pressure to the Cookstown circle.
Dylan McKinstry provided a constant threat down the right and Josh Williams was an ever-eager target at centre forward. Eventually, the chances came and, with a trademark penalty corner drag flick, Josh Williams put the Lisburn boys in the lead. Rotation of players saw Nathan Spence settle into the left-back role and he defended stoically, while James Stone on the left wing worked extremely hard, making numerous defensive contributions as well as supporting attacking chances when they came.
Wallace continued to face pressure but created a number of great chances, only to be denied by the excellent Cookstown goalkeeper. When the final whistle came, it brought great relief and the knowledge that Wallace had shown determination, grit and hard work. The players all knew they had given themselves a chance for day two.
From Thurles, the boys were back on the bus to reach Limerick and their lodgings for the next two nights. A focus on recovery, rest and refuelling meant an early night to ensure the squad was ready to go for the second group game against Newpark. This Dublin side were somewhat of an unknown quantity. They had been narrowly beaten in their first group game and would therefore need a win to keep their tournament chances alive. Playing on the new surface at Catholic Institute, the Wallace boys were the better side.
Milo Thompson, arguably the best schoolboy player in Ireland, showed his class throughout. Goals came more easily in this game with a penalty stroke converted by Milo, a short corner strike from brother Finn and a superbly taken field goal from James Stone. The coaching staff could now see the confidence in the squad growing. Individual performances were improving, but more importantly, the players were demonstrating greater cohesion as a team.
News of the group standings filtered through: with Ashton beating Cookstown, it was down to the result between Wallace and Ashton to determine who would top the group and reach the semi-finals of the coveted Tasmanian Shield. Wallace knew a draw would be enough – however, the Ashton squad consisted of numerous inter provincial and representative players. It was not going to be easy. The coaching team then settled down as the boys refuelled and rested, to come up with a game plan to nullify the reported aerial threat posed by their next opponents.
With a large crowd pitch-side, the boys took to the pitch knowing the next 50 minutes would determine if they remained in the main competition. As the game progressed, Wallace were showing even greater team cohesion. Individual performances from Leo Benson attacking from right-back and courageous defensive work from Daniel McClughan gave the opposition coaching team much to worry about. Wallace took the lead through the excellent Milo Thompson and, with Finn Thompson and Ant Spence continuing to marshal the defence, chances for Ashton were few and far between. Rory Cauley and Matthew McKnight have been sharing goalkeeping duties throughout the season and, with their differing styles, also gave the Ashton penalty corner team a further challenge to problem-solve.
The game became a little frantic towards the end with Ashton throwing everything at the Wallace defence. A chance came and, with unbelievable technique, the Ashton striker fired a shot in off the underside of the bar – a phenomenal finish that had to be seen to be believed. That set up a nervous final few minutes; however, when the final whistle came, Wallace had got the required result to top the group and reach the semi-finals. Their opponents remained unknown until the draw, which was scheduled to take place at the tournament dinner later that evening.
Upon return to the team accommodation, news filtered through that Ulster rivals RBAI had been beaten in their final group game by Wesley College and that the sides from High School Dublin and St Andrew’s College had won their respective groups. The semi-final draw was highly anticipated and, following a great event hosted at the Greenhills Hotel, Wallace were drawn against the might of Wesley College – many hockey aficionados’ pre-tournament favourites. For the coaching team of Mr McKnight, Mr Kidd and Ben Nelson, it was back to the hotel to come up with a game plan and get the squad briefed on arrangements for the following day.
Semi-Final Versus Wesley College
With our large travelling contingent burgeoned by the arrival of some more supporters from Lisburn, the lads took to the pitch in what they knew was going to be a very tough game. They stuck to the game plan and worked extremely hard. Wesley’s goal-scoring threats were clear to see, but the Wallace team, so ably led by Milo Thompson, blunted numerous attacks. Year 12 students Thomas Barbour and Daniel McClughan really showed their steely resolve in what was probably the biggest match they had played. A number of circle penetrations from Wesley were thwarted and, much to the consternation of the travelling support, the Leinster side only opened their account as Wallace’s talisman, Milo Thompson, awaited treatment following a heavy challenge.
Wallace were undeterred and continued to push hard, winning numerous penalty corners. The Wesley defence was rapid and ably dealt with the variations Wallace attempted. With the game progressing, Wallace knew they had to push hard and Wesley were content to play on the break. One further chance came to the Dublin side via a penalty corner, an unfortunate slip from the Wallace defender allowing the striker to place the ball in the net for a 2–0 lead. To their credit, the Wallace team continued to stick to their task, creating numerous chances – but could not find the all-important finishing touch.
At the final whistle, Wesley were finalists and Wallace knew that their tournament was over. Spectators and players from both sides all agreed that the scoreline was perhaps not truly reflective of the match. Wallace had given their all and, with Wesley going on to lift the Tasmanian Shield that afternoon, the boys knew they had pushed the best schoolboy team in Ireland all the way.
The performances throughout the tournament are testament to a team that worked hard for each other on and off the pitch. The travelling coaches were extremely impressed with how the team played to the tactical plan, not overly relying on key players and playing as a true team – not a group of individuals.
It is important to recognise the input of those that did not travel: all the coaches of junior teams, Timmy Cockram, Mrs Glover as chief organiser and the work and advice completed pre-tournament by S&C coach Mrs Harrower.
The boys now look forward to completing their McCullough Cup campaign and the Burney Cup in the new year.
Finally, thank you to our sponsors: Kukri, Oasis Travel and Clyde Shanks Planning Consultancy.
Reflections
Following the tournament, the 1st XI coach, Mr N McKnight, commented:
“This squad showed incredible resilience and teamwork throughout the tournament. Every player contributed to a collective effort that pushed one of Ireland’s best schoolboy teams to their limits. Their commitment, discipline and passion for the game make me immensely proud as we look ahead to the rest of the season.”
You can keep up to date with all the latest Wallace sports news via http://www.instagram.com/wallacesport
You can read about Wallace’s previous success in the Irish Schools below:
Last modified: November 24, 2025
