Breffni FC win two league titles in first CMUL year
Just over a year since its formation, Breffni Fermanay FC has celebrated its first major successes, with two of its teams winning league titles. The U12 team went first, lifting their trophy of the Division 3 CMUL two weeks ago. Followed this week by an emphatic win of their U13s in Carrickmacross to secure the Division 1 title.
"It’s been a fantastic season for the Breffni Fermanay U12 Red team and the players fully deserve their Division 3 league win. At each training session to the game at the weekend, the effort, teamwork, and attitude from the group has been outstanding,” said coach Noel Browne.
Founded in 2024, the club was set up to serve young footballers from across West Cavan and neighbouring Fermanagh, an area that previously had no nearby soccer club between Ballyhaise and Blacklion. The idea was straightforward: create a local outlet for children who loved the game but had few opportunities to play.
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Breffni Fermanay FC U13s were presented with their medals and trophy after an emphatic win in Carrickmacross.Image 2 of 3
U12s Red Team of Breffni Fermanay FC secured their Division 3 title two weeks ago.Image 3 of 3
Cup presentation to U13 captain Tom Fitzpatrick who lead the team with determination throughout the season by CMUL Vice Chairman Colin McCahey.“We just wanted to give the kids a chance to play football locally,” reflected club secretary and U17 coach Ciaran Mac Giolla Phádraig.
Interest exceeded expectations from the start. More than 50 children turned up to the first training session on the Belturbet astro pitch, far more than the organisers had anticipated. Since then, parents and volunteers have stepped forward to help coach and organise teams, allowing the club to grow quickly.
Breffni Fermanagh FC now fields several age groups, drawing players from both sides of the border. Efforts to secure a permanent home ground are ongoing. Until then, training sessions are spread across several venues, including Belturbet, the Cavan astro facility and the Peacelink complex in Clones.
“Different teams might be training in different places, sometimes on both sides of the border,” Ciaran said.
“It’s not perfect, but it works for now.”
The early league titles are seen by organisers as proof of the club’s strong start, but they say the real achievement is the community that has grown around it. “Work as a team and you can achieve anything” has been Noel Browne’s motto.
The U12 coach says: “From the players on the pitch and coaching team of myself, Justin, Johnny, Alan and Stevey we are incredibly proud of all the lads, and we’re very grateful to the parents and the club for the support throughout the season."