Peamount United overcame Malahide United to grab U17 FAI Cup glory for the first time in their history in Whitehall.

With no love lost between the sides, a goal and an assist from man-of-the-match Isaac Millington did the damage and helped his side to the trophy in a high quality affair as a big crowd watched on at Home Farm FC.

With the remnants of Storm Kathleen being felt prior to kick off, the sun eventually emerged in time for kick off leaving both sets of talented players with a slick surface to showcase their talents.

Both sides, looking to make history in their first Cup Final appearance at this age group, would have had high hopes of taking the trophy home having had intriguing journeys to make it to the showpiece.

Malahide  themselves made it through an incredible seven rounds to seal their place in the final, conceding just four goals en route, but that defensive resolve was tested early on by the side who dramatically overcame both of last season's finalists.

The Peas danger man Millington, a constant threat throughout, initially saw his free kick bravely blocked by the Red and black wall, before hammering the follow up just wide. 

And moments later both Dylan Healy and Donnacha McCarrick went close as the fast start continued. 

Although it was a strong start by the South Dublin side, Malahide did have a dangerous weapon in their armoury on the right-hand side as the pacey Ronald Omoshonwon proved a thorn in his opposition's side with his skill and direct running. Unfortunately the right winger seemed to be the only outlet as they tried to stem the tide, as Peamount asserted their dominance again as the half developed further.

And just after the half hour mark, the Pea’s missed a glorious gilt edged chance to take the lead when Malahide keeper Oisin O’Hea failed to claim an inswinging corner as the ball fell invitingly to Dylan Healy, but with the goal at his mercy saw his tame header cleared off the line.

Then, on the stroke of half time, the deadlock was finally broken when hotshot front man Millington showed lightning quick reactions to latch onto flick on from the midfield before smashing home a powerful volley past O’Hea.

The second half was a much feistier affair as Alan Doyle’s side tried desperately to level. The Malahide boss’s double substitution just after the break almost had the desired effect as his newly introduced midfielder Tim Kelly slipped through left winger Pierce Walsh who, in turn, hit the foot of the post - although the flag for offside was raised.

But yet again Peamount responded and brilliantly doubled their lead as goal scorer Millington turned provider driving down the left before squaring for Dylan Healy to slot home coolly and effectively put the game to bed.

Although Malahide tried desperately to claw their way back into proceedings, and with tempers flaring on both sides - one of which resulted in Pierce Walsh needing a jersey change - the North County Dubliners just struggled to build up that head of steam or create one clear cut chance that would have halved the deficit and set up a grandstand finish.

But to their credit the deserved Champions Peamount stood strong to anything that came their way, with keeper Joseph Jacob remaining relatively untested, as the final whistle was greeted by wild celebrations of those in Green and black.

Malahide United: Oisin O’Hea, Adam McCrum, Judge, Idamunkem, Fremid Wadon, Liam Walsh, Ryan Doyle (Alex Cioch, 12’), Jack McKenna (Alex Jeal, 51’), Pierce Walsh (Jamie McDermott, 73’), Ronald Omoshonwon, Daniel Dreznjak (Tim Kelly, 51’), Ben Morris (Finlay McDiarmid, 82’)

Subs not used: Lucas O’Reilly

Peamount United: Joseph Jacob, Adam Tyrell, Calum Casey (Evan Heeney, 80’), Cillian Behan (Murragh McMahon, 64’), Fionnan Galvin (Sean Cummins, 89’), Dylan Healy, Conor Quinn (Callum McDermott, 73’), Ciaran Gilmore, Isaac Millington, Donnacha McCarrick (Ben Smyth, 82’), Patrick Small

Subs not used: Bradley Gaynor Travers
Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan

Report by Darryl Geraghty