North Dublin Water Polo Club are proud to be crowned Irish U12 Cup Champions after two memorable weekends at the National Aquatic Centre, on 6th , 7th & 13th of June, bringing a National Junior title back to the club for the first time since 2003.
The 2025/26 competition saw the country’s top U12 teams battle it out over two days of group-stage matches before the final four teams competed for the national title. North Dublin arrived knowing they faced a huge challenge. Just weeks earlier, Clontarf had defeated us in the Leinster U12 Cup Final and had also edged past us on penalties during the group stages of the National Cup. As a result, we were certainly not considered the favourites going into the knockout stages.
Our semi-final opponents were a highly fancied Corrib side who had cruised through their group and were widely expected to reach the final. However, North Dublin produced what was undoubtedly our performance of the season. From the first whistle, the team played with incredible intensity, defending aggressively and attacking with confidence and precision. Kyle Nolan led the way with six goals in a superb individual display, while Finn Carroll added four goals and both Zara Doyle and Josh Sweeney scored twice. It was a complete team performance as North Dublin claimed a stunning 15-3 victory to secure a place in the national final. Awaiting us in the final were familiar rivals Clontarf.
The championship match turned into a true test of character. North Dublin suffered a major setback when Kyle Nolan was excluded after receiving his third major foul in the first quarter. Matters became even more difficult in the third quarter when captain Josh Sweeney was also ruled out after receiving his third major foul. Losing two key players during a national final would have been a huge blow to any team. But what followed showed exactly what this group is made of.
Players across the squad stepped up and delivered when it mattered most. Finn Carroll produced a magnificent display, scoring four goals and driving the team forward throughout the match. Gabriel Oprisan showed tremendous composure to score what proved to be the winning penalty in one of the biggest moments of the game, to secure a 5-4 victory.
North Dublin’s defensive effort throughout the final was outstanding. Every player who entered the water played their part, whether in the starting team or from the bench. The work rate, determination and teamwork shown by the entire squad ensured that Clontarf were constantly under pressure and unable to build momentum.
In goal, Cillian provided a calm and assured presence, making important saves at crucial moments and giving the team confidence from the back. The club’s four girls, Esme, Zara, Doireann and Carla, were exceptional throughout the weekend. They battled tirelessly in every match, contributed important goals and assists, and played with tremendous determination. David Stamati and Edward Fox also played fantastic water polo throughout the competition, making important contributions in both attack and defence and helping deliver what was ultimately a superb team performance.
North Dublin’s success was further recognised with two individual awards. Finn Carroll was named Male MVP, while Zara Doyle received the Female MVP award, highlighting the quality of performances produced by our players throughout the tournament.
A huge congratulations must go to coaching team, along with the support of parents and volunteers, who all have been instrumental in the development of these young players.
The team were also backed by a fantastic support throughout the weekend. The North Dublin fans, parents and spectators created an incredible atmosphere in the NAC and their encouragement could certainly be heard right across the venue.
This victory means far more than simply lifting a trophy. It represents the progress that North Dublin Water Polo Club has made in a very short space of time. Both the Ballymun Learn to Swim Academy and the North Dublin Water Polo Academy have been operating for less than four years, and the majority of players have come to the sport via this pathway, making this achievement all the more rewarding. To go from building the foundations of a youth programme to becoming Irish champions in such a short period is a phenomenal achievement and a proud moment in the history of the club.
Congratulations to all of the players, coaches and supporters involved in this historic success.