Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Senior Girls Connacht Cup FINAL
Report courtesy of Mike Rafferty
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Meánscoil Muire gan Smál, Convent of Mercy, Roscommon 6-4 Davitt College, Castlebar
Having lost a two goal advantage in the opening half when enjoying the favour of the considerable elements, matters looked like they would be very difficult for Convent of Mercy on the resumption, but in a terrific turnaround, they outplayed the Mayo side to clinch the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Senior Girls Connacht title yesterday afternoon in Mervue United.
It all started so well also for the Roscommon outfit, as Grainne White fired them ahead on 8 minutes, before setting up the second for Rachel Fitzmaurice to make it 2-0 on the quarter hour mark.
Now while generally outplayed in the early stages, Davitt College were producing some rapid counter attacks and after Clare McDonagh was upended in the box on 21 minutes, the striker picked herself up to knock the resulting penalty past Marie Kelly to pull one back.
That breakthrough goal certainly gave them confidence and they levelled matters on 33 minutes when Kirstin Sheeran rose highest in a crowded box to head in a McDonagh corner and make it 2-2.
Emma Sheeran made an inspired save to deny Ciara Corcoran before the break and despite the Convent of Mercy dominating matters to the break they could not add to their early tally.
No while the elements were not as strong as in the opening half, chances were at a premium in the third quarter. In somewhat of a surprise, it was the Roscommon side who took the lead on 67minutes when Grainne White escaped behind the cover to lob the advancing Sheeran for a 3-2 advantage.
In a very contentious decision on two minutes later, Davitt College had an Amy Dowling finish ruled out for a questionable offside. Now while Hannah McHale did level matters at 3-3 with a close range finish on 74 minutes, the reality at this stage was that the Convent of Mercy were the better side and in the closing stages, certainly showed it.
With Aisling McGrath, Rachel Fitzmaurice and Grainne White to the fore they added three more goals without reply as Fiona Tully, Ciara Corcoran (pen) and Savanna Cassidy all scored to open up a 6-3 lead.
In the final minute, the impressive Clare McDonagh got her second of the day with a free kick, but it was too late to help rescue a side, who just did not perform to expectation in the second half.
The Roscommon ladies now advance to the National semi-final against Presentation Secondary School, Thurles. This game is scheduled for Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore Town FC onThursday, February 4, KO 1pm.
Convent of Mercy, Roscommon: Marie Kelly, Aisling McGrath, Ellen Irwin, Patsy Farrell, Rachel Corcoran, Ciara Corcoran, Sarah Scally, Rachel Fitzmaurice, Grainne White (Niamh Scally 90 mins), Savanna Cassidy, Fiona Tully.
Davitt College, Castlebar: Emma Sheeran, Aisling Hughes, Laura Brody, Simona Fernandez, Amy Dowling, Aoife Brody, Megan Costello (Molly McHale 80 mins), Paula McDonagh (Sofie Rawson 63mins), Kirstin Sheeran, Clare McDonagh, Hannah McHale (Kirsty Kelly 82mins).
Referee: Seán O’Connor (Galway).