Republic of Ireland U15 Schools 3-0 Northern Ireland U16s
Tiegan Ruddy (16, 40) Niamh Farrelly (57)
Lorraine Counihan’s side got their season off to a bright start with a comprehensive victory over their counterparts Northern Ireland in Ballyowen Park, Lucan yesterday (Sunday, January 26, 2014)
Torrential wind and rain swept across the country during the weekend meaning playing standards were far from ideal but the Schools outfit put in a solid performance against Alison Nicholl’s side:
A brace of wonderful goals from youngster Tiegan Ruddy (St: Wolstan’s CS, Celbridge) in the first half and a Niamh Farrelly (St: Joseph’s College, Lucan) screamer sealed the deal for the Republic of Ireland Schools outfit:
Alex Kavanagh (St: Michael’s SS, Finglas) was unfortunate not to get her name on the score sheet as her daring free kick on the edge of the box smashed the Northern Ireland crossbar 12 minutes in:
Tiegan Ruddy put the hosts 1/0 ahead in the 16thminute when her 25/yard power/drive sailed over the head of the Northern Ireland goalkeeper, Kirsty McCaughtry:
This lead was doubled just before half time as Ruddy got her second of the day: A near replica of her first, as Counihan’s side was building momentum:
Northern Ireland responded positively in the second half: Katie Martin went very close to end the Northern drought but her effort just sailed over Aoife Colgan’s goal much to the delight of the Carndonagh student:
Chloe Orr and Sarah Connolly were impressive but their efforts couldn’t curtail the Republic of Ireland onslaught as Niamh Farrelly wrapped up proceedings in the 57th minute: The Lucan star had an impressive strike from distance as the hosts went into cruise control:
Speaking after the game, Manager Counihan was very pleased with her team’s performance
“This competitive fixture adds a new dimension to our preparations ahead of the Bob Doherty Cup in April: The girls got a flavour of international football today and were in control from start to finish: They played extremely well as a unit and it was a huge team effort given the extreme weather conditions this afternoon: We have a number of things to improve on but all in all it was a good start to our season”:
Counihan will continue to develop the squad using a number of competitive fixtures in the build up to the International tournament:
The girls will travel to Galway on February 22 to take on the Salthill Devon U16s on home turf: The squad will then travel to Maidstone to take on the English Schools on March 8:
The Bob Docherty Cup will take place in Repton School, Derbyshire from April 14 to 17: The Republic of Ireland came second last season narrowly missing out to Scotland twelve months previously:
Counihan will be boosted by the return of Lauryn O’Callaghan (St: MacDara’s CC, Templeogue) and Niamh Farrelly (St: Joseph’s College, Lucan) as the duo return to the side this season: Hopeful the experience the youngsters gained last season can be replicated in England as they take on Wales, reigning Champions Scotland, Northern Ireland and hosts England over the Easter Break:
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U15 SCHOOLS: Naoisha McALOON (Ratoath College, Meath), Heather PAYNE (Ard Scoil Mhuire, Ballinasloe), Sinead FARRELL (St: Joseph’s College, Summerhill, Athlone), Ciara MAHER (Coláiste de hIde, Tallaght), Chloe MCNAMEE (St: Oliver’s Post Primary, Oldcastle),Tiegan RUDDY (St: Wolstan’s CS, Celbridge), Lauryn O’CALLAGHAN (St: MacDara’s CC, Templeogue), Niamh FARRELLY (St: Joseph’s College, Lucan), Leah REYBET DEGAT (Sutton Park School), Alex KAVANAGH (St: Michael’s SS, Finglas), Katie BURDIS (Coláiste na hInse, Bettystown), Leah HENRY (Presentation SS, Listowel), Saoirse NOONAN (Christ the King Girls’ SS, Cork), Ciara HICKEY (Spanish Point SS, Clare), Sabrina MCCARTHY (St: Caimin’s CS, Shannon), Aoife COLGAN (Carndonagh CS), Shania MCGONIGLE (Carndonagh CS), Leanne KIERNAN (Bailieborough CS)
MANAGEMENT: Lorraine Counihan, Manager (Colaiste Mhuire, Buttevant) Alistair Harvey, Coach (St: Kilian’s DSD, Clonskeagh) David Rooney, GK Coach
NORTHERN IRELAND U16: Kirsty McCaughtry, Blaithin Mackin, Kerri McIntosh, Caprice Miskimmon, Teresa Burns, Megan Beattie, Emma McMaster, Chloe Orr, Sarah Connolly, Lauren Robson, Katie Martin, Rebecca Bassett, Aoibhan Jones, Brooke Bane, Yazmin Murray, Courtney Moore
MANAGER: Alison Nicholl
REFEREE: Deirdre Nolan (Dublin)