Under 15 Girls’ Interprovincial Tournament
Dr. Fionnuala Quigley Memorial Trophy
Leinster retain Girls’ Interprovincial crown
Friday, November 1, 2024
LEINSTER retained the Under 15 Girls’ Interprovincial title when they overcame a hardworking Connacht side 2-1 yesterday afternoon in Athlone Town AFC (October 31).
Leinster only needed a draw going into the last game of the series following wins over Munster (2-1) on Tuesday and Ulster (5-0) on Wednesday. While Connacht were victors over Ulster (4-1) and Munster (2-0).
Leinster were level on four points apiece with Connacht but were enjoying a +1 goal difference to edge the decider.
Dom Coll’s charges were looking to cause an upset but it wasn’t to be as Leinster prevailed, 2-1 in the end in a thrilling affair.
It’s a first Interprovincial win for the new management team of Keith COFFEY (Confey CC, Leixlip), Ciarán O’BRIEN (St. Joseph’s SS, Drogheda), Lauren McGINN (Donabate CC), Mia O’CONNELL and Kate FOLEY (both IT Carlow Students).
A second consecutive win for the province as the experienced Rob ELLISON (St. Raphaela's SS, Stillorgan) & Scott GAYNOR (Presentation SS, Wexford) led the squad to victory last year. Their seven year tenure came to an end with an impressive three titles during that period.
Let’s see how Leinster captured top spot this season…
ACTION SUMMARY
MATCH DAY 3 (Thursday)
Munster 1-0 Ulster Leinster 2-1 Connacht
Anna Cronin (55) Matylda Stelmaszek (1), Hailey Twomey (39) Mona Lowe (11)
GAME 5
In the penultimate fixture Munster got the better of Ulster with a solitary goal five minutes from time courtesy of Anna CRONIN (Coláiste Choilm, Cork).
The Munster team started brightly with the talented Ellen Goggin of Cresent College Comprehensive sending a rocket of a shot goal bound but it narrowly missed the target seven minutes in.
Her Limerick colleague Leah Hannon saw her effort blocked by the instrumental Caoimhe McLaughlin (Loreto SS, Letterkenny) with 23 minutes on the clock.
McLaughlin had moments earlier saved brilliantly to stop an Ellen Goggin set piece.
Ulster did serve up some wonderful football through periods of the game with Gill and Brennan combining well. However, they couldn’t convert in the final third and Munster secured a hard earned victory.
Anna CRONIN, Coláiste Choilm, Cork was named PLAYER OF THE MATCH following her dominant performance in the red and white of Munster. Her vital goal was the difference between the two sides. Ambassador Leah McGRATH (St. Anne’s SS, Tipperary) was present to hand over the silverware to the Cork scholar.
GAME 6
The Leinster team made the perfect start when Matylda STELMASZEK (St. Kilian’s DSD, Clonskeagh) slotted home the opener within 60 seconds.
Olivia Kenny (Our Lady’s School, Terenure) was superb between the posts as she made 3 fine saves to deny Ana Conway, Abbie Duffy and Ava Hallinan in quick succession.
However, Connacht did eventually equalise ten minutes later when Mona LOWE of Lough Allen College converted brilliantly.
Stelmaszek was very lively down the left wing and she had two great opportunities to extend the Leinster lead just before the break but both efforts were just wide of the mark as the teams couldn’t be separated at the interval (1-1).
The winner came nine minutes into the restart when the impressive Hailey TWOMEY of Eureka SS, Kells popped up with a sublime effort.
Ivana McMahon (Ursuline College, Sligo) was under pressure from Ciara Milton (St. Leo’s College, Carlow) and Matylda Stelmaszek midway through the second half but the Connacht keeper did well to deny the deadly duo.
Unfortunately for Connacht they couldn’t penetrate the Leinster defence as the winners grew in confidence as the game progressed.
A fantastic outing between both teams to conclude the tournament and ensure Leinster back to back titles.
Hailey TWOMEY, Eureka SS, Kells was named PLAYER OF THE MATCH by Ambassador Leah McGRATH (St. Anne’s SS, Tipperary) following her immense work-rate for the team and even chipping in with the match winner!
INTERNATIONAL SELECTION
As well as provincial honours this week, the International management staff use this tournament as the key recruiting tool for their Republic of Ireland Schools select.
Following the tournament conclusion, an extended panel will be invited back for trial in a few weeks’ time.
Richard Berkeley, a teacher in Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh had a fabulous management debut in 2018 when he took over as Head Coach from Lorraine Counihan (Coláiste Mhuire, Buttevant). The initial victory was followed up with another remarkable record in 2019 retaining the Bob Docherty Cup and John Read Trophy in Salou.
Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic meant the competition ceased in 2020 and 2021 but returned in 2022 when the Republic of Ireland completed an impressive three in a row in Newcastle.
However, the silverware has eluded Ireland in the last two seasons with Scotland victorious in 2023 in Glasgow and England winning out in 2024 in Athlone.
Northern Ireland will host the event during the Easter Break in April 2025 so the Republic of Ireland won’t have far to travel as they attempt to get back to winning ways.
INTERPRO POINTS TALLY
Leinster 6 points, Connacht 4 pts, Munster 2 pts, Ulster 0 pts
MATCH DAY 2 (Wednesday)
Leinster 5-0 Ulster Connacht 2-0 Munster
Ciara Milton (1, 60), Jane Smyth (19, 46) Hailey Twomey (56) Ava Hallinan (36), Ana Conway (45)
GAME 3
Sophia Blackmore (Presentation SS, Kilkenny) was a late replacement for the injured Schools’ International Lucy Doyle Farrington so she got a start ahead of Tuesday’s heroin Olivia Kenny between the posts.
Leinster made it two wins from two when they put five past Ulster in an entertaining showcase.
A brace from Ciara MILTON either side of the half equalled Jane SMYTH’S tally while Hailey TWOMEY grabbed a fifth four minutes from time to put the gloss on proceedings. Some excellent individual efforts from the Leinster cohort.
Ulster were awarded a penalty with nine minutes remaining which saw Blackmore pull off an audacious double save to deny Moville Community College star Adah Gill.
Mairead Shields of Mulroy College, Milford was down to start this encounter but picked up a slight knock in the warm-up so Caoimhe McLaughlin was back between the posts for the Ulster outfit.
Despite the scoreline, the Ulster number one was in with a shout for Player of the Match but Ambassador Ella KELLY (Tallaght Community School) named goal-scorer Ciara MLTON, St. Leo’s College, Carlow as the deserved winner. She led the line for Leinster as they were in full control of the game.
GAME 4
Tuesday afternoon’s late performances left for a lack lustre opening thirty minutes of football but the game came to life in the second period with some wonderful goals to prompt the revival.
Enniscrone starlet Ava HALLINAN broke the stalemate six minutes into the restart with a fantastic finish.
While Ana CONWAY (Salerno SS, Salthill) doubled their advantage midway through. A Katie McCabe special as the young Galway girl scored direct from a corner.
Two stunning goals to take the valuable win against a disappointed Munster side who thought they could take something from this fixture.
Tournament Ambassador Ella KELLY (Tallaght Community School) was impressed with the exploits of Ava HALLINAN (Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone) as she was selected as PLAYER OF THE MATCH.
MATCH DAY 1 (Tuesday)
Connacht 4-1 Ulster Munster 1-2 Leinster
Conway (16), Coleman (28, 49), Reynolds (38) Gill (60+3) Ellen Goggin (45) Matylda Stelmaszek (55), Halle Harcourt (60+4)
GAME 1
The opening game of the series saw a five goal thriller played out.
Sacred Heart School, Westport goalkeeper Aoibhinn McGreal was called into action early on to deny a great effort from Shauna Doohan (PCC, Falcarragh) five minutes in.
Two minutes later, Connacht were awarded a penalty but surprisingly Abbie Duffy floated the ball over the woodwork. An Ulster reprieve.
Connacht finally got the better of the inform Ulster keeper Caoimhe McLaughlin (Loreto SS, Letterkenny) midway through the first half when Anna CONWAY (Salerno SS, Salthill) netted.
Salerno’s Tilly Carroll was unlucky not to see her strike double their tally as the ball was drilled past the far post with eight minutes of the half remaining.
Connacht did extend their tally to two when Emily COLEMAN (St. Joseph’s SS, Foxford) headed home a lovely, weighted pass in the box from Presentation College, Athenry stalwart Abbie Duffy two minutes from the interval.
Westport scholar Saoirse REYNOLDS put three between the sides when she scored eight minutes after the restart. McLaughlin had saved initially but just couldn’t get her hands to the second attempt.
Emily COLEMAN grabbed her second of the afternoon and Connacht’s fourth eleven minutes later.
Some consolation for all Ulster’s endeavours as Moville maestro Adah GILL slotted in three minutes into added time as it finished 4-1 to Connacht.
Madison McGUANE, Ambassador was on hand to award the Player of the Match accolade to Emily COLEMAN, St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford. Her brace helping to secure an outstanding victory.
GAME 2
This was the game of the series as Leinster made a dramatic comeback in the dying moments of the game to win 2-1 against Munster thus taking a major scalp on the opening night. A draw might have been a fair result as both teams performed exceptionally well throughout.
Schools’ International Sarah Doyle (Scoil Mhuire Greenhills, Carrick on Suir) kept Munster in contention when she got down well to smother Kells pupil Hailey Twomey’s attempt midway through the first period.
It was scoreless at the interval with some excellent defensive displays on show from both teams.
Munster finally broke the deadlock on 45 minutes with a beauty from Crescent College Comprehensive star Ellen GOGGIN.
Leinster thought they struck the equaliser when Carlow’s Ciara Milton saw her effort hit the side-netting eight minutes later.
With only five minutes left, St. Kilian’s Matylda STELMASZEK popped up with a sensational goal to draw level.
Leinster rotated the bench late on and this paid dividends as they got the winner four minutes into added time when Halle HARCOURT (Larkin Community College) claimed a superb strike to beat Doyle.
Despite the late flurry from Leinster, the tournament Ambassador Madison McGUANE (Ardscoil Mhuire, Corbally) named the PLAYER OF THE MATCH to Ellen GOGGIN (Crescent College, Comprehensive, Limerick) who worked tirelessly for her side.
INTERPROVINCIAL PANELS
CONNACHT | Ivana McMahon (Ursuline College, Sligo), Sive Flanagan (Mount St. Michael Secondary School, Claremorris), Abbie Duffy (Presentation College, Athenry), Chloe Glynn (Coláiste Chiaráin, Athlone), Mona Lowe (Lough Allen College, Leitrim), Aisling Kennedy (Glenamaddy Community School), Ana Conway (Salerno Jesus and Mary Secondary School, Salthill), Maireád Mullins (St. Cuan’s College, Castleblakeney), Ava Hallinan (Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone), Emily Coleman (St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford), Tilly Carroll (Salerno Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Salthill), Caoimhe O’Donnell (St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross, Killala), Saoirse Reynolds, Aoibhinn McGreal (Sacred Heart School, Westport), Kyilah Maloney (Coláiste Bhaile Chláir), Katie Quirke (Calasanctius College, Oranmore), Kate McNamara (Seamount College, Kinvara)
MANAGEMENT | Dom Coll (Retired, Presentation College, Athenry) Stephen Lacken (St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross), Seamus MacEachmharcaigh (Sacred Heart School, Westport)
LEINSTER | Sophia Blackmore (Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny), Ava Kelly (Tallaght Community School), Caoimhe Devane (Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan), Eimear Byrne (Portlaoise College), Lara Dallaghan (Loreto Abbey Secondary School, Dalkey), Hailey Twomey (Eureka Secondary School, Kells), Halle Harcourt (Larkin Community College), Jane Smyth (Loreto Secondary School, Navan), Kellie Doyle (Tullow Community School), Laila Hurley (St. Mac Daras Community College, Templeogue), Ciara Milton (St. Leo’s College, Carlow), Maisy Healy (Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf), Matylda Stelmaszek (St. Kilian’s DSD, Clonskeagh), Mia Whelan (Coláiste Bride, Enniscorthy), Olivia Kenny (Our Lady’s College, Terenure), Ruby Boland (Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara), Skye Barrett (Maynooth Post Primary School)
MANAGEMENT | Keith Coffey (Confey Community College, Leixlip), Ciaran O’Brien (St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Drogheda), Lauren McGinn (Donabate Community College), Mia O’Connell, Kate Foley (IT Carlow students)
MUNSTER | Sarah Doyle, Ruby Norris, Maia Stokes (Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick on Suir), Eva Power (Scoil Mhuire agus Íde, Newcastle West), Alexandra Sheehy (Laurel Hill Coláiste, Limerick), Leah O’Leary Callender (Ashton School, Cork), Lily Sexton (Coláiste Éamann Rís, Corcaigh), Ruth McGrath (St. Angela’s College, Cork), Caila Nelligan (St. Mary’s Secondary School, Charleville), Shania West (Nagle Community College, Mahon), Leah Hannon, Ellen Goggin, Orlaith O’Connell (Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick), Isobel Conway (Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher), Anna Cronin (Coláiste Choilm, Cork), Aoife O’Donnell (Cashel Community School), Emma Jones (Coláiste Muire, Ennis)
MANAGEMENT | Kevin Duffy (Coláiste Muire, Ennis), Eileen O’Brien (Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick), Kate Delaney (Mary Immaculate College), Paul Corbett (St. Caimin’s Community School, Shannon) Richard Grimes (Head of Delegation)
ULSTER | Croía Toye (Beech Hill College, Monaghan), Megan Gallagher (Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town), Mairéad Shields (Mulroy College, Milford), Ella Brennan, Caoimhe McLaughlin (Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny), Kyra Gavigan, Ella Udoku, Kate McMenamin, (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar), Lucie Gibson, Sophie Holland (Bailieborough Community School), Maebh Ferguson (Loreto College, Cavan), Shauna Doohan (PCC, Falcarragh), Lanah Sherlock (St. Aidan’s Comprehensive School, Cootehill), Adah Gill (Moville Community College), Aimee McLaughlin (Carndonagh Community School), Ava Grier, Aoibhinn Callaghan (Loreto Community School, Milford)
MANAGEMENT | Paddy McDaid (Finn Valley College, Stranorlar), Kaneshia McKinney (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana), Catherine Fletcher (Mulroy College, Milford) Orlaith Doherty (Student, St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar), Dessie McGlinchey
FAI Schools Under 15 Girls’ Interprovincial Tournament
RESULTS
Tuesday, October 29
3.00pm Connacht 4-1 Ulster POTM | Emily COLEMAN, St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford
5.00pm Leinster 2-1 Munster POTM | Ellen GOGGIN, Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick
Wednesday, October 30
1.00pm Munster 0-2 Connacht POTM | Ava HALLINAN, Jesus & Mary SS, Enniscrone
3.00pm Ulster 0-5 Leinster POTM | Ciara MILTON, St. Leo’s College, Carlow
Thursday, October 31
10.30am Munster 1-0 Ulster POTM | Anna CRONIN, Coláiste Choilm, Cork
12.30pm Leinster 2-1 Connacht POTM | Hailey TWOMEY, Eureka SS, Kells
IMAGES | https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.980823807422434&type=3
GIRLS INTERPROVINCIAL ROLL OF HONOUR
*Under 18 level 1994 to 2002 then switched to Under 15 level from 2003 onwards
|
YEAR |
WINNER |
VENUE |
|
1994 |
Leinster |
Our Lady of Mercy College, Beaumont (vs Connacht) |
|
1995 |
Leinster |
*Longford Town FC (4 Provinces) |
|
1996 |
Connacht |
*Ballinasloe, Galway |
|
1997 |
Leinster |
*Ballinasloe, Galway |
|
1998 |
Leinster |
*Wilson’s Hospital School, Multyfarnham |
|
1999 |
Leinster |
*Wilson’s Hospital School, Multyfarnham |
|
2000 |
Munster |
*Athlone |
|
2001 |
Leinster |
*Dangain, Galway |
|
2002 |
Leinster |
*Clare |
|
2003 |
Munster |
Clare (Current U15 level) |
|
2004 |
Leinster |
Willow Park, Athlone |
|
2005 |
Munster |
Willow Park, Athlone |
|
2006 |
Munster |
Willow Park, Athlone |
|
2007 |
Munster |
Willow Park, Athlone |
|
2008 |
Munster |
Willow Park, Athlone |
|
2009 |
Leinster |
Tullamore/Athlone |
|
2010 |
Ulster |
Tullamore/Athlone |
|
2011 |
Munster |
Tullamore/Athlone |
|
2012 |
Leinster |
Tullamore/Athlone |
|
2013 |
Leinster |
AUL Complex, Clonshaugh |
|
2014 |
Leinster |
AUL Complex, Clonshaugh |
|
2015 |
Leinster |
AUL Complex, Clonshaugh |
|
2016 |
Leinster |
AUL Complex, Clonshaugh |
|
2017 |
Connacht |
AUL Complex, Clonshaugh |
|
2018 |
Leinster |
AUL Complex, Clonshaugh |
|
2019 |
Leinster |
AUL Complex, Clonshaugh |
|
2020 |
N/A |
COVID-19 |
|
2021 |
Munster |
AUL Complex, Clonshaugh |
|
2022 |
Munster |
AUL Complex, Clonshaugh |
|
2023 |
Leinster |
AUL Complex, Clonshaugh |
|
2024 |
Leinster |
Athlone Town AFC |
END
