The semi final playoffs saw Crana College, Buncrana defeat St: Kevin’s, Clondalkin 1 – 0, while St: Mary’s School, Newport overcame Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh 2 – 0 to progress to the Umbro Senior B Girls Final:
The National Final was played in cool conditions on the excellent All Weather pitch in Athlone IT: Both teams travelled with good support for the first ever Final of the Girls B Competition:
St: Mary’s had an impressive start, holding possession well and attacking at every opportunity: Crana College’s defence were under pressure for long periods of the first half: Both teams pressed hard to produce a goal but unfortunately it proved too difficult to convert these opportunities into goal chances: The two sides were level at half time:
Crana College settled into the second half with strikes from Haley McLaughlin, Rosie Gallagher and Claire Kelly:
St: Mary’s created a few good goal chances but Catherine Downey in the Crana College goal along with her team mates Joanne Doherty and Lisa Mc Colgan kept the danger out which resulted in the sides being level again at full time:
Extra time began with St: Mary’s piling on the pressure and their star centre forward hit the cross bar from 12 yards out: This was the only clear shot on goal in extra time:
Crana College held their nerve to snatch victory in the penalty shootout 5 – 3:
Great credit must go to the teachers involved, Gerry Casey, Crana College and Micheal Lennon, St: Mary’s on progressing to the Final and ensuring a very entertaining encounter: