Convent of Mercy Roscommon 6-0 Ashbourne CS
WINNERS OF the All-Ireland Senior Girls Gaelic Football crown a week ago, the Convent of Mercy Roscommon completed an amazing double at Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore, yesterday (3 April) when they added the FAI Schools’ soccer title with a emphatic win over Ashbourne Community School.
Cliodhna McHugh had a half chance with almost less than two minutes played but her effort was inches away from the top corner
Ashbourne’s Hayley Lewton found space a few moments later but she never troubled Leona Doolin as she saved comfortably.
With six minutes played, Mercy were awarded a free kick. Up stepped the skilful Anna McCormack to take, her boot finding McHugh in space. McHugh’s shot was nestled in the back of the net within seconds.
Cheryl Scally was looking dangerous in possession with good supply from team mates Ashling McNeill and Edel Menton.
Fifteen minutes in and Roscommon were awarded another free kick. Again Anna McCormack was the supplier. It was guided high into the penalty area and onto the foot of Elaine Morris who caught the ball well. The blinding shot left Keeper Ciara Dixon with no opportunity to save.
The Convent ended the first half two nil up. Sean Boland’s team looked comfortable of winning, playing with the elements in the second half.
Ashbourne battled hard but despite their best efforts they couldn’t breach a resolute Mercy defence. McHugh put the result beyond doubt with her chipped finish after the interval.
Inspirational captain McCormack’s deflected free-kick added to Ashbourne’s misery and two goals in the space of three minutes from Cheryl Scally, the first a contender for goal of the season, completed the Roscommon tally and an emphatic success.
CONVENT OF MERCY, ROSCOMMON: Leona Doolin (Sarah Staunton 78), Ashling Rogerson (Laura McLoone 78), Ashling McNeill, Edel Menton, Ashling Lannon, Ashling McHugh, Anna McCormack, Gertie Dowd, Cliodhna McHugh, Cheryl Scally (Deirdre Regan 73), Elaine Morris.
ASHBOURNE COMMUNITY SCHOOL: Ciara Dixon, Linda Bruton (Alison Leahy HT), Aoife O’Rourke, Danielle Farrell, Heather Louth (Megan O’Brien 53), Shauna Hutton, Noelle Francis (Hayley Jenkinson 60), Alisha Forde, Shelby Leahy, Hayley Lawton, Kate Hurley.
Referee: David Barrett (Offaly).