Presentation College, Athenry 0/0 Moville Community College (5/6 Pens)
This eagerly anticipated finale came down to the wire at Carrick Rovers FC on Friday evening last (30 April) with neither team penetrating the opposition’s defence, which ensured the services of penalty kicks to relief the deadlock
The previous scoring abilities of both teams was never in doubt as Athenry put an impressive seven goals past their semi final opponents St: Angela’s of Waterford while Moville had a solid 3/1 win against Colaiste Bride of Enniscorthy: Prior to that, the Ulster champions had culminated a goal tally of 33 goals enroute to the final:
This was Athenry first appearance in a soccer final in some time with GAA dominating the sporting calendar in the School in recent years: The success of the School was already noted with their ability to secure a Connacht “A” title in their prize cabinet this year:
Captaining the Connacht Champions was Colga club player Keara Cormican: Keara had notable International experience having featured with the U15 Schools International team this season: Keara also contributed to the semi final victory with two wonderful goals from set pieces against St: Angela’s of Waterford: Another notably player for Athenry was Rachel Bannon who netted a hat trick of goals on the same occasion and one to watch out for in the final game of the season:
Moville were well experienced in the ranks of schools soccer, with this, the Ulster Schools fifth appearance in an All Ireland Final: The College had previously been denied by Castletroy College, Limerick at both Senior (2005) and Junior levels (2006) and more recently by St: Mary’s Secondary School, Convent of Mercy, Ballina in the Junior Final last month: The School did however claim the coveted Junior All Ireland title in 2007 against Skerries Community College and were looking to avenge last month’s defeat by claiming the Aisling McGing Memorial Cup:
Gemma McGuinness, U15 Schools International star was impressive with her strike partner Sarah Jane McDonald: However, it was Melissa McDermott who had the first real opportunity of the afternoon with only six minutes registered: Charmaine McDermott played a clever ball to the feet of Melissa and the youngster’s snap shot was pulled wide of the left:
Moments later, Siobhan Gardiner ran onto a long ball from Anna Lane but the quick footed Danielle Clarke sprinted out of her goal mouth to avert the danger:
Captain Kathy McLaughlin was solid in defence all afternoon and was well assisted by Rebekah Henry and Aine Breslin:
Athenry’s Gardiner and Michelle Dunleavy were lively for the sixty minutes of competitive play but couldn’t get a clear shot to test net minder Clarke:
Linda Corcoran used her physical presence to keep McGuinness and McDonald at bay while Anna Lane enjoyed a good spell of play down the flanks: Her quality crosses into the danger zone were averted by the dominate defence of Moville:
Rachel Bannon and Ruth Horkin were left frustrated by the afternoon’s events, extra time beckoned without a solitary goal for all their industrious work up front:
Eimear Lafferty and Aine McLaughin inspired the Ulster girls in the first half of extra time but the final ball failed to deliver any real attack on Helena McGough: Energy levels were evaporated quickly as extra time came to a close:
The tension mounted for the travelling supporters as a few surprises were encounters in the penalty shoot/out: Moville missed their second and fourth attempts while Athenry couldn’t take advantage with the Connacht School missing their third and fourth attempts: Nervous times ahead for those selected to participate in the dead ball situation: Athenry’s sixth penalty drifted wide: It finally emerged for McGuinness to step up for Moville: A goal would ensure All Ireland glory for a second time in the Schools history, a miss and the deadlock would remain: The Schools International slotted home with conviction to secure a memorable win for the Ulster outfit and agony and heartache for Athenry:
Presentation College: Helena McGough, Maria McNamara, Louise Brennan, Sinead Gaffney, Linda Corcoran, Anna Lane, Ruth Horkin, Keara Cormican (Capt), Michelle Dunleavy, Rachel Bannon, Siobhan Gardiner
Subs: Eimear Cannon, Orla McDaid, Christina Morris, Amy Huban, Tara Morgan, Roisin Holland
Teacher: Dom Coll
Moville Community College: Danielle Clarke, Rebekah Nenry, Leon Boyce, Kathy McLaughlin (Capt), Aine Breslin, Eimear Lafferty, Aine McLaughlin, Charmine McDermott, Melissa McDermott, Gemma McGuinness, Sarah Jane McDonald
Subs: Stacey Doherty, Arlene McDermott, Meagan Grant, Eimear Grant, Caitriona Margen, Michaela McCauley, Dayna Molloy, Laureasa McCallan, Katie McColgan
Teachers: Noreen Meehan, Margaret Mulhall & Seamus Gallagher
Referee: Peter Petrov (Monaghan/Cavan)