Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy 0/3 Presentation Secondary School, Thurles
Shonagh Cleary (7, 47), Norah Kennedy (59)
THURLES’ PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL scored a hat/trick of goals against an inspiring Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy to lift the UMBRO FAI Schools First Year Girls Cup in Athlone Town FC this afternoon (May 30):
This was the curtain raiser to the First Year double header as Leinster star’s Enniscorthy went in search of the silverware following a disappointing campaign over the last two seasons which saw the School lose out on All Ireland glory by the narrowest of margins on a number of occasions:
O’Shea’s crew were All Ireland First Year finalists in 2009/10 when Lismore’s Blackwater Community School defeated them on penalties following a scoreless draw to lift the title: The Wexford ladies also contested the Minor semi final that same season but were undone by Donegal’s Moville Community College:
This season the Enniscorthy girls contested the Junior semi final decider against the same opposition with Moville again advancing ahead of the remarkable Leinster School who held off some strong opposition in Leinster to lift the Provincial title:
O’Shea would have loved to have led his team to All Ireland glory this year however the Thurles tornadoes were convincing winners especially in the second half, imposing their superiority on proceedings late on:
Shonagh Cleary got the dream start for Presentation as the Munster star struck the ball between the legs of Bríd Byrne inside the box to net her first of the afternoon on 7 minutes:
Enniscorthy trio Niamh Sinnott, Derbhla Doyle and Caoimhe Denton tested keeper Christine Coffey in the early exchanges but narrowly missed the mark in the first period:
Thurles Captain Sarah McKevitt was imposing her presence on proceedings as she linked well with colleagues Sophie Loughnane and Cara O’Connor:
The Tipperary defence was under the cosh as the interval approached with Casey Doyle and Meghan Roche combining well to spark a reaction from keeper Coffey to see their effort spring wide:
There was only one between the sides as half time was called
Tricia Doyle came close early in the second half following a set piece but the ball rose too high to trouble Coffey between the posts:
Coláiste Bríde imposed their presence on the game but unfortunately the equaliser was proving difficult to achieve as Doyle and Gahan both missed wonderful opportunities to score:
It wasn’t until midway through the second half that Thurles doubled their lead courtesy of Cleary once more: The youngster went on a fantastic solo run down the centre of the park which saw her round Byrne in goal to slot the ball past the keeper’s right:
Mentor’s Edel Harding and Henry Flynn could hardly settle as Enniscorthy fancied their chances of getting one back courtesy of Aisling Gahan: The teenager was unlucky not to see her effort advance goal/ward however Robyn Moore intercepted at the appropriate time to keep two between the sides:
Norah Kennedy wrapped up proceedings for Thurles with only minutes remaining as she slotted Presentation’s third of the game ensuring that the All Ireland title travelled to Tipperary in 2012:
Heartache for Enniscorthy who came so close to accomplishing their dream, a young team who no doubt will be back in contention next year:
An extraordinary year for Presentation Secondary School who impressed throughout the day and a late surge was definitely on the cards given their late winner against Sacred Heart School, Westport in their semi final fixture: There will be many more All Ireland titles on the cards for these girls as they progress through the ranks of schools soccer
Mr: Alex Harkin, FAI Schools was on hand to present the Umbro Cup to Presentation’s Captain Sarah McKevitt much to the delight of their travelling supporters:
COLAISTE BRIDE, ENNISCORTHY: Bríd Byrne, Katie Breen, Niamh Treacy, Aoife McCrea (Capt), Tricia Doyle, Caoimhe Denton, Casey Doyle, Niamh Sinnott, Derbhla Doyle, Aisling Gahan, Meghan Roche:
Subs: Nicole Furlong, Abbie Kenny, Kelsey Reid, Zoe Latchford, Aileen Brophy:
Teachers: John O’Shea
PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, THURLES: Christine Coffey, Robyn Moore, Norah Kennedy, Georgina Abbott, Niamh O’Mahony, Hazel McAuliffe, Sarah McKevitt (Capt), Cara O’Connor, Sophie Loughlin, Holly O’Dwyer Shonagh Cleary
Subs: Bridget Delaney, Sinead O’Connell, Alix Barry Cullen, Clodagh Irwin Megan Woodlock
Teachers: Edel Harding & Henry Flynn
REFEREE: Aiden Sherlock (Athlone)
