Moville Community College 5/1 Presentation College, Athenry
Aine McLaughlin (16, 17, 27) Sarah Jane McDonald (30), Kathy McLauhglin (47) Saoire Burke (59 Pen)
Defending All Ireland Champions Moville Community College sailed past Athenry’s Presentation College in an entertaining encounter in IT Sligo this afternoon (February 26)
Although Moville were dominant for most of this encounter, the outstanding player was Athenry goalkeeper Saoirse Burke who denied the Donegal natives on a multitude of occasions with some exceptional goalkeeping: The young Colga net minder also scored from the penalty spot for her team, a spirited performance from the Connacht stars
However, there was no denying the Ulster kingpins a place in yet another Junior Cup Final, the Schools fourth consecutive appearance at this age group, winning two out of three thus far:
Within minutes of the start, Moville had created a wonderful opportunity to open their account courtesy of some fine work by Stacey Doherty and Aine McLaughlin: A magnificent palm over from Burke on the goal line saw McLaughlin’s sweet strike sail inches over the woodwork
Burke was again called into action in the seventh minute when Sally Ann McFadden’s charges were awarded a penalty from a handle error by the Athenry defence:
Roma McLaughlin struck her effort beautifully, but the inform Burke was ever present to deny the U15 Schools International star: A major boost for the young net minder’s confidence as the onslaught continued from the Donegal School
The deadlock was eventually broken mid way through the first half when Nicole McDermott and Stacey Doherty combined well to feed Aine McLaughlin in space for her first of the afternoon, a well executed manoeuvre
Moville’s lead was doubled 60 seconds later as Aine McLaughlin latched onto a long ball from name sake Roma McLaughlin to slot home from close range leaving Burke with no chance
Nicole McDermott went agonisingly close to getting on the score sheet as her shot shaved the far post with twenty minutes registered
McLaughlin’s hat/trick was notched up on 27 minutes as a superb individual effort saw her net for the Moville girls:
Moville’s fourth of the afternoon came three minutes later with the industrious Sarah Jane McDonald flying down the left wing to slice the ball past Burke at her inside post:
Roisin Holland was introduced for Siobhan Gavin at half time for the Galway girls:
Kathy McLaughlin’s set piece saw a sensational goal scored from 25 yards out within two minutes of the restart:
Moville were now enjoying a comfortable lead which saw Roma McLaughlin being rested as Emma Doherty entered the fray:
Dom Coll brought on some fresh attacking prowess as Megan Shaughnessy replaced Maeve O’Connon in midfield
Presentation Athenry finally got off the mark just before the hour mark as a hand ball was given inside the Moville box: Keeper Burke stepped up to slot past Cody Anderson for a consolation goal with ten minutes remaining:
Galway Captain Ruth Horkan tired her best to make Anderson work in the Donegal goal mouth but the net minder was well prepared for any Athenry advancement as Henry and Breslin were razor sharp in the Moville defence:
Sally Ann McFadden’s crew will have to await the outcome of the other semi final fixture which sees Christ King Girls’ Secondary School, Cork up against Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny: This game is due to take place on Monday, March 4 in Cahir Park (KO 12:30pm)
The UMBRO FAI Schools Junior Girls All Ireland Cup Final is scheduled for Wednesday, March 13 (KO 1pm)
MOVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Cody Anderson, Rebekah Henry, Kathy McLaughlin, Olivia Kelly, Aine Breslin, Stacey Doherty, Eimear Lafferty, Roma McLaughlin, Sarah Jane McDonald, Nicole McDermott, Aine McLaughlin
Subs Used: Emma Doherty for R McLaughlin (52), Eimear Redden for E Lafferty (69), Rachael McLaughlin for O Kelly (74)
Subs: Aine Harkin, Even McClenaghan, Aine Hannan
Teachers: Sally Ann McFadden & Seamus Gallagher
PRESENTATION COLLEGE, ATHENRY: Saoirse Burke, Aiden Coen, Sarah Molloy, Siobhan Gavin, Maeve O’Connell, Ruth Horkan (Capt), Emilie Gavin, Andrea Tobin, Maeve O’Connon, Gabriell Tobin, Louise Brennan
Subs Used: Roisin Holland for S Gavin (h/t), Megan Shaughnessy for M O’Connon (52), Grainne McDaid for M O’Connell (62)
Subs: Sofia Gilmore, Roisin Leen
Teacher: Dom Coll
REFEREE: Terry Butler (Sligo)