Monday, February 10, 2020
Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny 3-1 Coláiste Bhaile Chláir
Niamh Phelan (2), Freya De Mange (78), Cliodhna Donnelly (80+2), Elisha Bohan (70)
It was Déjá Vu for newly crowned National Senior Cup Champions PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, KILKENNY following their victory over rivals Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in Athlone Town this afternoon.
Their success story rolls on for yet another session following wins over the same opposition in the same venue when they contested both the Minor and Junior titles as Presentation impressed with a National double twelve months previous.
Add to this, the Senior crown this season, and what a legacy for the illustrious side in a short space of time.
The Leinster starlets have yet to contest the Junior provincial decider which will see them face off against Loreto SS, Kilkenny in a local derby during the week. Could another historic double be on the cards for the Presentation crew?
The showpiece had all the hallmarks of extra time with Elisha Bohan’s equaliser ten minutes from time cancelling out Niamh Phelan’s wonder strike right at the start of proceedings but two late goals for the Kilkenny scholar’s saw them snatch the title in dramatic style.
Despite the hail and snow storm at kick off, Niamh Phelan produced some wonderful creative prowess in front of goal to slot home the opener after just 90 seconds.
The Kilkenny netminder Cliodhna Kenny was tested in quick succession on the quarter hour mark as she produced two vital saves to deny the impressive Shauna Brennan and Elisha Bohan.
Yet again eight minutes from the interval, Kenny intercepted Niamh Donovan’s valiant attempt as the Kilkenny students went in with the slight advantage at the break.
Claregalway had a wonderful opportunity to level things when Niamh Donovan was loose on the right wing with an open goal at her mercy but the ball bobbled and skimmed the crossbar nine minutes into the restart.
Laura Scanlon came close following some good link up play with Shauna Brennan only for Cliodhna Kenny to save at point blank range.
However, Claregalway’s endeavours were duly rewarded ten minutes from time when Elisha Bohan produced a lovely strike to bring the game level.
The Claregalway keeper Hannah Walsh was called into action to save bravely from Ellen Molloy’s rocket shortly after the equaliser.
With two minutes remaining of normal time, former Schools International Freya De Mange saw her long range effort from the right dip over the head of Walsh to ensure a late win for the Kilkenny outfit.
The Champions then converted a third two minutes into injury time to seal the deal as Cliodhna Donnelly’s set piece from the edge of the box on the left flank smashed into the net leaving Walsh with no chance.
A fantastic outing from both teams in really testing conditions.
Alex Harkin, FAI Schools Executive was on hand to present the Cup to joint captains Cliodhna Kenny and Hannah Clifford.
PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, KILKENNY | Cliodhna Kenny (Joint Captain), Keara Ryan, Anna Purcell, Katie Ryan, Shauna Cody, Hannah Clifford (Joint Captain), Freya Hardy Petit De Mange, Cliodhna Donnelly, Niamh Phelan, Ellen Molloy, Sarah Barcoe
SUBS | Emma Shortall, Cliodhna Murphy, Kirsten Hanny, Aoife Hardy Petit De Mange, Kate Furlong, Aoife Doyle, Caroline Barron, Sarah O’Gorman, Alannah Coady, Rachael Whelan
TEACHER | Clodagh McDonald ASSISTANT | Aisling Costelloe
COLÁISTE BHAILE CHLÁIR (CLAREGALWAY COLLEGE) | Hannah Walsh, Chloe Flaherty, Eabha O’Riordan, Chellene Trill (Captain), Kate Slevin, Laura Scanlon, Niamh Donovan, Ellie Creane, Elisha Bohan, Shauna Brennan, Sarah Cogley
SUBS | Isabel Claffey (for E Creane, 55), Ruby Duggan, Ciara Hegarty, Megan Wing, Michaela McGough, Clodagh Crowley, Alanah Griffin, Aoibhe O’Flynn
TEACHERS | Karen Burke & Sinead Walsh
REFEREE | Ray Conlon (Athlone)
