FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Girls National Cup FINAL (Under 15, Small Schools)
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair 4-1 Balbriggan Community College
Maria Ní Ghallchoir (21, 28, 54) Eva Ní Dhuibhir (33) Aoife Sheridan (11)
Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair were crowned FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Girls National Cup Champions following an impressive victory over Balbriggan Community College in Gortakeegan, Monaghan United last Wednesday (October 5).
Maria Ní Ghallchoir etched herself into the School’s history books with an impressive hat-trick as Michelle Ferguson’s side took the spoils in fine fashion.
Balbriggan were contesting their first National title with the Dempsey McElvaney combo taking charge of the first girls team in the School last September. The Leinster newbies were forced into an early change in their starting line-up as Vytaute Bronisolovaitye replaced the injured Sophie Barrett.
And it was Balbriggan who made the first impact in the game when the talented Aoife SHERIDAN opened their account with just eleven minutes on the clock.
The Ulster crew responded immediately with some quick fire shots on target. Brianna Ni Fhearraigh hitting the woodwork a minute later.
The equaliser came courtesy of Maria Ní GHALLCHOIR with a splendid individual effort on 21 minutes.
Captain Mary Anne Nic A Bhaird hit the crossbar two minutes later.
Donegal’s second of the afternoon came two minutes from the break with Maria Ní GHALLCHOIR striking again.
The Ulster Champions went into the half time interval 2-1 ahead.
The killer blow for Balbriggan came minutes into the restart when Eva Ní DHUIBHIR struck an advantageous ball into the danger zone which deceived the keeper and bounced into the back of the net.
Shannon Corr forced a brilliant save from Roisin Ní Chasaide on 52 minutes while the hardworking Maria Ní GHALLCHOIR completed her hat-trick two minutes later.
The industrious Brianne Ní Fhearraigh hit the side-netting three minutes from time.
Balbriggan fought hard in the dying minutes of the game but just couldn’t penetrate the Gweedore goal as the game finished 4-1 to the Donegal school. A brilliant display from the team who were deserved Champions.
POBALSCOIL GHAOTH DOBHAIR | Roisín Ní Chasaide, Neasa Nic Phaidín, Kerrie Magner, Eva Ní Dhuibhir, Eibhlín Ní Bhaoill, Áine Ní Fhearraigh, Brianna Ní Fhearraigh, Aoibhín Ní Chasaide, Fia Nic Goilla Comhaill, Maria Ní Ghallchóir, Mary Anne Nic a Bhaird ©
SUBS ROLL ON/OFF | Carrie Nic Grianna, Emma Ní Chumhaill, Cara Ní Dhochartaigh, Maria Ní hEidhin, Sedhna Ní Churráin, Clara Nic Suibhne, Kayleigh Ní Dhomhnaill, Iseult Ní Ghallchóir, Bridín Ní Dhuibhir
TEACHER | Michelle Uí Fhearghuasa.
BALBRIGGAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE | Rachel Casey, Keira Megrane, Jessica Reynolds, Sophie Murtagh, Lily Harper, Aoife Sheridan ©, Aleksandra Mazewska, Niamh Orange, Vytaute Bronislovaitye, Angel Eghuchulam, Shannon Corr.
SUBS ROLL ON/OFF | Julia Strzelecka, Jasmine Hughes, Fifumni Akinpitansoye, Gug Moyp, Sarah Joyce EXTENDED PANEL | Esther Pollakova, Anastasija Trablika, Blessing Adedokun, Diana Igunbor
TEACHERS | Fiona Dempsey, Lauren McElvaney.
MATCH OFFICIAL | Paul McGeown (Cavan/Monaghan)