FAI Schools Minor Girls National Cup Final (Under 15, Large Schools)
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Coláiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh 2-1 Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
Jessica Talbot (46), Molly MacAodha (60+2) Meadhbh Doherty (32)
CAROLINE NÍ GHRIOFA’S sideColáiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh came from behind to secure a late winner against an impressive Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny to clinch the FAI Schools Minor Girls National title this afternoon in Birr Town FC (May 16).
The victory follows on from last week’s Junior Cup success in which Caroline’s crew claimed a historic win over Presentation Secondary School of Wexford in Portlaoise to claim an emphatic double Cup run this season for the Galway outfit. A brilliant achievement for the Irish school who have only been playing for a few years.
Today’s fixture saw two evenly matched teams as the first half failed to produce any clear cut chances on goal. Emily Phelan and Olivia Dunphy were the stand out players for the Leinster Champions in the opening period. As was Talbot, Ní Ráinne and MacAodha for the Connacht stars.
The second half sparked to life two minutes in when the hardworking Meadhbh DOHERTY forced a goal from close range to give her side an early advantage.
Coláiste na Coiribe Captain Jessica TALBOT scored fourteen minutes later as her free-kick from 35 yards out smashed into the back of the Kilkenny net for an exceptional equaliser.
Three minutes later, it was Kilkenny’s Chloe Tennyson who netted but the goal was disallowed for a hand ball.
Galway substitute Ellen Stenson impressed when introduced and the youngster forced a great save from Isabella Carroll four minutes from time.
With two minutes of additional time on the clock, Galway were on the attack and the talented Molly MacAODHA saw her effort sneak in at the far post following some great work from Mollie Ní Ráinne and Anna Ní Shíocháin in the build-up.
Another four minutes of added time was played but unfortunately the Kilkenny girls couldn’t force extra-time as the Galway defence held firm.
A brilliant double for the Galway side as they claim Connacht titles at Under 15 and Under 17 level. Their First Year Girls were beaten in the Connacht Cup Final last week by Presentation College, Athenry but the future is definitely bright for these young players.
COLÁISTE NA COIRIBE, GAILLIMH | Gráinne Ní Fhéinne, Carole Ní Mhacáin, Amilie Lynch Spellman, Isabelle Ní Mhaonaigh, Emily Kavanagh, Jessica Talbot ©, Mollie Ní Ráinne, Jasmine Ní Threasaigh, Anna Ní Shíochain, Molly MacAodha, Katie Nic an Adhaistair
SUBS ROLL ON / OFF | Éabha Nic Sitric, Gaia Menarini, Anna Nic an Aircheannaigh, Ellen Stenson, Maggue Ní Dhálaigh
EXTENDED PANEL | Abbie Maguire, Aoibhinn Ní Mhairtin, Doireann Carey
TEACHER | Caroline Ní Ghriofa COACH | Gerry Carroll
PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, KILKENNY | Isabelle Carroll, Kate Daly, Roisin Foley, Maria Ryan, Hannah Griffey, Olivia Dunphy ©, Emily Phelan, Meadhbh Doherty, Kate Ryan, Chloe Tennyson, Anna Morrissey
SUBS ROLL ON / OFF | Ellie Barron, Megan O’Reilly, Lily Peg Maher, Ellen Treacy, Kate Dalton
EXTENDED PANEL | Sadhbh Shefflin, Ella Cody, Sophia Malone, Grace O’Farrell, Emily Donohue
TEACHERS | Dervla O’Shea, Wendy Roche
MATCH OFFICIAL | Dennis Tennison (Midlands)
