Moville Community College 4/2 Alexandra College, Dublin
Aine McLaughlin (2), Sarah Jane McDonald (40, 70), Gemma McGuinness (52) Aisling Nugent (12, 73)
The girls from Moville Community College were crowned All Ireland Junior Champions in Finn Park, Ballybofey this afternoon (March 21) after a highly entertaining tussle with Dublin’s Alexandra College:
This was always going to be a tantalising tie with Moville entering into the head to head as slight favourites having captured the Minor title last season and just missing out on the Junior title as beaten finalists in 2010: The storybooks were to be re/written this year however as Moville avenged last year’s defeat by beating reigning All Ireland Champs St: Mary’s, Ballina in their Semi Final fixture to reach the finale:
Alexandra’s Coach Dave Collins on the other hand was gliding into this decider having a wealth of knowledge at his disposal: Collins coached the U15 Girls Schools International team for the last two seasons and knew the capabilities of the Moville players having worked alongside Moville mentor Mulhall and star players such as Gemma McGuinness, Eimear Lafferty and Charmaine McDermott previously:
Alexandra were not to be underestimated as they defeated a much fancied Moyne Community School in the Leinster decider and a well organised Christ the King Girls’ Secondary School in the All Ireland Semi Final showdown ensuring a good contest for the Final:
Collins and Mulhall had the utmost respect for one another as they greeted each other before the game and it was a cracking showcase of football that developed over the 80 minutes in what proved to be a mouth watering six goal thriller:
Moville had the dream start to their title hope ambitions as the delightful Aine McLaughlin registered the first for the Inishowen outfit on two minutes: Charmaine McDermott placed an inch perfect pass over the arms of keeper Ceithleann Ni Chonluin as the sharp shooting midfielder was on hand to slot home from close range:
Alexandra responded positively to Moville’s purple patch and equalised against the run of play ten minutes later: A quick free kick found the versatile Aisling Nugent in space and she needed little time to send a thunderous shot to the back of the net:
The talented Roma McLaughlin was introduced for Emma McDermott midway through the first half and her introduction seemed to inspire her colleagues as Eimear Lafferty hit the woodwork from a marvellous free kick: This was followed shortly after by close range efforts from McGuinness and McDonald: But the deadlock was to remain as the first half drew to a close with both sides level at one apiece:
Moville were to find their momentum early in the second half with Sarah Jane McDonald, providing the second, ten minutes in with a screamer from 20 yards out: Definitively one to remember for the youngster
12 minutes later the trio of goals came with Gemma McGuinness turning goal scorer after excellent build up play from Roma McLaughlin and Charmaine McDermott:
Pia Diepman was called into action for Alexandra on 56 minutes as Caroline Healy made way: This passage of play saw Moville put under the cosh for a long period of time as the Dubliners tried to claw back a foothold in the game: Some solid defending my Kathy McLaughlin and Rebekah Henry made little of their advances:
Anna Roopnarinesingh and Sophie Gleeson had two great long range efforts saved confidently by Leanne McLaughlin in the Donegal net:
The responding set pieces were well defended by Captain Shannon McDonald as Alexandra pushed bodies forward:
Millie O’Donnell replaced the industrious Emily Shannon on the hour mark as Collins’ crew found their rhythm: The long ball into the box seemed to suit the leggy Alex forward line but the Leinster ladies were hit on the counter ten minutes from time to seal the deal for Moville:
Sarah Jane McDonald took her tally to two as she put the ball past Ni Chonluin after some excellent support play from McGuinness:
Alex fought hard to get back into the game and they were rewarded with a second for the talented Nugent with seven minutes remaining: Substitute Millie O’Donnell turned provider from a long range throw in which Nugent skilfully volleyed to beat McLaughlin at her near post: 4/2 but time was ticking as Moville held on to take the coveted crown:
Moville Community College: Leanna McLaughlin, Rebekah Henry, Melissa McDermott, Emma McDermott, Kathy McLaughin, Shannon McDonald, Aine McLaughlin, Charmaine McDermott, Eimear Lafferty, Gemma McGuinness, Sarah Jane McDonald,
Subs: Roma McLaughlin (Emma McDermott, 20), Danielle McCreadie, Stacey Doherty, Aine Breslin, Nicole McDermott, Leon Boyce
Teachers: Margaret Mulhall & Seamus Gallagher
Alexandra College, Dublin: Ceithleann Ni Chonluin, Aideen Cowhey, Emily Shannon, Sophie Gleeson, Tammy Smal, Caroline Healy, Anna Roopnarinesingh, Juliet Beatty, Hannah McDermott, Louise McPhillips, Aisling Nugent
Subs: Millie O'Donnell (Emily Shannon, 62), Pia Diepman (Caroline Healy, 56), Lorna Chow, Vicky Gaskin, Louise McCollum
Teacher: Dave Collins
Referee: Ed Moore
IMAGES courtesy of Emma Mullin Photography
PRESENTATION
Alex Harkin, FAI Schools Treasurer presents the Cup to Moville Captain Shannon McDonald
Congratulations to the successful Moville squad on a splendid victory and well done to Margaret Mulhall and Seamus Gallagher on your achievements: