Coláiste Iósaef, Kilmallock 1-0 St. Brendan’s College, Belmullet
It was an historic occasion for Coláiste Iósaef, Kilmallock having captured the elusive Senior B Girls title in fine style in Salthill Devon this afternoon (February 9)
The Limerick School suffered at this vital stage last year in the boy’s category as Eddie O’Carroll’s charges lost out on penalties to a determined Tallaght side:
However, the script was to be re/written this time around as O’Carroll’s LADIES turned on the style to see the Kilmallock School fulfil the dream of an All Ireland soccer title for the Limerick squad:
Only a solidarity goal was to decide the faith of these two teams as Ceile Corbett’s name was etched into the history books as she provided the masterpiece to seal success and silverware for the southerners:
Although this Cup is entitled the Senior “B” Cup, the quality of football on display has not diminished: The small schools category has plenty of talent on display and this game had all the makings for a pulsating tie as both teams entered the fray with some impressive credentials:
The Connacht Champions St: Brendan’s weren’t to be underestimated by O’Carroll as they notched up 18 goals in the Cup campaign with the talented Sorcha Ní Mhurchú only conceding once in their four games:
Mayo native Neill O’Reilly had vast experience in this competition having previously led St: Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross to the title in 2008/09 but ironically his former school were beaten by his present school St: Brendan’s in the Connacht quarter final stage in convincing fashion:
The Belmullet School knew they couldn’t become complacent on their previous outstanding record as they entered a whole different ballgame this time around:
Not to be outdone, the mighty Munster management of O’Carroll, Mulcaire and Moloney had generated a 12 goal spree conceding twice in their trio of games: Their semi final battle which was a nerve wrecking encounter saw the young team advance as they came from behind to equalise, take the game into extra time and win on penalties 4/2: The semi final fixture was to stand the girls in excellent stead as they faced the Belmullet contingency:
Kilmallock’s Captain Vicky McMahon made her mark in the semi final having scored the equaliser against Grennan College a week earlier, to lead her team into today’s decider:
Indeed, it was again McMahon who shone on the day as the game kicked off in Salthill: Her leadership, vision and awareness on the ball invited some fancy football in the first twenty minutes:
However, it was Belmullet’s captain Michelle Lynch who availed of the first real opportunity of the game when she sent an inviting ball forward for Elaine Cawley and Anita “Totti” Doherty to chase: The striker nicknamed “Totti” by her team mates lived up to her reputation as her splendid effort went agonising over the crossbar with only two minutes registered:
Coláiste Iosáef star studded youngster’s who had seven U14 Kilmallock United players on the park settled into proceedings well: The assistance of mentor John Lewis paid dividends as the Kilmallock girls found their footing:
The Kilmallock outfit appeared much fitter and more determination as they chased every loose ball and contested every aerial exchange in the centre of midfield:
Their efforts were rewarded as Ceile Corbett’s spectacular goal just under the half hour mark was to be a momentous occasion for the Kilmallock town:
The lively Laura Lyons on the wing whose fancy footwork saw her play a marvellous ball into the path of Corbett AND without hesitation the talented teenager had the crowd stunned with her spiralling rocket to the back of the net:
The impetus was now with Kilmallock as they pressed hard for a second: Belmullet’s defence on the other hand, were well organised with Ní Mhurchú communicating well with colleagues Fiona Rowland, Catriona Doherty and Samantha Barrett to ensure that it was only a one goal cushion for the Munster girls as the teams finished the first period:
Reilly required a special revival if his girls were to bring the game to Kilmallock in the second half:
Marissa Mangan and Michelle Lynch were trying hard to find the feet of “Totti” but it was frustration for the Belmullet School as the final ball wasn’t making the cut:
As the game advanced, St: Brendan’s applied the pressure and deservedly so were rewarded with three consecutive corners: Doherty was unable to convert any of her set pieces into real goal scoring opportunities as the game came to a close:
Although Corbett was the heroine on the day with her name on the score sheet, it was a real team effort that won this title for Kilmallock: The team showed great heart, determination and above all real team effort to defeat a well fancied St: Brendan’s side:
A number of outstanding contributions were made by some key players for Kilmallock including Laura Lyons, Sorcha McCarthy, Sue Ann O’Leary, Shannon Lewis, Nicola Ryan, Aedin Hayes and Niamh McCormack who were all spectacular on the day: Also the introduction of Jodie Kelly and Shauna Maguire for Meehan and O’Leary were vitally important as the girls impressed once introduced:
Heartbreak for St: Brendan’s as a spirited performance by the Connacht Champions made it a wonderful occasion for any neutral spectator:
A well deserved victory for Coláiste Iósaef to claim the coveted title and definitely some names to look out for in the future for schools football:
COLAISTE IOSAEF, KILMALLOCK: Sorcha McCarthy; Shannon Meehan, Nicola Ryan, Niamh McCormack, Aedin Hayes, Vicky McMahon (Capt), Sue Ann O’Leary, Laura Lyons, Shannon O’Gorman, Celine Corbett, Shannon Lewis
SUBS: Jodie Kelly, Shauna Maguire, Breda O’Reilly, Megan O’Brien, Margaret O’Donnell, Bridget O’Reilly, Niamh Webb O’Rourke
TEACHERS: Eddie O’Carroll (Manager), Teresa Mulcaire & Caroline Moloney (Assistant Managers), John Lewis (Mentor)
ST. BRENDAN’S COLLEGE, BELMULLET: Sorcha Ní Mhurchú, Fiona Rowland, Grainne McAndrew, Emma Conroy, Catriona Doherty, Samantha Barrett, Michelle Lynch (Capt), Marissa Mangan, Michelle Doherty, Elaine Cawley, Anita Doherty
SUBS: Serena Padden, Rachel Geraghty, Megan Cowman, Natalie Lindsey, Clara Barrett, Rachel Lally, Joanna McNally
TEACHERS: Neill Reilly (Manager), Caroline McAndrew (Assistant Manager)
REFEREE: Tony Geasley
