THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U15 SCHOOLS narrowly missed out on capturing the Bob Docherty Cup last Thursday following a one all draw with eventual winners Scotland in the conclusion of the four day tournament:
Three teams were in contention for the honours as proceedings got underway in Queens Sports Complex, Shaws Bridge:
Wales were facing a much fancied English selection and surprised all by defeating their neighbouring counterparts 3/1 on the final day leaving it in the hands of the Republic of Ireland and Scotland
Richelle O’Neill’s crew were up against a physical Scottish contingency who gave a stern account of themselves in the previous games played
A win for either side would have put them top but Scotland could still snatch the title with a draw as the Republic set the pace early on:
St: Joseph’s College student Eleanor Ryan Doyle went close in the third minute but her shot wide of the advancing goalkeeper struck the side netting: A few minutes later Doyle was again disappointed when a successful strike was ruled out for offside: Scotland rallied and in a lightning break Alyshia Walker had an excellent effort rebound off the post:
The second period again started with the Republic of Ireland in the ascendency when Jamie Finn hit a wonderful cross into the box which found Sinead Ryan free at the back post: The New Ross girl didn’t miss as she gave O’Neill’s squad a distinct advantage in what was turning out to be a very tough encounter:
The Scots were dismayed but the setback seemed to galvanise them into greater efforts and an end to end game developed:
Nearing full time a furious Scottish onslaught finally resulted in Amy Gallacher finding the equaliser:
The final six minutes were contested fiercely but at the final whistle the draw meant that Scotland had won this incredibly exciting tournament courtesy of having a greater goal difference (1) than the Republic of Ireland: Heartache for the Irish players who came so close to securing the title, however it was an heroic effort by the green army who were deservedly runners up
Bob Docherty Cup, Queens Sport, Upper Malone, Queens University, Shaws Bridge
Results:
Monday, April 1, 2013, 4:30pm Northern Ireland 0/2 England
Monday, April 1, 2013, 4:30pm Wales 0/4 Republic of Ireland
Tuesday, April 2, 2013, 2:00pm Northern Ireland 0/5 Scotland
Tuesday, April 2, 2013, 2:00pm England 1/1 Republic of Ireland
Wednesday, April 3, 2013, 10:30am Northern Ireland 1/0 Wales
Wednesday, April 3, 2013, 10:30am England 0/0 Scotland
Wednesday, April 3, 2013, 4:30pm Northern Ireland 1/1 Republic of Ireland
Wednesday, April 3, 2013, 4:30pm Scotland 1/1 Wales
Thursday, April 4, 2013, 10:30am England 1/3 Wales
Thursday, April 4, 2013, 10:30am Republic of Ireland 1/1 Scotland
Winners: Scotland
Runners Up: Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland U/15 Schools Development Squad:
Amanda McQuillan Beaufort College, Navan
Niamh Farrelly St: Joseph’s College, Lucan
Eleanor Ryan Doyle St: Joseph’s College, Lucan
Lauren O’Callaghan St: MacDara’s Community College, Templeogue
Lucy McCartan Loreto College, Mullingar
Danie Murray Lucan Community College
Dearbhaile Beirne Mohill Community College
Jamie Finn St: Finian’s Community College
Chloe Flynn St: Mary’s Holy Faith, Killester
Louise Creaven Dominican College, Taylor’s Hill, Salthill
Sorcha Ní Bhraonain Colaiste Choilmcille, Indreabhan, Gaillimhe
Rachel Fitzmaurice Scoil Mhuire gan Smal, Convent of Mercy Roscommon
Jessica Nolan St: Louis Community School, Kiltimagh
Sinead Ryan St: Mary’s Secondary School, New Ross
Erica Byrne Balbriggan Community College
Olivia Nolan Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny
Roma McLaughlin Moville Community College
Nimmy Chemaou Colaiste Cois Life, Lucan