Midleton girls through to National Cup Final
Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup Semi Final
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Midleton College, Cork 2-0 St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross
Rachel O’Sullivan (12), Aoife Mitchell (41)
MIDLETON COLLEGE made history by advancing to their first Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup Final following their defeat of Connacht Champions St. Patrick’s College in Lees Road, Ennis on Wednesday last (January 17).
The Cork school more notable for their hockey endeavours have been playing soccer in the College for four years, participating in the Cork League at local level. It was their first year to enter the Cup competition in Munster and their wonderful success story continues. Kenneth O’Neill’s charges sealed victory at provincial level with an impressive 4-1 win over 5 times defending Champions St. Peter’s Community School, Passage West. An extraordinary achievement against a much fancied Finbar Loftus line-up.
The Munster showcase saw inform Captain Charley Moore convert from the spot, followed up sharply by a close range effort courtesy of Rachel O’Sullivan to make it 2-0. Passage replied with a superb goal to claw it back to 2-1 but an onslaught from Shirley Bailey and Rosie Speakman in the second half saw off their opposition to claim their first Provincial crown.
This time around it was a goal in each half that ensured a slender victory as youngsters O’Sullivan and Mitchell got on the score-sheet to claim the honours.
The hardworking Cork side weren’t lacking confidence and could have been one up inside the first six minutes as Shirley Bailey dragged her effort inches wide of the mark after beating off goalkeeper Ciara Murphy.
However their diligent work rate was eventually rewarded on 12 minutes as Shirley Bailey set up Rachel O’Sullivan for a fantastic opener.
Alva McHale responded for the Mayo team but she unfortunately rifled the side netting on that attempt with a half an hour of action played.
Again St. Patrick’s College played some nice football as they went in search of the equaliser before the break. Majella O’Boyle and Alva McHale combined brilliantly for the latter to slot a peach goal-bound but goalkeeper Rachel Barry saved bravely to ensure Midleton had a narrow advantage heading into the second period.
O’Neill’s crew doubled their lead in the opening stages of the second half with a splendid goal from Aoife Mitchell who impressed all afternoon.
St. Patrick’s College hit the woodwork on 63 minutes as Alva McHale’s effort rattled off Barry’s upright.
Equally with eight minutes to go, Midleton’s Momoka Chujo sent her set-piece rocketing off the crossbar from 25 yards out.
Midleton Captain Moore ensured all threats on goal were thwarted as the Munster starlets held on for a famous 2-0 victory against a well drilled St. Patrick’s College.
Disappointing for the Mayo girls as they lost out for a second consecutive time at this level but some consolation as the school will do battle in the Junior Cup in the coming weeks.
A delighted Midleton College will now await the winners of the other semi-final which takes place on Thursday, January 25 in Monaghan United as reigning Champions Mulroy College, Milford face newcomers St. Kilian’s DSD, Clonskeagh (KO 1pm).
The National Cup Final is scheduled for Wednesday, January 31.
MIDLETON COLLEGE, CORK | Rachel Barry, Rachel Stuart, Niamh Cody, Meadbh McCarthy, Charley Moore (Captain), Tara Bowles, Momoka Chujo, Aoife Mitchell, Shirley Bailey, Rachel O’Sullivan, Rosie Speakman
SUBS | Hannah Roch, Holly Kennedy, Lorna McHugh, Katelyn O’Neill, Naoise Horgan
TEACHER | Kenneth O’Neill
ST. PATRICK’S COLLEGE, LACKEN CROSS, MAYO | Ciara Murphy, Aoife Kearney, Sarah Costello, Regan O’Boyle, Ciara McHale, Laura Bilbow, Cliodhna Fitzmaurice (Captain), Aisling Bilbow, Ailbhe McHale, Majella O’Boyle, Alva McHale
SUBS | Deirbhle McHale for Kearney (43), Anna Heffernan, Caoimhe Gier, Keeva McDonnell, Karen Higgins
TEACHER | Stephen Lacken COACHES | David Munnelly & Emma Munnelly
REFEREE: Mark Rellis (Clare)
