FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup Final (Under 20, Small Schools)
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
St. Joseph’s SS, Foxford 2-1 Coláiste Oiriall, Muineachán (AET)
Mila Sotoparra (70, 94) Éabha NicSearraigh (39)
ST. JOSEPH’S SECONDARY SCHOOL, FOXFORD captured the FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup following some frantic extra-time drama in Athlone Town AFC this afternoon (February 1)
Captain Mila Sotoparra was the match day hero with an exceptional brace, as the team had to dig deep to see the game out. Coláiste Oiriall served up some brilliant football only to be pipped by the hardworking Connacht stars.
It was a cagey affair to start but the first real opportunity fell to Coláiste Oiriall stalwart Scarlett Ni Earáin who forced a terrific save from Foxford’s number one Amber Hardy after 19 minutes.
Again, Ni Earáin was instrumental in the breakthrough moment with just a minute of the first half remaining. Holly Nic Uaid won the ball inside her own half and played in Scarlett Ni Earáin at the half-way line. The Captain made a powerful run taking 3 defenders out as she played a lovely, weighted pass to Éabha Nic Searraigh who side-stepped two defenders to rifle the ball to the top of the net.
The Foxford girls thought they hit the equaliser on 54 minutes, but the goal was disallowed for a handball in the build-up.
The Monaghan outfit had chances to go ahead with Sorcha Ni Dhonghaile coming close as well as goalscorer NicSearraigh.
Ryan Merchant’s side were rewarded for their endeavours with ten minutes remaining as a long ball from a kick out was met on the half-way line by Emma Walsh who fired the ball forward to Sotoparra to latch onto. The Captain hooked the ball past the keeper to the far post.
The game ended one apiece to take it to extra time.
The Ulster side saw Scarlett Ni Earáin go on another hazy run three minutes into the first period and she was about to strike when Éabha NicSearraigh popped up to see her piledriver ricochet off the post.
The second half of extra time proved decisive for St. Joseph’s. Four minutes in, it was route one from goalkeeper Amber Hardy to Mila Sotoparra upfront. The youngster saw off two defenders to sweep the ball into the net for her second of the afternoon.
Indeed, Monaghan had chances to equalise late on as Nic Searraigh came close, but Foxford held out for an historic win. A dramatic comeback from a talented group of players.
A Foxford double could be on the cards as the Under 19 Boys face Gaelcholáiste na Mara of Arklow in the John Murphy Cup Final in the same venue on Friday, February 10 at 12.30pm.
Coláiste Oiriall were definitely the surprise package of this campaign as it was their first time entering the competition. Seán Ó Mairtín’s side secured the Provincial crown by defeating 4-time National Champions Mulroy College, Milford on penalties following a one-all stalemate in Gortakeegan two weeks ago. Last week they came through their National semi-final encounter with a brace courtesy of Sorcha Ni Dhonghaile and Holly Nic Uaid to see past CBS New Ross, so it was a dream to land a place in the National showcase this season. Some solid build blocks in place for a successful future in the years to come.
Merchant’s posse will enjoy the hard-fought victory and will no doubt have their eyes on winning more silverware at the other age groups this season.
ST. JOSEPH’s SECONDARY SCHOOL, FOXFORD | Amber Hardy, Kailey O’Hagan, Lauren Butler, Kiera Flatley, Heather Maloney, Emma Walsh, Grace Naughton, Jessica Feeney, Mila Sotoparra ©, Erin Mulroy, Fiona Roache
SUBS USED | Katie Langan for F Roache (57), Laura Fleming for Mulroy (69), Patricia Duffy for Feeney (78), Emily Roache for Butler (84),
SUBS NOT USED | Mia Traynor, Chloe McLoughlin, Lucy Dockery, Katie Macken, Emily Mescal, Ria O’Horo, Ailbhe Medlar, Carla Ruane, Kaitlyn Jordan, Roisin Thompson, Lacey Guilfoyle, Lucy Armstrong
TEACHERS | Ryan Merchant & Úna Mayock
COLÁISTE OIRIALL, MUINEACHÁN | Órna Ní Cheallaigh, Amy Ní Ródaigh, Cliondna Birt, Lauren Ní Mharcaigh, Deirbhla Ní Chianáin, Scarlett Ní Earáin ©, , Abi Ní Chearúlláin, Kerrie-Anne Breathnach, Sorcha Ní Dhonghaile, Éabha Níc Searraigh, Holly Nic Uaid
SUBS USED | Kate Ní Mearain for Ní Cheallaigh (HT of ET), Hannah Nic Uaid for Holly Nic Uaid (93),
SUBS NOT USED | Aisling Ní Shuilleabhán, Grace Nic Cormaic, Scarlett Nic Cormaic Aislinn Nic Pháidín, Fiona Nic Giolla Thuile, Caoimhe Ní Neill
TEACHERS | Seán Ó Mairtín & Annette Ní Thuathail
MATCH OFFICIAL | Darren Fitzmaurice (Athlone)
