FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup Final (Under 20, Small Schools)
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Dun na nGall 1-0 Coola Post Primary School, Sligo
Aoibhin Ní Chasaide (9)
It was Déjà vu for Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair hero Aoibhin Ní Chasaide as she netted the winner in the ninth minute of the game to secure a Senior crown for the Donegal side following an epic battle with Sligo’s Coola Post Primary School in the Peace Link, Clones this afternoon (January 29).
The youngster did the same thing at the same time in another Monaghan venue to secure their slender 1-0 semi-final victory over Dublin outfit Gaelcholáiste Reachrann in all Irish affair nearly a fortnight ago! It didn’t come easy for Michelle Uí Fhearghuasa’s team as they grinder out a win against a much fancied Sligo contingency.
Heading into this crunch encounter, Coola had to be odds on favourities following their 4-0 demolition of Gweedore in the Junior ‘B’ Girls National semi-final contest twelve months previous. Also judging from their impressive performance against Midleton in the penultimate decider in Galway, it looked likely that they’d snatch another National title for Eamonn Bruen’s crew.
It was fine margins in this hotly contested duel with Coola hitting the woodwork twice, once in each half. Unfortunately for the Connacht Champions, it wasn’t to be.
Credit to Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, who played some lovely football especially in defence to keep Coola scoreless.
Sligo’s Orlaith Scanlon had the first opportunity of the game as she forced a lovely save from Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair netminder Róisín Ní Chasaide after four minutes with some lively link up play with Hayley Mullaney in the buildup.
The decisive moment of the game came five minutes later when the industrious Maryanne Nic a Bháird played in Aoibhín Ní CHADAIDE to slot home the opener. A frustrated Coola bench had shouts for off-side but match official Michael Gallagher ignored their pleas.
Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair could have doubled their tally on 16 minutes when Maryanne Nic a Bháird nicked the ball off a defender but her effort only managed to clip the side-netting.
Coola had their own drama when Orlaith Scanlon smashed the ball off the crossbar moments later following a well taken free-kick.
Youngster Aoibhin Doherty chipped the ball into the side netting midway through the half as the Ulster scholars went into the break with a one nil lead.
Coola looked more imposing going forward in the opening exchanges of the second half but just couldn’t convert any real opportunities in front of goal.
The hardworking Róisín Ní Chasaide was called into action to punch the ball clear from a Leanne Galvin set piece.
Maria Ní Ghallchóir was close to converting a second Donegal goal but Hannah Hargadon saved the Coola’s side blushes when she incepted the ball before it went over the line midway through proceedings.
With five minutes to go, Hayley Mullaney’s header from a well-placed Leanne Galvin corner hit the crossbar as they looked destined for a late equaliser.
Unfortunately, Aoibhin Doherty’s long ball forward moments later went wide of the mark with no one up front to connect with the delivery.
Ní Chasaide had her defensive lineup well marshalled and Gweedore defended superbly to see the game out and claim a wonderful hard fought victory over a disappointed Coola.
Bruen will need his crew to bounce back quickly as the squad, bar three, will have a Junior ‘B’ Cup crown to defend on Friday when they take on Glenamaddy Community School in Boyle at 10.30am.
It was double celebrations for Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair as news filtered through that the Junior ‘B’ Boys defeated Coláiste Oiriall, Muineachán 3-2 in Letterkenny to clinch the provincial Cup and defend their title.
POBALSCOIL GHAOTH DOBHAIR, DUN NA nGALL | Roisin Ni Chasaide, Neasa Mic Phaidin, Eva Ni Dhuibhir, Fia Nic Csialla Chomhaill, Bridín Ni hEidhin ©, Brianna Ni Fhearragh, Maryanne Nic a Bháird ©, Maria Ni hEidhin, Maria Ní Ghallchóir, Aoibhin Ní Chasaide, Áine Ní Fhearraigh
SUBS NOT USED | Emma Ni Chumhaol, Blaithín Ni Bhaoill, Siofa Ni Chailín, Aoife Nic Aoidh, Lilly Nic Ruain, Kannah Nic Phaidín
TEACHERS | Michelle Uí Fhearghuasa & Chris Ó Domhnaill
COOLA POST PRIMARY SCHOOL, SLIGO | Hannah Hargadon, Ava Lyons, Ava Duggan, Aoibhinn Conlon, Grainne Smith, Leanne Galvin ©, Orlaith Scanlon ©, Hayley Mullaney, Leah Mullaney, Ciara Gilligan, Aoibhin Doherty
SUBS NOT USED | Aine Mostyn, Abbie McTiernan, Amy Brehony, Clodagh Hannon, Aaleasha Sweeney, Katie Gilligan, Aisling Dwyer
EXTENDED SQUAD | Leah Coleman, Clodagh Galvin, Suzie O’Grady, Michelle McDonagh, Muireann McPadden, Gráinne McDermot, Sophia Rose Henry, Isabella Clancy
TEACHER | Eamonn Bruen
MATCH OFFICIAL | Michael Gallagher (Monaghan)
