FAI Schools Senior Girls National Cup Final (Under 20, Large Schools)
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Presentation SS, Kilkenny 2-0 Coláiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh
Sophie Meagher (20), Katie Grace (38)
PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, KILKENNY swept aside Coláiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh in the FAI Schools Senior Girls National Cup Final in Athlone Town AFC this afternoon (February 12).
Many thought it was the Galway side’s year having defeated last year’s Cup holders, Presentation SS, Thurles 3-1 in extra-time in the semi-final pairing.
While Coláiste na Coiribe also defeated the Kilkenny girls in the National Minor Cup two years ago in Birr Town having fallen behind to clinch a late winner in added time!
However, it wasn’t to be this afternoon. Two first half goals courtesy of Captain Sophie MEAGHER and Katie GRACE secured a second Senior title for the Kilkenny crew, the last one coming five years ago.
It’s also the second Kilkenny School to lift National silverware with Grennan College, Thomastown doing similar in the John Murphy Cup last week in Cahir.
It was a highly entertaining encounter with some brilliant physical battles throughout the park.
The Leinster contenders took the lead midway through the first half with a fabulous individual effort from Meagher. The youngster set up a free-kick 25 yards out from the Galway goal, which looped over the head of keeper Gráinne Ní Fhéinne for a smashing opener.
Olivia Dunphy came close to doubling her sides tally eight minutes later with a superbly struck set piece on the edge of the box but it just curled over the upright.
With two minutes of the half remaining, Katie GRACE tapped home at the far post as Emily Phelan delivered a high ball into the six yard line.
The Kilkenny scholars going in 2-0 up at the break.
Coláiste na Coiribe were a much better unit in the second half with a few chances to convert but unfortunately for them, the ball wouldn’t fall properly to bring them back into the game. Sophie Keane, Caitlin Seoige and Niamh Flaherty impressed for the runners up.
Presentation Kilkenny were deserved winners this afternoon with a fluid performance throughout the eighty minutes. The Phelan sisters, Doherty, Dunphy and the goal-scorers were value for money with some brilliant passages of play.
Caroline Ní Ghriofa’s team will brush themselves off and focus on the Junior Girls Connacht Cup which sees them pipped against rivals Presentation College, Athenry in two weeks’ time in the provincial decider.
Likewise, the Kilkenny outfit will entertain Kingswood Community College in their provincial contest that same week. We could have a repeat of this fixture at Under 17 level in early March if the two teams advance.
PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, KILKENNY | Ellie Moran, Niamh Davis, Aoibhe Ryan, Hannah Griffey, Tara Roche, Sophie Meagher ©, Emily Phelan, Olivia Dunphy, Meadhbh Doherty, Rachel Phelan, Katie Grace
SUBS USED | Ellen Tracey for Doherty (78), Kate Ryan for E Phelan (78), Kate Dalton for Davis (78)
SUBS NOT USED | Anna Morrisey, Maria Ryan, Roisin Foley,Isabelle Carroll, Ellie Barron, Emily Doyle
TEACHERS | Peter Fitzgerald, Orlaith Conlon COACH | Ray Meagher
COLÁISTE NA COIRIBE, GAILLIMH | Gráinne Ní Fhéinne, Jasmine Tracy, Jessica Talbot, Zainab Rather, Amelia Lynch Spellman, Bróna Ní Ghairbhith, Molly Nic Aodha, Kassie Rather ©, Sophie Keane, Niamh Flaherty, Caitlin Seoighe
SUBS USED | Katie Nic an Adhaistír for Flaherty (76), Gaia Menarini for Keane (76), Isabelle Mooney for K Rather (78)
SUBS NOT USED | Ornaith Ní Iarnaín, Emily Kavanagh, Neasa Ní Ghairibh, Jenna Rose Carroll, Saorla Crowe
TEACHER | Caroline Ní Ghriofa COACH | Gerry Carroll
MATCH OFFICIAL | Damien Conlon (Westmeath)
