SAFIB Bob Docherty Cup | Match Day One Review

Under 15 Girls’ International tournament

Scotland & Republic of Ireland claim opening day victories while Republic capture John Read Trophy

Monday, April 14, 2025

Scotland 2-0 Northern Ireland

Lily McLaughlin (12) Toni Campbell (15)

England 1-2 Republic of Ireland

Rachel Oware (55) Leah O’Leary Callender (21), Halle Harcourt (25) 

The 2025 Bob Docherty Cup kicked off this morning with Scotland claiming a victory over Northern Ireland in Greenisland FC, Carrickfergus this morning (April 11). 

Two first half goals were enough to see off the hosts. The first coming 12 minutes in courtesy of Lily McLAUGHLIN while Toni CAMPBELL doubled their tally three minutes later.

Northern Ireland came into the game in the second period but just couldn’t break down the Scottish rearguard.

While in the afternoon fixture, Richard Berkeley’s side defeated current holders England in their opening clash which also doubles up for the annual John Read Trophy. Traditionally it would have been a stand alone fixture, but it’s merged into the tournament in recent years. England were also winners of that silverware following their 2-1 win over the Irish in Athlone last season.

The Republic were enjoying much of the possession in the opening stages of the game with Captain Ciara Milton (St. Leo’s College, Carlow) creating a handful of goalscoring opportunities early on as well as a delightful effort from Skye Barrett (Maynooth PPS). 

Ireland’s creativity was rewarded on 21 minutes when Hailey Twomey’s (Eureka Secondary School, Kells) perfectly placed corner was met by the glancing head of Leah O’LEARY CALLENDER to break the deadlock.

The Irish side went two up four minutes later when Larkin CC scholar Halle HARCOURT latched onto a wonderful through ball from Ciara Milton to ensure a two goal cushion at the break.

England were impressive in the opening exchanges of the second half with some solid defending from the Irish back four as well as keeper Sarah Doyle (Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick on Suir) to keep the reigning Champions at bay .

England finally grabbed a goal back twenty minutes in as Rachel OWARE slotted past Doyle to make it  to within one of the lead. 

It was a nervous final quarter for Berkeley’s charges as they needed to see the game out.Despite England’s best efforts they couldn’t negotiate an equaliser, and  the Republic claimed a vital win.

Scotland are next up for the Republic of Ireland as they meet at 11am tomorrow morning while England and Northern Ireland face off at 3.30pm tomorrow afternoon, both games taking place at Greenisland FC.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Leah O’Leary Callender (Ashton School, Cork) was named our POTM following her solid defensive performance throughout the park as well as her superb opening goal.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS | Sarah Doyle (Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick on Suir), Ruby Boland (Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara), Halle Harcourt (Larkin Community College), Leah O’Leary Callender (Ashton School, Cork), Ellen Goggin (Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick), Ava Hallinan (Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone), Lara Dallaghan (Loreto Abbey Secondary School, Dalkey), Ava Kelly (Tallaght Community School), Ciara Milton © (St. Leo’s College, Carlow), Skye Barrett (Maynooth Post Primary School), Hailey Twomey (Eureka Secondary School, Kells)

SUBS USED | Matylda Stelmaszek (St. Kilian’s DSD, Clonskeagh) for Harcourt (HT), Abbie Duffy (Presentation College, Athenry) for Goggin (59), Maisy Healy (Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf) for Barrett (59), Ruby Norris (Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick on Suir) for Milton (70)

SUBS NOT USED |  Laila Hurley (St. MacDara’s Community College, Templeogue), Kyra Gavigan (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar), Lucy Doyle Farrington (St. Mary’s College, Arklow),

MANAGEMENT STAFF | Head Coach Richard Berkeley (Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh),Coach Kaneshia McKinney (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana), Coach Paddy McDaid (Finn Valley College, Stranorlar), Coach Mia O’Connell (SETU Carlow), GK Coach Emmet Peyton (St. Muredach’s College, Ballina), Physio Cianna Hickey, Equipment Manager Joan Croke

RESULTS

Monday, April 14 | Match Day 1

Scotland 2-0 Northern Ireland KO 11am Greenisland FC

England 1-2 Republic of Ireland KO 3.30pm Greenisland FC

FIXTURES

Tuesday, April 15 | Match Day 2

Republic of Ireland  vs Scotland KO 11am Greenisland FC

Northern Ireland vs England KO 3.30pm Greenisland FC

Wednesday, April 16 | Rest Day

Thursday, April 17 | Match Day 3

England vs Scotland KO 10.30am Ulster University

Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland KO 10.30am Greenisland FC

Previous encounters with England vs Republic of Ireland in the John Read Trophy

SAFIB Bob Docherty Cup | Roll of Honour