Gaynor Cup girls denied
DESPITE PRODUCING five competitive performances, the Wexford Schoolgirls Under-16 squad was unable to make it through to any of the finals after four days of top-class soccer at the annual Gaynor Cup in Limerick.
Wexford were drawn in an extremely tough group and knew that to take home any form of silverware they would need to produce some top-class performances and also enjoy a bit of good luck.
On Thursday evening they took on Longford and, despite going a goal down early in the second-half, they battled back to earn a point with Sandra Murphy finding the net for Wexford.
Friday morning saw Wexford take on Cork and despite being in control for long periods, they found themselves 1-0 down at half-time. As they battled to get back into the game, they were left vulnerable in defence and conceded again to give the Rebel county a flattering 2-0 win.
Friday afternoon saw arguably the performance of the weekend when Wexford took on Mayo in a group that was proving to be very close with very little separating the sides.
Goals from Fiona Ryan and Amy Wilson had Wexford 2-1 ahead at half-time and the possibility of topping the group was still very strong.
However, a late goal from Mayo earned them a point and effectively killed off Wexford’s chances of reaching the top two in the group.
The final group game was on Saturday morning against near neighbours Waterford, a side which was still well in contention for top spot in the group. No favours were shown as both sides battled for the three points, with Wexford creating sufficient chances to win the game, but they were dealt a sucker punch when Waterford were awarded a penalty in injury time, which they converted to nab the three points.
However, Mayo also won their last match and they progressed to the cup semi-final while Waterford made it through to the last four of the plate. Unfortunately for Wexford, they were left to battle for one of the minor placings.
That game was played on Sunday morning against Kilkenny and Wexford finally achieved that elusive victory as goals from Shannon McGovern, Sandra Murphy and Amy Wilson saw them win 3-1 to finish 15th in what was probably the most competitive Gaynor Cup in recent years.
Well done to all players, coaches, management and parents who supported the team over the weekend, and all were a credit to themselves and the league.
Squad: Gráinne McCabe (Wexford Youths), Emma Tobin (Wexford Youths), Hollie Sinnott (North End United), Sarah Harding-Kenny (Curracloe United), Aoibhin Myers (Wexford Youths), Leah Furlong (Wexford Youths), Chloe Moynihan (Bunclody A.F.C.), Aine Behan (Bunclody A.F.C.), Niamh Browne (St. Leonards), Alannah Anglim (North End United), Fiona Ryan (St. Leonards), Britney Conroy (Wexford Youths), Lauren Roche (North End United), Sandra Marie Murphy (New Ross Town), Caitlin Nash (Cloughbawn A.F.C.), Eimer Mernagh (Cloughbawn A.F.C.), Shannon McGovern (Tombrack United), Emma Clarke (Cloughbawn A.F.C.), Chloe Mythen (Wexford Youths), Amy Wilson (Gorey Rangers).
Manager: Michael Bennett. Assistant manager: Dave O’Shea. Coaches: Mike Rafferty, Joanne Jordan.
The Wexford Women’s and Schoolgirls’ League A.G.M. will take place on Wednesday, July 20, in the function room in the IFA Centre, Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy, at 8 p.m.
All clubs are obliged to attend, and if any clubs wish to nominate any members to the committee or put forward a motion, they should do so by contacting league Secretary Martin Cahill.
The Women’s League presentation night will be held on Friday, July 15, in the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, with awards being presented to all divisional top scorers and divisional players of the year.
The hall of fame award and club of the year will also be presented, with proceedings kicking off at 8 p.m.
All top scorers and players of the year will be notified in the coming days and we ask all clubs to support this end of season awards night.
Any new clubs who are considering entering teams in either the women’s or schoolgirls’ league should contact the league on 087-2697074 as soon as possible to register their intention.