HEARTBREAK FOR U12 SOCCER STARLETS

THERE was heartbreak Macroom FC U12 schoolgirls’ team last week with defeat coming in both their league play-off and cup final. The play-off took place in Lakewood against Kinsale where Macroom gave a great account of themselves. Things were looking good early in the second half with a 2-1 lead being held.

However, Kinsale finished strongly to record a 4-2 win.

The team then travelled to Turner’s Cross last Saturday to take on higher ranked Passage in the CWSSL Cup final. The first half was evenly contested but on the stroke of half-time Passage were awarded a penalty. Macroom keeper Molly Murphy made an outstanding save down to her right so it remained 0-0 at the break.

Macroom began the second period brightly with Grace Murray, Lily Murphy, Lilly Murphy and Caoimhe O Brien all doing well. The referee made a huge call when he waved play on after Leanne Healy appeared to be clearly fouled in the Passage penalty area. The annoyance felt by Macroom was compounded as from the very next attack Passage took the lead. Just 2 minutes later a second goal followed. It was now an uphill task but the Macroom girls battled on. They were unable to fashion a comeback but never gave up, and did themselves and their club proud throughout.

Macroom goalkeeper Molly

Murphy had a fantastic game and was deservedly awarded player of the match. Macroom FC U12 Schoolgirls

Squad 2016/17 - Molly Murphy, Lily Murphy, Grace Murray, Lilly Murphy, Lauren O’Brien, Kate Holland, Mary O’Donovan, Grace O’Riordan, Aoife Murphy, Caoimhe O’Brien, Avril Manning, Aimee Twomey, Leanne Healy, Brianna Hickey, Aoibhe McSweeney, Aoife O’Leary, Ciara Kelleher, Emer Dineen, Olivia Wozniak, Donna McCarthy, Ruth Sexton, Lizzie Crowley, Liadh McMahon & Ruth Creed.

Well done, especially Brian Murphy, Mick Goold and Catriona Hickey in management.

Meanwhile, the U12 & 14 teams both won promotion, a brilliant return for any season.