Connacht U15s win Interprovincial title
CONNACHT were crowned 2017 Girls’ Interprovincial Champions following their 2-0 victory over kingpins Leinster in the AUL Complex, Clonshaugh.
There were four players from Sligo/Leitrim on the team, Ursuline College’s Sarah Kiernan and Helen Monaghan, Erin Taheny from St Mary’s College Ballisodare and International star Muireann Devaney from St Clare’s Comprehensive School in Manorhamilton.
Kate O’Dowd from St Nathy’s College in Ballaghaderreen was also involved.
This season Leinster were going for an extraordinary sixth consecutive title but it wasn’t to be for Rob Ellison and his crew.
Two first half goals courtesy of Schools’ International Kate O’Dowd of St. Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen and Gort Community School pupil Abbie Callanan were enough to seal the deal for Dom Coll’s Connaght charges.
The ultimate decider was sure to entertain as a draw would be enough to see Connacht win gold on superior goal difference but Leinster needed a win to cement their sixth title in a row. Connacht didn’t mess around are were one up inside the first seven minutes. Schools’ International Anna Fahey had a wonderful shot on goal saved bravely by Glasnevin’s Rugile AskaIntye but the rebound fell nicely to Kate O’Dowd who was on hand to slot home at the far post.
O’Dowd again came close for her second of the game on 22 minutes but the strike went wayward
Connacht netted again six minutes before the interval as Gort Community School student Abbie Callanan converted a remarkable cannon that left AskaInyte with no chance.
AskaInyte was called into action shortly after the restart to foil Anna Fahey’s delivery on goal. The Oughterard player was one on one with the goalkeeper only for the Glasnevin shot-stopper to stand tall and magically divert the danger.
Leinster were commanding much of the possession deep into the second period but couldn’t convert this into any real form of attack as the Connacht defence held strong. The Connacht crew held out for an historic victory which was sure to delight the large traveling supporters.
International Manager, Richard Berkeley and his management staff have a tough task on their hands to select a group for trial as the standard of play was so exceptional from all four provinces.
The first phase of trials for the panel took place on Saturday in Abbottstown. The Republic of Ireland U15 Girls Schools final select will be confirmed ahead of their annual John Read Cup which will see them travel to Stafford Town FC to take on the Lioness on March 10th. The squad will then prepare themselves for the Bob Docherty Cup which is due to take place on March 24-26th in Northern Ireland.
CONNACHT: Sarah Kiernan & Helen Monaghan (Ursuline College), Erin Taheny (St. Mary’s College, Ballysadare), Muireann Devaney (St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton), Kate O’Dowd (St. Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen),Chellene Trill, Shauna Brennan, Hannah Walsh & Kate Slevin (Claregalway College), Theresa Kinnevey & Anna Fahey (St. Paul’s Secondary School, Oughterard), Annie Gough (Jesus & Mary SS, Gortnor Abbey), Saoirse Healey (Presentation College, Athenry), Abbie Callanan (Gort Community School), Emer O’Neill (St. Louis Community School, Kiltimagh), Aoibheann Costello (Scoil Bhríde, Mercy SS, Tuam), Amy Mahon (St. Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown).
Management Dom Coll, Seamas MacEachmharcaigh, Sarah Farragher, Seán Boland (Roscommon) and Fabienne Cooney.