Heroes return home
REAL Tubber U13 girls returned home as Champions of Europe after winning the Holland Cup as huge crowds came out for a special homecoming ceremony.
It was a fantastic achievement for the group and their coaches as they brought home the cup after winning the final against Almere of Holland 2-0.
They were the only representatives from Ireland who participated in the tournament.
They played 6 games to get to the final winning 4 and drawing 2. This included a tense penalty shoot out which they paved the way for them to reach the final which they won comfortably with Becky Doddy and Ellen Kelleher. The girls had a fantastic tournament scoring 14 goals and conceding only one. They took on well organised teams from countries including Denmark, Sweden and Holland which shows the pedigree of this young side.
There were outstanding performances from Kerri O’Hara, Cara King and captain Leah Walsh, and 4 goals from Ellen Kelleher and Ciara Brennan with Eimear Hunt (3) and Becky Doddy also getting a brace. Maycayla Burke was outstanding in goals, saving 2 penalties in the shootout against the Swedish champions. All the panel played a vital part. Patrice Conboy, Kate McCarthy, Hannah Hargadon, Ciara Kerrigan and Rebecca Staunton all put in big performances in the 2-day tournament. They came home to fantastic applause for their historic European success.