The Republic of Ireland made it two wins from two as they overcame a hardworking Scotland side while England and Northern Ireland played out a goalless draw in the other outing in Greenisland FC.
With three games in four days, Head Coach Richard Berkeley made five changes to the team that defeated England 2-1 yesterday. Lucy Doyle Farrington (St. Mary’s College, Arklow), Laila Hurley (St. Mac Dara’s Community College, Templeogue), Abbie Duffy (Presentation College, Athenry), Maisy Healy (Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf), and Ruby Norris (Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick on Suir) were introduced into the starting lineup in place of Doyle, Kelly, Goggin, Harcourt and Dallaghan.
Ireland scored either side of the half with Abbie DUFFY (Presentation College, Athenry) converting a sublime individual effort midway through the first half while the gifted Maisy HEALY (Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf) grabbed a sensational second six minutes into the restart.
The Republic of Ireland impressed throughout the park, especially both centre backs, as Doyle Farrington had little to do between the posts for much of the game. The win was a brilliant team effort from all involved as the momentum is building nicely for Thursday’s conclusion.
The Republic of Ireland is positioned well on six points, and a draw against Northern Ireland would be enough to lift the title. They’ve already met this season, with Berkeley’s troops winning out 3-1 in an entertaining friendly match in Dundalk last month.
Scotland currently sits in second place on 3 points while hosts Northern Ireland and England have a point apiece thus far.
All four teams will enjoy a day off today to take in the sights of Belfast.
Thursday morning will see the Republic of Ireland take on Northern Ireland and England will play Scotland with both games kicking off at 10.30am. Ireland’s game will be in Greenisland FC while the other fixture is scheduled for University of Ulster, Jordanstown.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Ava HALLINAN (Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone) was crowned POTM following another outstanding performance in the Irish jersey this morning. She was a powerhouse in defence for the second day running.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS | Lucy Doyle Farrington (St. Mary’s College, Arklow), Ruby Boland (Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara), Leah O’Leary Callender (Ashton School, Cork), Ava Hallinan (Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone), Ciara Milton (St. Leo’s College, Carlow), Skye Barrett (Maynooth Post Primary School), Hailey Twomey (Eureka Secondary School, Kells), Abbie Duffy (Presentation College, Athenry), Maisy Healy (Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf), Ruby Norris (Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick on Suir), Laila Hurley (St. Mac Dara’s Community College, Templeogue),
SUBS USED | Lara Dallaghan (Loreto Abbey Secondary School, Dalkey) for Barrett (HT), Ava Kelly (Tallaght Community School) for Hurley (HT), Halle Harcourt (Larkin Community College) for Milton (46), Ellen Goggin (Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick) for Twomey (52), Kyra Gavigan (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar) for Duffy (65)
SUBS NOT USED | Matylda Stelmaszek (St. Kilian’s DSD, Clonskeagh), Sarah Doyle (Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick on Suir)
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
Tuesday, April 15 | Match Day 2
Republic of Ireland 2-0 Scotland KO 11am Greenisland FC
Northern Ireland 0-0 England KO 3.30pm Greenisland FC
Wednesday, April 16 | Rest Day
FIXTURES
Thursday, April 17 | Match Day 3
England vs Scotland KO 10.30am University of Ulster, Jordanstown
Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland KO 10.30am Greenisland FC
