Coláiste na Coiribe, Gaillimh 3-1 Presentation SS, Thurles (AET)
It took an explosive performance in extra-time for Coláiste na Coiribe to get the better of Cup holders Presentation Secondary School of Thurles in Athlone Town AFC this afternoon (January 28).
The game ended one apiece in normal time as a second half goal from Molly KIRWAN cancelled out Kassie RATHER’s first half effort.
The Galway side had strength on the bench and their substitutions were the heroines of the day as Nic an Adhaistir and Keane both netted in extra time to ensure their side’s progression in the competition.
Unfortunately for last season’s Champions, they were without their influential Captain and Underage International Grace FLANAGAN as she picked up an injury before their provincial decider. She may have been the difference if she was available for selection!
Notwithstanding, the Galway team were exceptional on the day. Their first goal came direct from a free-kick, 20 yards out on the right wing as Captain Kassie RATHER scored direct. The bounce of the ball deceived both defender and keeper as the ball darted into the back of the net.
That was the only clear cut chance of the first half as the Connacht Champions went in at the break with that vital one goal cushion.
It was a game of two halves as Coláiste na Coiribe dominated the opening forty minutes, it was Thurles who mastered the second period.
Under 16s International Molly KIRWAN had the sides level eight minutes into the re-start with a smart left footed finish. A well worked team goal which saw Lily Anne O’Meara win a throw in for her side. Taker Abby Challen played a lovely one two with Lucy Callanan before the latter hit a high ball into the box. It initially missed Kirwan and fell to Captain Leanna Coppinger who sliced her effort of the keepers shins. The rebounded effort was smashed home by Kirwan to make it 1-1.
The contest couldn’t be decided in normal time even though Thurles hit the crossbar through Grace Hogan midway through the half as it finished one all.
Galway’s breakthrough came five minutes into extra-time when Caitlin Seoighe played a high ball into the box for Jessica Talbot to connect with. Talbot turned supplier for substitute Katie Nic an ADHAISTÍR to poke home from close range. 2-1 to the Galway scholars.
The decisive blow for Thurles came three minutes from time when Kassie Ruther played a brilliant ball down the left flank for substitute, Sophie KEANE to run onto, she rounded one defender and had a pop at goal from the edge of the box. The Thurles keeper got down well to intercept but the ball ricocheted off the defender and dribbled in at the far post. The game finished 3-1 to Galway after extra time.
Coláiste na Coiribe now march onto this season’s showcase finale as they eagerly await the outcome of the other semi-final pairing which sees Royal & Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe take on Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny in Oriel Park, Dundalk this Thursday (1-0).
The FAI Schools Senior Girls National Cup Final is scheduled for Wednesday, February 12 with venue to be confirmed.
COLÁISTE NA COIRIBE, GAILLIMH | Gráinne Ní Fhéinne, Jasmine Tracy, Jessica Talbot, Zainab Rather, Bróna Ní Ghairbhith, Caitlin Seoighe, Kassie Rather ©, Molly Nic Aodha, Mollie Ní Raínne, Amelia Lynch Spellman, Isabelle Mooney
SUBS USED | Katie Nic an Adhaistír for M Ní Raínne (81), Sophie Keane for Spellman (85)
SUBS NOT USED | Ornaith Ní Iarnaín, Ellen Stenson, Gaia Menarini, Emily Kavanagh, Maggie Daly
TEACHER | Caroline Ní Ghriofa COACH | Gerry Carroll
PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, THURLES | Doireann Brennan, Aoife Shelly, Emer Owan, Neasa Owan, Ciara Shelly, Leanna Coppinger ©, Ciara Breslin, Grace Hogan, Lily Anne O’Meara, Molly Kirwan, Lucy Callanan
SUBS USED | Abby Challen for E Owan (41), Molly Quinn for Challen (91), Sarah O’Sullivan for Callanan (91), Siobhán Carr for O’Meara (94)
SUBS NOT USED | Nicole Tarrant, Lily Ryan, Abby Daly
TEACHERS | Barry Ryan, Cian Treacy
MATCH OFFICIAL | Martin Hatchet (Westmeath)
