Glenamaddy Community School won the FAI Schools Girls National Junior B Cup final beating Gaelcholáiste Reachrann 1-0 this afternoon in Athlone Town.
Glenamaddy had chances in the first half with Ali O’Toole denied by Reachrann goalkeeper Aibhilin Ni Laochdha.
It was scoreless at half time, but the breakthrough came four minutes into the second half when Ruby McGuire’s shot had too much power for the Donaghmeade keeper who couldn’t keep it out.
There was nearly a second for Glenamaddy in the 53rd minute when Michelle Mulryan’s shot looked destined for the top corner only for it to come off the post.
Gaelcholáiste Reachrann did have chances in the latter stages but could not break down the Glenamaddy defence.
This is Glenamaddy’s third national cup win in the past year following their First Year Girls and U15 Girls National Cup Successes.
Following the game, Manager John Kennedy spoke to John Mulligan.
A solitary goal courtesy of Ruby McGuire’s second half strike ensured the National title for Glenamaddy Community School as they overcame Gaelcholáiste Reachrann in Athlone Town AFC on Wednesday afternoon (February 26).
This is a third National title for those girls in quick succession with the team lifting the Minor ‘B’ and First Year ‘B’ double last season.
The boys outfit have also tasted success at National level with honours in the Minor ‘B’ Cup in 2022 and the Junior ‘B’ crown in 2018. They also capped off a great season in 2004 when they were named John Murphy Cup Champions.
It was a positive start for the Connacht contingency as the industrious Ali O’Toole tested the Donaghmede keeper twice inside the first ten minutes. The first attempt was palmed away narrowly at the far post by Ní Laochdha while O’Toole’s later effort hit the side netting.
Aibhilín Ní Laochdha was called into action midway through the half with a fabulous block to deny O’Toole for a third time.
The teams went into the break goalless.
The crucial moment of the game came four minutes into the restart when Ali O’Toole latched onto a long ball in midfield from Captain Emily Stephen’s kick-out. The youngster hit McGuire on the right wing as she weaved past two defenders to slot home at the far post.
Michelle Ryan was introduced with twenty minutes remaining and her first touch nearly resulted in a second for Glenamaddy as her shot struck the post.
Gaelcholáiste Captain Ciara Ní Mhuiri was in exceptional form for the Dublin side as she had a set piece saved comfortably by Katie Forde with ten minutes left.
Aoife Ní Cháinte and substitute Sophie Bacaeir came agonisingly close to snatching an equaliser late on but it wasn’t to be for the Leinster Champions.
A hard fought and deserved victory for John Kennedy’s crew as they just edged out proceedings.
GLENAMADDY COMMUNITY SCHOOL | Katie Forde, Edie Kilmartin, Eibhlín Collins, Katie Conneely, Emily Stephens ©, Aisling Kennedy, Ruby McGuire, Lauren Davis, Ali O’Toole, Beth O’Mahoney, Chloe Gordon
SUBS USED | Charagh Higgins for Gordon (28), Michelle Mulryan for Conneely (51), Amy Boyle for Higgins (69)
SUBS NOT USED | Lily Kelly, Ava Madden Hussey, Roisin Brennan, Roisin O’Neill
EXTENDED SQUAD | Nuala Kilmartin, Nicole Mulhearn, Shauna Joyce, Lauren Higgins, Caoimhe Keane, Jeri Mee, Robin Morgan, Ruby Mae Miskell, Alison McGann, Katie Griffin
TEACHERS | John Kennedy COACH | Gerry Davis
GAELCHOLÁISTE REACHRANN, DOMHNACH MÍDE | Aibhilín Ní Laochdha, Holly De Faoite, Olivia Nic Aindriú, Andie Ní Dhúllaing, Saoirse Ní Chonchobhair, Caragh Nic Domhnaill, Jamiee Ní Fhiaich, Zoe Ní Laobhais, Anna Nic Thaidhg, Ciara Ní Mhuirí, Aoife Ní Cháinte
SUBS USED | Sophie Bacaeir replaces Ni Fhiaich (58)
SUBS NOT USED | Clodagh Nic Giolla Phádraig, Penny Ní Chléirigh, Aoibhe Nic Ghráinne, Róise Ní Bhrádaigh, Ríona Ní hEarthairn, Faith Ní Rua
EXTENDED SQUAD | Méabh Ní Dhonaill, Caragh Nic Amhlaigh, Lauren Ní Chasaide, Aoibhe Nic Fhloinn, Alannah Nic Thoirselaigh
TEACHERS | Same Verdon, Vincent Watson, Kellie Ní Mhóráin
MATCH OFFICIAL | Anatolii Demeshkevych (Westmeath)
