Salerno Secondary School, Salthill are through to the FAI Schools Minor Girls National Cup Final after a 4-1 victory over Coláiste Choilm Ballincollig on Tuesday (8th April 2025).
Rachel Leyland was the hero with four second-half goals.
Coach Conor Killeen gave his reaction after the final whistle.
They’ll play the final on May 7th.
Salerno Secondary School, Salthill 4-1 Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig
Rachel Leyland (32, 37, 48, 55) Anna Cronin (28)
Leyland lands four to see Salerno through
FAI Schools Minor Girls National Cup Semi Final (Under 15, Large Schools)
A powerful second half performance from Salerno Secondary School, Salthill saw them come from behind to clinch victory over Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig at Fairview Rangers AFC this afternoon (April 8).
Salerno’s Orna Dunne was close to breaking the deadlock with 26 minutes played when she burst forward at speed only for her effort to hit the side-netting.
While two minutes later, the Cork crew took the lead through a spectacular free-kick from Anna CRONIN to the top corner to ensure a one goal cushion to Coláiste Choilm at the break.
Substitute Rachel LEYLAND was the hero from Salthill coming off the bench to net all four goals in the second period, her first coming two minutes into the restart to level proceedings.
Salerno had a chance to double their tally through Captain Niamh McGauren from the penalty spot but she hit the crossbar on 35 minutes.
However, two minutes later, LEYLAND netted her brace, while the hat-trick was completed with 48 minutes registered. Her fourth came with five minutes remaining to seal a comprehensive performance from the youngster.
Salerno will now await the winners of the other semi-final pairing as Loreto College, Cavan entertain St. Leo’s College, Carlow in a deferred game on Tuesday, April 29 with the National Cup Final scheduled for Wednesday, May 7.
SALERNO SECONDARY SCHOOL, SALTHILL | Elizabeth Mannion, Ava Costello, Anna Murphy, Ava Rose O’Gorman, Niamh McGauran ©, Ciara Coyle, Ava McLoughlin, Amber O’Leary, Orna Dunne, Grace Coyle, Emily Jane Killeen
SUBS ROLL ON / OFF | Emily Watson, Rachel O’Grady, Rachel Leyland, Danielle Earl, Robyn Turner, Firinne Walshe, Tilly Carroll
TEACHER | Claire Hogan COACH | Conor Killeen
COLÁISTE CHOILM, BALLINCOLLIG | Elsie Mullins, Niamh O’Connor © Cara Brett, Aoibhin Nic Ghearailt, Aoife Madden, Tasha Isibor, Addison Ryan, Anna Cronin, Michaela Moynihan, Izzy Dineen, Clare Ní Mhuirí
SUBS ROLL ON / OFF | Caoimhe McGuinness, Hollie Healy, Hayley Murph, Michaela Murphy, Olivia Harvey, Kasey Coughlan, Aisling Ní Dhuill
TEACHERS | Niamh Ní Mhuirchearaigh, Ali Roche
MATCH OFFICIAL | Michael Kiely (Limerick)
