Athlone CC girls make it a Leinster double
FAI Schools Junior Girls Leinster Cup Final (Under-17, Large Schools)
Athlone CC 3 Loreto SS, Kilkenny 1
Having already won the Leinster Schools title at the U-20 age grade, Athlone Community College made it a double with victory over Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny in the U-17 final on Monday last.
In a highly anticipated showdown, Athlone CC clashed with Loreto Kilkenny in an exciting encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The match unfolded with plenty of intensity, showcasing the talent and determination of both teams.
The first half saw Athlone Community College taking the initiative early on, as Ciara Walsh capitalised on a well-executed corner kick to put her team ahead.
The goal injected confidence into Athlone's play, with their midfield dictating the tempo and their defence remaining resolute in the face of Loreto's attacks.
However, Loreto Kilkenny refused to back down, displaying their own brand of skill and resilience. With just ten minutes left on the clock in the second half, Loreto's number 9 found the back of the net, levelling the score and setting the stage for a thrilling end to the game.
As tensions mounted and the clock ticked down, both teams pushed for the crucial breakthrough. A pivotal moment came when Athlone's goalkeeper Ella Naughton pulled off a remarkable save, with the ball then cleared off the line by the vigilant Aoife Walsh, denying Loreto the lead.
The momentum swung back in Athlone's favour when captain Hazel Donegan embarked on a dazzling run, penetrating Loreto's defence and unleashing a shot that was parried by the goalkeeper. In a display of sheer determination, Caolfhinn Brett reacted quickest to the rebound, slotting the ball home and restoring Athlone's lead.
With time running out, the Kilkenny girls threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. However, Athlone remained resolute in defence, thwarting their opponents' advances and launching dangerous counter attacks.
In the dying moments of the game, Hazel Donegan delivered the final blow, finishing off a swift break up the field with a clinical finish to make it 3-1, sealing victory for Athlone Community College.
This win for a fantastic bunch of girls and their coach Edel Menton marks a historic achievement for Athlone Community College as they claim both the Senior and Junior ‘A’ Leinster crowns.
Athlone now go on to play Presentation Secondary School, Thurles in the Junior Girls National Cup semi-final tomorrow (Thursday), February 29 (kick-off 1pm), with the venue to be confirmed at the time of writing.
Athlone Community College panel: Ella Naughton, Aoife Minnock, Aoife Walsh, Roisin O'Brien, Aoife Hoolahan, Ciara Walsh, Alison Nugent, Caitlin Gavin, Rebecca Keenan, Hazel Donegan, Caoilfhinn Brett, Juliet Shine, Lily Finneran, Roisin Ni Chluaid, Mai Hennelly, Jane Byrne, Sally Ann Joyce. Coach: Edel Menton.