Defending Champions Leinster got the better of Ulster 4-0 in the opening game of the FAI Schools Under 15 Girls’ Interprovincial series, while Connacht snatched a late winner to shatter Munster’s hopes of a share of the spoils with a 2-1 victory in the second outing in Athlone Town AFC last night (Monday, October 27).
Munster’s Fia COMERFORD pounced on a defensive error from Connacht to open their account as the Glanmire Community College scholar dinked the ball over the keeper's head after just ten minutes. Dom Coll’s team came within inches of drawing level with three minutes of the first half remaining as Claregalway student Katie Brogan came close, but the Munster shot-stopper palmed the ball over her crossbar. Connacht’s continued press was rewarded just before the break when Salerno’s Tilly Carroll played a delightful ball down the right flank for Ava GALLAGHER to run onto. The Calasanctius College, Oranmore pupil sliced through the defence to draw level at one piece. Munster thought they had taken the lead ten minutes from time when Zoey Nash (Ursuline SS, Thurles) turned supplier for the industrious Jenna McSherry (St. Mary’s SS, Nenagh) to slot home, but the goal was chalked off for an offside. The match winner came on 58 minutes for Connacht as Katie BROGAN (Coláiste Bhaile Chláir) headed in from a corner to clinch a wonderful victory in a pulsating tie against Munster.
It’s all to play for this afternoon (Tuesday) as Ulster will try to bounce back with a clash against Connacht in the opening bill at 1 pm, while Leinster look to extend their lead when they take on Munster at 3 pm.
CONNACHT PANEL| Saoirse Reynolds, Jane Moran (Sacred Heart School, Westport), Aiden Kilgannon, Isabel Behan (Presentation College, Athenry), Siún Cullinan, Mairéad Mulkerrins (Coláiste Éinde, Salthill), Katie Brogan, Kym McNulty, Laura McHugh (Coláiste Bhaile Chláir), Tilly Carroll (Salerno Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Salthill), Maireád Mullins (St. Cuan’s College, Castleblakeney), Ellie O’Brien (St. Jarlath’s College, Tuam), Ava Gallagher (Calasanctius College, Oranmore), Susan Martin Vaqueri, Sophie Herbert (Ursuline College, Sligo), Lexi Murphy (Balla Secondary School), Bonnie Walsh (Mount St. Michael Secondary School, Claremorris)
MANAGEMENT | Dom Coll (Retired | Presentation College, Athenry), Stephen Lacken (St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross), Lucy Smith, Paddy Martyn (Presentation College, Athenry), Seamus MacEachmharcaigh (Sacred Heart School, Westport)
