ROSSES COMMUNITY SCHOOL, DUNGLOE secured a second FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Girls National Cup in four years following their epic encounter against newbies St. Jarlath’s College, Tuam at the Showgrounds, Sligo Rovers FC on Wednesday (May 21st).
The Donegal girls had to come from a goal down to secure a sweet win, netting a goal either side of half time to cancel out Tuam’s early advantage. It was only St. Jarlath’s second year playing girls' football, so they were the surprise package this season, taking a massive scalp in their 4-1 victory over reigning Champions, Glenamaddy Community School in their provincial decider. While they continued this rich vein of form to overcome a talented St. Joseph’s College, Borrisleigh 2-1 in the National Cup semi-final decider.
Their pedigree showed early on as the talented Sophie Parsons-Warren scored inside ninety seconds of kick-off. The ball sneaking past Grannell at the near post. The Galway outfit looked to be on the front foot for much of the first half, but the hardworking Rosses equalised three minutes from the break. The industrious Emily DOOGAN with a superb free kick from 25 yards out to slot past Paulina Smolka, leaving it 1-1 at the interval.
Dungloe then took the lead eight minutes into the restart with a brilliant effort from Maria McGEE. Ellie Harty O’Brien, Sophie Parsons Warren and Ella Mannion impressed for Tuam but despite their best efforts, they couldn’t penetrate a solid Donegal defence, marshalled well by their Captain Doogan. Rosses was well-coached to manage the game out in the closing stages, which was a frustrating end for the Tuam youngsters who gave everything to the cause.
ST. JARLATH’S COLLEGE, TUAM | Paulina Smolka, Katie McHugh, Belle Keating, Abbie Harty, Éabha Connolly, Sophie Parsons Warren ©, Laoise Healy, Ellie Harty O’Brien, Frankie Quinn, Ella Mannion, Ellie Mai Kavanagh
SUBS (ROLL ON /OFF) | Robyn Coleman, Aoife Ryder, Caoimhe Langan, Kaja Swiedoda, Isabella Connell, Clara Holian, Emma Lawlor
EXTENDED SQUAD | Holly Henry, Chloe Connaughton, Katie Ward
MANAGEMENT | Martin Grogan, Jamie Murphy
ROSSES COMMUNITY SCHOOL, DUNGLOE | Rianna Grannell, Gracie O’Donnell, Leah Ward, Emily Doogan ©, Áine Meehan, Evanne Bonner, Ella Campbell, Orla Barrett, Marie McGee, Ella Bonner, Ellie Mae Ward
SUBS (ROLL ON/OFF) | Mary Beatty, Chloe Boyle, Alesha Duddy, Chloe Boyle, Kayleigh Saville, Mary Gallagher, Mollie McHugh, Chloe Wilson
MANAGEMENT | Eibhlín Ní Fhearraigh, Helena Melly, John Frances Doogan
