Limerick schoolgirls book All-Ireland place in FAI Junior ‘B’ Girls soccer final

COLÁISTE MHUIRE Askeaton have secured their spot in the All-Ireland Junior ‘B’ Girls National Cup final after a 3-1 victory over Grange Community College, Donaghmede in the semi-final.

The Askeaton side came from behind to overcome new kids on the block Grange Community College with two scores from Abi Fitzgibbon and one from Ruth Sheehy. 

This will be the Coláiste Mhuire Askeaton’s second consecutive Cup Final appearance now as Íde Trant’s Senior ‘B’ Girls narrowly missed out on the silverware last month when St. Clare’s Comprehensive School from Manorhamilton secured the crown for 2024. 

They will face Coola Post Primary School, Sligo in the National Final with details of a venue and time to be confirmed during the week. 

Grange scholar Ellie Murphy slotted in superbly following a well taken corner from Ella McKeown on the quarter hour mark to give the Dublin crew the perfect start. 

However,  the lead was shortlived as the Limerick team grabbed an equaliser three minutes later as Abi Fitzgibbon tapped in from close range with Ruth Sheehy turning supplier.

The Limerick side took the lead on 28 minutes when Ruth SHEEHY netted from the left flank as Evelyn Fitzgerald played her in wonderfully leaving Coláiste Mhuire in the lead 2-1 at the interval.

A third goal for Limerick came 11 minutes into the restart when Abi Fitzgibbon surprising everyone to see her effort reach the back of the net.

Grange Community College were dangerous on the counter attack but the versatile Hannah Neville was well equipped to deal with the threat as well as good defensive work from the Askeaton back four.