Limerick teenagers on target as Rep of Ireland U15s Schools side defeats Northern Ireland

TWO Limerick teenagers netted all the goals as the Republic of Ireland Schools side opened their International campaign with a fine win against neighbours Northern Ireland in an Under 15 Girls’ International Friendly in Newforge Sports Complex, Belfast on Sunday afternoon.

The industrious Madison McGuane, of Ardscoil Mhuire in Corbally, netted a brace either side of the break while the talented Eva Loftus, of Laurel Hill, Coláiste, also managed to produce a piece of magic for a hat-trick of goals for Berkeley’s side.

The visitors enjoyed much of the possession in the opening quarter with Kassie McLoughlin coming close while Loftus hit the post before captain McGuane broke the deadlock with 18 minutes on the clock.

Kaitlyn Delahunty saw a long range effort sail agonising over the crossbar with a half hour played.

The Republic of Ireland’s lead was doubled six minutes later when Eva Loftus slotted past McAvoy to ensure a two goal cushion at the interval.

The visitors were on the back foot for the start of the second half as Northern Ireland’s Emilee Leacock netted two in short succession. The first was a beauty on 42 minutes from just inside the box to leave it 1-2. The youngster’s second following the re-start was chalked off for an offside.

Berkeley’s crew regained their composure and some excellent link up play with Duffy, McGuane and Reynolds saw the latter just miss the target with 47 minutes played.

Ciara Milton who just returned from injury made a good impact when introduced and she combined well with Reynolds down the wing only for the Clara student’s attempt to nip past the post. Her second attempt smashed the side netting six minutes later.

The Republic’s third came just after the hour mark when Treaty United's McGuane finished smartly to beat McAvoy.

With ten minutes remaining, Lucy Doyle Farrington was forced into an excellent save to deny the impressive Leacock.

Milton and Loftus had chances late on to extend the Republic’s lead, but it finished a satisfactory outing for the girls in green.

Berkeley and his staff will have the onerous task of cutting two players from the panel as they finalise the squad for the Bob Docherty Cup which will take place from March 25 to March 28 in Athlone Town AFC.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS SELECT | Sarah Doyle (Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick on Suir), Kaitlyn Delahunty (Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré), Holly O’Hagan (Regina Mundi College, Cork), Sophie Hardy (Mount Anville Secondary School), Keelin Comiskey  (St. Mac Dara’s Community College, Templeogue), Eva Loftus (Laurel Hill Coláiste), Limerick),  Madison McGuane (Capt) (Ardscoil Mhuire, Corbally), Anna McGough (Claregalway College), Lara Dallaghan (Loreto Abbey Secondary School, Dalkey), Kassie McLoughlin (Pobalscoil Neasáin, Baldoyle), Karla Moore (Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane). SUBS USED | Lucy Doyle Farrington (St. Mary’s College, Arklow) for Doyle (HT), Abbie Duffy (Presentation College, Athenry) for McLoughlin (HT), Ciara Milton (St. Leo’s College, Carlow) for McGough (HT), Isabella Talotti (St. Mary’s College, Naas) for Hardy (HT), Sarah Reynolds (Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa, Clara) for Moore (HT), Molly Kirwan (Presentation Secondary School, Thurles) for Comiskey (63), Mia Murtagh (Mercy Secondary School, Ballymahon) for O’Hagan (63), Maisie Quinn (St. Farnan’s Post Primary School, Prosperous) for Delahunty, Sophie Byrne (Coláiste Chiaráin, Athlone) for McGuane (65).

MANAGEMENT STAFF | Head Coach Richard Berkeley (Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh), Coach Katie McCarthy (Coláiste na Toirbhírte, Bandon), Coach Kaneshia McKinney (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana), GK Coach Emmet Peyton (St. Muredach’s College, Ballina), Performance Analyst Della Doherty, Physio Cianna Hickey.

NORTHERN IRELAND | McAvoy, Kareabecaj, Beckinsale, Hilton, Moore, Hernan, Havern, Leacock, Adair, Smyth, Srachura