Limerick duo impress for Rep of Ireland U15 side in victory over Northern Ireland

TWO Limerick teenagers were part of the Republic of Ireland Schools U15 squad which defeated their Northern Ireland counterparts 3-1 in a friendly fixture in Rock Celtic FC, Dundalk on Sunday.

The Crescent College Comprehensive duo of Leah Hannon, who started the game, and Ellen Goggin, who was introduced as substitute, played key roles in the success.

Goggin was very unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet late on when she delivered a superb free-kick from 25 yards out but thr ball hit off the post.

A first half brace from St. Kilian’s DSD starlet Matylda Stelmaszek cancelled out the earlier OG that the Republic of Ireland suffered to go 2-1 up at the break with a further goal from Maynooth pupil Skye Barrett four minutes from time to ensure the first competitive win of the season for the young shoots.

There were near perfect conditions for the game but the hosts didn’t get off to a perfect start as Captain Ruby Boland (Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara) played a standard back pass to keeper Lucy Doyle Farrington (St. Mary’s College). However, the Arklow shot-stopper had a momentarily lapse of concentration as she saw the ball slide under her boot and into an empty net after just four minutes.

To their credit, the Republic of Ireland re-grouped and played some delightful football in the opening half.

Berkeley’s side were level on 21 minutes when Hailey Twomey (Eureka SS, Kells) made a fabulous run down the left flank to fed Matylda Stelmaszek to smash home from inside the box.

The Republic of Ireland netted a second two minutes later when Hailey Twomey connected with a Halle Harcourt (Larkin CC) cross but it was chalked off for an off-side.

The Republic of Ireland took the lead with a minute of additional time played in the first half. Matylda Stelmaszek on hand to snatch her second of the afternoon. Halle Harcourt’s original effort smashing off the crossbar for Stelmaszek to pounce on the rebound for a 2-1 cushion at the break.

There was a raft of substitutions at half-time so it was a sluggish start to the second period. There was no clear cut chances for either side for much of the game.

With five minutes remaining, Ellen Goggin, Crescent College Comprehensive, delivered a superb free-kick from 25 yards out but it collided with the upright.

A minute later, the Republic grabbed their third. Hailey Twomey turning supplier for Skye Barrett (Maynooth Post Primary School) to net from close range.

Berkeley was thrilled with the good run out for their first International test. He was pleased that the entire squad made a valuable contribution to this afternoon’s success.

He stated: "We enjoyed some very good attacking play, solid defensive work and lots of positive as we move forward." 

He was delighted that Northern Ireland made the trip to Dundalk for the very tough challenge. 

The girls will be back on the training pitch next Sunday as they prepare for the SAFIB Bob Docherty Cup which will take place during the Easter Break in Belfast (April 14 to 17). The final squad for that five day tournament will be announced next week. 

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS SELECT | Lucy Doyle Farrington (St. Mary’s College, Arklow), Ruby Boland (Capt) (Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara), Laila Hurley (St. MacDara’s Community College, Templeogue), Matylda Stelmaszek (St. Kilian’s DSD, Clonskeagh), Halle Harcourt (Larkin Community College), Kyra Gavigan (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar), Leah O’Leary Callender (Ashtown School, Cork), Leah Hannon (Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick), Lara Dallaghan (Loreto Abbey Secondary School, Dalkey), Ciara Milton (St. Leo’s College, Carlow), Skye Barrett (Maynooth Post Primary School), Hailey Twomey (Eureka Secondary School, Kells)

ROLL ON/OFF SUBS USED | Sarah Doyle  (Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick on Suir), Abbie Duffy (Presentation College, Athenry), Ava Hallinan (Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone), Maisy Healy (Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf), Ellen Goggin (Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick), Leah O’Leary Callender (Ashtown School, Cork), Ava Kelly (Tallaght Community School), Kyra Gavigan (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar)

MANAGEMENT STAFF | Head Coach Richard Berkeley (Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh), Coach Kaneshia McKinney (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana), Coach Paddy McDaid (Finn Valley College, Stranorlar), Coach Mia O’Connell (SETU Carlow), GK Coach Emmet Peyton (St. Muredach’s College, Ballina), Physio Cianna Hickey, Equipment Manager Joan Croke

NORTHERN IRELAND |  Anna Roberts (Blessed Trinity College, Belfast), Grace Steele (Magherafelt High School), Sara Devany (Regent House, Newtownards), Ellie-Mae Turner (Capt) (City of Armagh High School), Anayah Lee (Thornhill College, Derry-Londonderry), Anna Smyth (Dalriada Grammar, Ballymoney), Grace Murray (Parkhall Integrated College, Antrim), Grace Guest (Our Lady and St. Patrick’s College Knock, Belfast), Abigail Curley (Blessed Trinity College), Annarose Robinson (St. Catherine’s College, Armagh), Ellie Tohill (Grosvenor Grammar).

ROLL ON / OFF SUBS USED | Sasha Cowan (Sale Grammar, England), Charley McMullan (Belfast Model School for Girls), Niamh McDaid (Thornhill College), Ella Wasson (Lisneal College, Derry-Londonderry), Saskia McLaughlin (GK) (Glengormley Integrated College), Caitlin Shields (Grosvenor Grammar, Belfast), Alexandra McKinnon (Laurelhill Community College, Lisburn).

MANAGEMENT STAFF | Head Coach Stephen Graham, Assistant Coach Heather Mearns, Assistant Coach Jack Little, GK Coach Stuart Irvine, Physio Eoin Mahon, Analyst Anna Mae Samuel