Limerick teenager impresses for Republic of Ireland U15s in Bob Docherty Cup

A LIMERICK teenager has played a key role as the Republic of Ireland U15 side made it two wins from two in the Bob Docherty Cup this week in Greenisland FC, Carrickfergus this week.

Ellen Goggin, of Crescent College Comprehensive, impressed when starting for the Rep of Ireland U15s in their excellent 2-1 victory over holders England on Monday.

The game also doubled up for the annual John Read Trophy. Traditionally it would have been a stand alone fixture, but it’s merged into the tournament in recent years. 

Treaty United player Goggin was then introduced as a second half substitute on Tuesday as the Republic of Ireland made it two wins from two as they overcame a hardworking Scotland side in Greenisland FC.

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With three games in four days, Head Coach Richard Berkeley made five changes to the team that defeated England 2-1. 

Ireland scored either side of the half with Abbie Duffy, of Presentation College, Athenry, converting a sublime individual effort midway through the first half while the gifted Maisy Healy, Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf, grabbed a sensational second six minutes into the restart.

The Republic of Ireland are positioned well on six points as a draw against Northern Ireland would be enough to lift the title. They’ve already met this season with Berkeley’s troops winning out 3-1 in an entertaining friendly match in Dundalk last month.

Scotland currently sit in second place on 3 points while hosts Northern Ireland and England have a point apiece thus far.

All four teams will enjoy a day off today, Wednesday, to take in the sights of Belfast.

Thursday morning will see the Republic of Ireland take on Northern Ireland and England will play Scotland with both games kicking off at 10.30am. Ireland’s game will be in Greenisland FC while the other fixture is scheduled for University of Ulster, Jordanstown.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS v SCOTLAND | Lucy Doyle Farrington (St. Mary’s College, Arklow), Ruby Boland (Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara), Leah O’Leary Callender (Ashton School, Cork), Ava Hallinan (Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone), Ciara Milton (St. Leo’s College, Carlow), Skye Barrett (Maynooth Post Primary School), Hailey Twomey (Eureka Secondary School, Kells), Abbie Duffy (Presentation College, Athenry), Maisy Healy (Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf), Ruby Norris (Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick on Suir), Laila Hurley (St. Mac Dara’s Community College, Templeogue). SUBS USED | Lara Dallaghan (Loreto Abbey Secondary School, Dalkey) for Barrett (HT), Ava Kelly (Tallaght Community School) for Hurley (HT), Halle Harcourt (Larkin Community College) for Milton (46), Ellen Goggin (Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick) for Twomey (52), Kyra Gavigan (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar) for Duffy (65)

SUBS NOT USED |  Matylda Stelmaszek (St. Kilian’s DSD, Clonskeagh), Sarah Doyle (Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick on Suir)

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