Coláiste Mhuire Askeaton target FAI school girls national cup soccer final glory

COLÁISTE Mhuire Askeaton have booked their spot in the FAI schools senior ‘B’ girls National Cup soccer final after an impressive 2-1 victory over CBS New Ross in the semi-final.

The Askeaton school will now face St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton in the final this Wednesday, January 31, which kicks-off at 1pm at Athlone Town AFC. 

Coláiste Mhuire saw off a late surge from CBS New Ross in the semi-final which saw them under the cosh for the last 15 minutes of the game as their defensive line withstood a barrage of half chances late on. Another chink in their armoury was the heroics of Hannah Neville between the posts.

Íde Trant’s side took the lead midway through the first half as Tara Davitt and smashed their first goal home into the top corner. This was followed by an equalizer from CBS New Ross. 

The Limerick outfit retook the lead eight minutes from the interval when Ruth Sheehy slotted home at the far post following a brilliantly taken corner from the talented Gemma Leahy.

The Wexford crew were given a life-line when they were awarded a penalty on 67 minutes as Emma Rossiter’s strike was saved brilliantly by Hannah Neville. 

This is the first time the school has reached a national final and there is huge excitement surrounding the final. Head coach Íde Trant stated "It's quite a prestigious event for us to be involved in and there is a huge buzz around the place and the girls are on a high around the place. 

"We have been knocking on the door for a long while, after loosing three Munster finals in a row until this year, so we are delighted to get this far in the competition."

Coláiste Mhuire Askeaton soccer squad: Hannah Neville (Shannonside FC), Anna Fitzgerald (Shannonside FC), Jennifer Kelly (Dromore FC), Rebecca Fitzgibbon (Shannonside FC), Aimee Sheahan(Kilcolman Rovers), Grace Fitzgibbon (Shannonside FC), Maebh Mulcahy (Shannonside FC),  Evelyn Fitzgerald (Shannonside FC), Abi Fitzgibbon (Shannonside FC), Ruth Sheehy (Shannonside FC),Gemma Leahy (Shannonside FC), Áine Gallery (Shannonside FC),Anna Madigan (Shannonside FC),Leah Kelly (Shannonside FC), Katie Harty Maune (Shountrade AFC), Sarah Maune (Shountrade AFC), Caoimhe Hourigan (Shannonside FC), Jane Kelly (Shannonside FC), Sara Walsh (Shannonside FC), Alannah Byrnes (Shannonside FC),Kerry Moane (Askeaton/Kilcornan AFC), Áine Moran (Askeaton/Kilcornan AFC), Sophie Meade, Lilly Shanahan (Askeaton/Kilcornan AFC), Xi Xi Prendeville (Askeaton/Kilcornan AFC), Ava O’Mahony (Shannonside FC).