Limerick players star as Munster retain U15 Girls’ Interprovincial title

MUNSTER, inspired by a string of impressive displays from Limerick players, retained their Girls’ U15 Interprovincial title with three wins from three as they overcame 2019 Champions Leinster in a hugely entertaining tournament in the AUL Complex in Dublin.

The reigning Champions went into the final game needing just a draw to clinch a consecutive title, but they were made work for it. 

Munster’s goal came midway through the half of Sunday's game as St Ailbe’s scholar, Grace Hogan popped up to convert.

Chloe Wallace, of Coláiste Nano Nagle, Sexton St, thought she got Munster’s second two minutes from the interval only for her effort to shave the upright following a splendid free kick from 25 yards out.

Rob Ellison’s side always looked dangerous but some staunch defending from Munster lead to another clean sheet and the full points on offer. 

Their dominance was evident with 3 Player of the Match accolades assigned to his squad with Chloe Wallace (Coláiste Nano Nagle, Limerick) named after their battle with Leinster. 

Madison McGuane (Ardscoil Mhuire, Limerick) picked up the top prize for her hardworking endeavours on Saturday against Ulster while Lily Anne O’Meara (Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré) was assigned the honours in the opening win against Connacht on Friday.

Munster had defeated Ulster 4-0 on Saturday. Munster secured the two points with two goals either side of the half. Madison McGuane, of Ardscoil Mhuire, Corbally, converted at the midway point of the first period while Presentation SS, Thurles youngster Ciara Breslin doubled their tally six minutes before the break.

Leah McGrath netted a brace, her first coming on 43 minutes as Alice Ahmeti (Coláiste na Phiarsaigh) turned supplier while her second and Munster’s fourth came six minutes later. A solid performance from the reigning Champions.

Munster had defeated Connacht in their opening fixture on Friday night. 

Chloe Wallace, of Coláiste Nano Nagle, Limerick, slotted home the opener from close range following a well worked corner seconds later.

Their tally was doubled midway through the second half when Ciara Breslin produced a moment of magic with her long-range effort that sailed over the head of Meaney.

THE NEXT STEP

As well as provincial honours this weekend, the International management staff use this tournament as the key recruiting tool for their Republic of Ireland Schools select.

Following the tournament, an extended panel will be invited back for trial on Sunday, December 4 in Dublin. The 68 players will be whittled down to an panel of 32 to attend the initial assessment day.

MUNSTER | Sara Mae Murphy (Coláiste Íde agus Iosaf, Abbeyfeale), Kate Jones (Coláiste Muire Ennis), Aibhlinn Cotter (Kilrush Community School), Chloe Wallace (Coláiste Nano Nagle, Sexton St. Limerick), Emma Meaney, Madison McGuane (Ardscoil Mhuire, Corbally), Grace Hogan (St. Ailbe’s School, Tipperary), Lily Anne O’Meara (Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré), Ciara Breslin (Presentation Secondary School, Thurles), Eleanor Blake (Laurel Hill Secondary School), Grace Ehinger (Borrisokane Community College), Alice Ahmeti (Coláiste an Phiarsaigh), Phoebe O’Shea (Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, Kenmare), Eva Loftus (Laurel Hill Coláiste Limerick), Laura Falvey (Mercy Secondary School, Mounthawk), Sarah Doyle (Scoil Mhuire, Carrick on Suir), Leah McGrath (St. Anne’s Secondary School, Tipperary)

MANAGEMENT | Barry Ryan (Presentation Secondary School, Thurles), Richard Grimes (St. Caimin’s Community School, Shannon), Leah Cremins (St. Anne’s Secondary School, Tipperary), Amy Costello (Laurel Hill Coláiste), Hayley Dewick (St. Ailbe’s School, Tipperary), Pat Barrett (GK Coach)