Treaty United players star for Rep of Ireland women's U17 side

THREE Treaty United Carelon Academy players starred on the Republic of Ireland U17 team across back to back friendly internationals against Portugal in Lisbon this week as part of preparations for upcoming UEFA WU17 European Championship
Qualifiers.

Aibhlinn Cotter, Kate Jones and Madison McGuane were part of the squad which recorded a 3-1 defeat and a 5-2 victory across the two games with Madison claiming the Player of the Match award in the 5-2 win.

All three girls started on the bench for the opening game defeat with Kate entering the fray at half time and Aibhlinn and Madison making their appearances in the second half. The home side were 2-0 up at half time before Maeve Wollmer pulled one back just after the re-start. Portugal restored their 2 goal advantage before the hour mark. With 10 minutes remaining Madison drew a good save from the home keeper as the hosts held on for a 3-1 victory.

Two days later, the sides were back in action. This time around both Aibhlinn and Madison were in the starting 11. The Irish girls started the game well and took the lead on the 11 minute. The home side equalised just before half-time. Early in the second
half, Portugal took the lead but Irish super-sub Ashling Meehan grabbed a 13 minute hat-trick to put the Irish girls in the driving seat with victory rounded off with a last minute penalty.

Aibhlinn played the full 90 minutes while Kate replaced her Treaty team-mate Madison with 10 minutes remaining.

Aibhlinn Cotter is a defender who joined Treaty United in July 2023 having played with Moneypoint FC/Connolly Celtic FC and she recently made her senior debut for Dominic Foley’s side against Wexford FC in the Women’s Premier Division.

Kate Jones is also a defender who joined from Bunratty Cratloe FC in July 2023 and she made the senior squad against Wexford FC.

Midfielder Madison McGuane joined in January 2024 from Pike Rovers with whom she won the U12 National Cup. All girls have come through the pathway from the grassroots clubs to their ETP team (Gaynor Cup teams) and through the Centre of Excellence Programme in Limerick to Treaty United.