Limerick talent stars in Ireland U17s triumph at international tournament in Italy

The Ireland Women's Under-17s beat host nation Italy 1-0 to win an international tournament in the Stadio Gino Colaussi.

Among those to feature for Ireland was Treaty United's Ellen Goggin. The Crescent College student came on as a substitute in games against Slovenia and Italy with the highly-rated attacker starting Ireland's second outing against North Macedonia.

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A right-footed finish from Kassie McLoughlin proved to be the difference as the Girls in Green capped off a fine display by claiming the trophy.

Following a 4-0 victory over Slovenia and a 6-0 triumph over North Macedonia, James Scott's team went into this final full of confidence despite it being a new group of players stepping up to this level for the first time.

With UEFA European Championship Qualifiers coming up next month against Belgium, France and Germany, Scott was keen to make the most of this tournament and his squad certainly did that with 11 goals scored and none conceded.

This was always going to be the toughest test of the tournament for Ireland and they almost suffered a set-back early on when Italy had the ball in the back of their net but it was ruled out.

As they did in each of their games, Ireland kept their composure, moved the ball quickly and were a threat on the break. They matched their opponents in every area of the pitch and it made for an entertaining contest.

Ireland finally found the breakthrough on the hour mark when Shelbourne's Halle Harcourt controlled a long pass and squared the ball to Shamrock Rovers ace McLoughlin to fire in from inside the penalty area.

Italy attempted to level matters but could not break Ireland's defensive unit down and victory was sealed.

After the entire squad sang Amhrán na bhFiann on the winners' podium, captains Emma Mooney and Keelin Comiskey lifted the trophy together in celebration.

The Ireland team that played against Italy was as follows:

Lucy Doyle Farrington; Lara Dallaghan, Amelia Fahey, Keelin Comiskey, Ava Hallinan; Emma Mooney, Tess Finn (Alex Devoy 43); Halle Harcourt (Ciara Milton 71), Sophie Byrne, Hailey Twomey; Kassie McLoughlin (Ellen Goggin 71).