McAuliffe’s double bags Thurles Cup Final spot
Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Senior Girls National Cup Semi Final
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Presentation Secondary School, Thurles 2-1 Meánscoil Muire gan Smál, Convent of Mercy, Roscommon
Hazel McAuliffe (2, 79) Gráinne Whyte (12)
PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL in Thurles snatched a late winner courtesy of Hazel McAuliffe with only seconds remaining in normal time to defeat a determined Convent of Mercy, Roscommon in Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore Town last Thursday, February 4.
Edel Harding’s ladies had their nose in front with only two minutes on the clock as McAuliffe’s wonder strike from just outside the box dipped under the head of Marie Kelly.
The Roscommon side equalized ten minutes later through some smart play from Rachel Fitzmaurice who played Gráinne Whyte in, the youngster made no mistake when one on one with Christine Coffey.
It was very difficult to separate these two top class sides and the encounter was edging toward additional time. Marie Kelly was again called into action at the close of proceedings when Thurles Captain Moore found a few inches on the back four. Her rapid fire strike forced an amazing point blank save from the Convent net minder.
With only seconds left in the match, Hazel McAuliffe popped up again to double her afternoon tally. A delightfully weighted belter into the top corner.
Christine Coffey was forced to make a wonderful save to keep her team in front as an injury time effort from Savannah Cassidy was on target. Unfortunately for Seán Boland’s side they were denied the equalizer.
Presentation Secondary School, Thurles will now go onto play Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny in this year’s Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Senior Girls Cup Final. Both sides will be very familiar with each other and should prove to be a fantastic showcase to finish the season with. The Final is scheduled for Wednesday, February 24 with a 1pm kick off, venue to be confirmed.
MEÁNSCOIL MUIRE GAN SMÁL, CONVENT OF MERCY, ROSCOMMON: Marie Kelly, Aisling McGrath, Ellen Irwin, Patsy Farrell, Rachael Corcoran, Ciara Corcoran, Sarah Scally, Rachel Fitzmaurice, Grainne Whyte, Savannah Cassidy, Fiona Tully
Subs: Niamh Scally, Ellen Hegarty, Rachael Banahan, Kate McPhilips, Jillian Banahan, Emily Dolan, Aoife Tully
Teacher: Seán Boland
PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, THURLES: Christine Coffey, Norah Kennedy, Anna Gavin, Niamh O’ Mahony, Katie Ryan, Casey Hennessy, Sarah McKevitt, Hazel McAuliffe, Cara O’ Connor, Roryn Moore (Captain), Shonagh Cleary
Subs: Emer Harnett, Sarah Foley, Saoirse Teer, Georgina Abbott, Rachael Sweeney, Mary Burke
Teachers: Edel Harding, Barry Ryan
REFEREE: Martin Kelly (Offaly)
