FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup Semi Final (Under 20, Small Schools)
Friday, January 19, 2024
St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton 4-0 Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair
Anna Devaney (23), Eimear Keaney (52, 68), Áine McLoughlin (72)
MANORHAMILTON SIDE ST. CLARE’S cemented their place in the FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup decider following a decisive second half performance against Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair in Letterkenny Community Centre last Tuesday (January 16).
Due to the inclement weather, the fixture was switched from Donegal Town to the all-weather in Letterkenny to ensure the game was played.
Manorhamilton were first to strike as Áine McLoughlin’s shot flew over the Gweedore crossbar with just five minutes on the clock.
Maria Ní Ghallchoir responded ten minutes later with a lovely darting run down the right wing but the St. Clare’s shot stopper Cadhla Moffitt was equal to the challenge and diverted the danger quickly.
Amy Molade had a grasping attempt on 17 minutes but the ball was struck directly at the Gweedore number one.
The breakthrough goal came six minutes later when Anna DEVANEY’S rocket from distance lifted the roof of the net for an outstanding finish.
The Leitrim students held that narrow lead into the interval.
A purple patch for Anthony McDonald’s side saw Eimear KEANEY net a brace either side of the hour mark. Keaney’s second of the afternoon and St. Clare’s third was a brilliant individual piece of magic to slot past the imposing keeper.
Anna Devaney turned supplier for St. Clare’s fourth eight minutes from time as Áine McLOUGHLIN finished neatly at the far post from close range.
Roisin Ní Chasaide, Mary Anne Nic a Bhaird, Maria Ní Ghallchóir and Brianna Ní Fhearraigh stood out for the Donegal outfit while Amy Malode and goal-scorers Áine McLoughlin, Eimear Keaney and Anna Devaney were excellent for the Connacht Champions.
McDonald will have an anxious wait as he accesses Amy Malode’s condition for the National Cup Final. The youngster had to come off just before the break with concussion so she may well be a doubt for the ultimate showcase.
St. Clare’s Comprehensive School will face Munster stars Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton in this year’s FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup Final on Wednesday, January 31 with the venue to be confirmed (1.0).
The Askeaton side had a hard fought 2-1 win over CBS New Ross this afternoon (Friday) in Cahir Park AFC to set up a tantalising tie.
ST. CLARE’S COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL, MANORHAMILTON | Cadhla Moffitt, Sarah McGough, Grace Devaney, Eve Cepron, Sadbh McGuire, Lauren Devaney ©, Aine McLoughlin, Amy Malode, Eimear Keaney, Anna Devaney, Sarah Mulvaney
SUBS USED | Neassa Fox for Malode (39), Jacinta Gilbride for Sarah Devaney (75), Maebh Connolly for Eimear Keaney (79)
SUBS NOT USED | Mia Connolly, Jessica Attard
TEACHER | Anthony McDonald
POBALSCOIL GHAOTH DOBHAIR | Roisin Ni Chasaide, Neasa Mic Phaidin, Eva Ni Dhuibhir, Fia Nic Csialla Chomhaill, Bridin Ni hEidhin ©, Brianna Ni Fhearragh, Mary Anne Nic a Bhaird, Maria Ni hEidhinn, Síle Ní Fhearraigh ©, Maria Ní Ghallchóir, Aoibhin Ní Chasaide
SUBS USED | Áine Ní Fhearraigh for Síle Ní Fhearraigh (44)
SUBS NOT USED | Nadia Nic Aoidh, Ella Nic íomhair, Aoife Nic Aoidh, Emma Nic Cumhaill
TEACHER | Michelle Ferguson
MATCH OFFICIAL | Dessie McLaughlin (Donegal)