FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Girls National Cup Final (Under 14, Small Schools)
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Rosses Community School, Dungloe 2-1 St. Jarlath’s College, Tuam
Emily Doogan (22), Marie McGee (33) Sophie Parsons Warren (2)
ROSSES COMMUNITY SCHOOL, DUNGLOE secured a second FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Girls National Cup in four years following their epic encounter against newbies St. Jarlath’s College, Tuam at the Showgrounds, Sligo Rovers FC yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, May 21).
The Dungloe girls had to come from a goal down to secure a sweet win, netting a goal either side of half time to cancel out Tuam’s early advantage.
It was only St. Jarlath’s second year playing girls football, so they were the surprise package this season taking a massive scalp in their 4-1 victory over reigning Champions, Glenamaddy Community School in their provincial decider. While they continued this rich vein of form to overcome a talented St. Joseph’s College, Borrisleigh 2-1 in the National Cup Semi Final decider.
Their pedigree showed early on as the talented Sophie PARSONS WARREN scored inside ninety seconds of kick-off. The ball sneaking past Grannell at the near post.
The Galway outfit looked to be on the front foot for much of the first half, but the hardworking Rosses equalised three minutes from the break.
The industrious Emily DOOGAN with a superb free kick from 25 yards out to slot past Paulina Smolka, leaving it one apiece at interval.
Dungloe then took the lead eight minutes into the restart with a brilliant effort from Maria McGEE.
Ellie Harty O’Brien, Sophie Parsons Warren and Ella Mannion impressed for Tuam but despite their best efforts, they couldn’t penetrate a solid Donegal defence, marshalled well by their Captain Doogan.
Rosses were well coached to manage the game out in the closing stages, a frustrating end for the Tuam youngsters who gave everything to the cause.
The Dungloe contingency were value for money with a brilliant overall team performance with special mention for Gracie O’Donnell soldiering through despite illness.
Eibhlín Ní Fhearraigh joins the elite ranks alongside colleague Karen Boyle in helping achieve top marks for the First Year scholars at national level.
There is more to come from both teams in the future, judging from their inspiring display in Sligo.
ROSSES COMMUNITY SCHOOL, DUNGLOE | Rianna Grannell, Gracie O’Donnell, Leah Ward, Emily Doogan ©, Áine Meehan, Evanne Bonner, Ella Campbell, Orla Barrett, Marie McGee, Ella Bonner, Ellie Mae Ward
SUBS (ROLL ON/OFF) | Mary Beatty, Chloe Boyle, Alesha Duddy, Chloe Boyle, Kayleigh Saville, Mary Gallagher, Mollie McHugh, Chloe Wilson
MANAGEMENT |Eibhlín Ní Fhearraigh, Helena Melly, John Frances Doogan
ST. JARLATH’S COLLEGE, TUAM | Paulina Smolka, Katie McHugh, Belle Keating, Abbie Harty, Éabha Connolly, Sophie Parsons Warren ©, Laoise Healy, Ellie Harty O’Brien, Frankie Quinn, Ella Mannion, Ellie Mai Kavanagh
SUBS (ROLL ON /OFF) | Robyn Coleman, Aoife Ryder, Caoimhe Langan, Kaja Swiedoda, Isabella Connell, Clara Holian, Emma Lawlor
EXTENDED SQUAD | Holly Henry, Chloe Connaughton, Katie Ward
MANAGEMENT | Martin Grogan, Jamie Murphy
MATCH OFFICIAL | Cian Kilcoyne (Sligo)
