FAI Schools First Year Girls National Cup Final (Under 14, Large Schools)
Thursday, May 22, 2025
St. Mary’s Secondary School, Nenagh 3-0 Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny
Alanna O’Carroll (15, 38), Maddie Deane (43)
ST. MARY’S SECONDARY SCHOOL, NENAGH claimed the FAI Schools First Year Girls National Cup following a dominant performance against Leinster legends Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny in Cahir Park AFC this afternoon (Thursday, May 22).
The Nenagh side had a gilt edged opportunity to take the lead nine minutes in, when Maddie Deane pulled her strike wide off the far post following Jenna McSherry’s initial shot on target which was saved brilliantly by Loreto netminder Mariana Nolan.
St. Mary’s eventually got the better of Nolan on the quarter hour mark when Alanna O’CARROLL flicked the ball over the shoulder of the Loreto keeper in stylish fashion to give the Munster stars a one goal cushion. Captain Hailee Moran Tanner playing a delightful ball into O’Carroll in the build-up.
St. Mary’s went into the break one up.
With ten minutes of the second half played, Jenna McSherry popped off a checky shot to the top corner of Nolan’s near post following a mazy run by the Nenagh player but Mariana was quick to react to palm the ball over her upright.
However, three minutes later, Alanna O’CARROLL was to double her tally and ensure a second for Eamonn Morrissey’s side. Again, it was Hailee Moran Tanner turning supplier for O’Carroll to slot home from close range.
With seven minutes remaining, Maddie DEANE made it three nil with a smart finish to ensure the Cup was going to the North of the County.
A disappointing outing for Loreto who played some wonderful football in the lead up to the finale. It just didn’t clinch for them this afternoon.
As exciting National Cup Champions, St. Mary’s will have the opportunity to represent FAI Schools in a Home Nations Tournament, the SAFIB Rod Houston Cup, in Lilleshall at a three day event which takes place from September 15 to 17.
Last season’s Cup winners, the Republic of Ireland representatives, Salerno Secondary School, Salthill won the prestigious tournament at the start of the academic season, scoring 26 goals, only conceding twice in three games as they defeated Cup winners from England, Wales and Northern Ireland to lift the trophy.
ST. MARY’S SS, NENAGH | Meabh Gleeson, Anna Costello, Jane Power, Caoimhe Kennedy, Abi O’Brien, Hailee Moran Tanner ©, Jenna McSherry, Milena Halbina, Alanna O’Carroll, Maddie Deane, Tara Hanrahan
SUBS (ROLL ON/OFF) | Abi Carr, Amy Keogh, Daisy Ryan, Jenny Talbot, Mia Dziewiatka
MANAGEMENT |Jill White, Eamonn Morrissey, Shane Doherty
LORETO SS, KILKENNY | Mariana Nolan, Lucy Wyse, Lily Brennan, Alison Walsh ©, Maggie Ellen Duggan, Grainne McDonald, Aoibhinn Kelly, Emma Walsh, Sara el Harrak, Lavena Fogarty, Lauren Daly
SUBS (ROLL ON /OFF) | Hibah Rana, Abbie McCormack, Anna Cunningham, Ava Dawson ©, Chloe Collins, Julianna Hearne, Kate Nolan
EXTENDED SQUAD | Suli McCarrick, Sophie O’Dwyer, Skye McCabe, Sarah Phelan, Saoirse Ryan, Marija Kratjevic, Kate McCormack, Hannah Ryan, Amenatou Toure, Aimee O’Sullivan
MANAGEMENT | Padraig Fitzpatrick, Barry Ryan, Davy Ryan
MATCH OFFICIAL | Paddy Keane (Tipperary)
