A series of incredible performances saw the pupils from St Leonard’s NS become the first Kilkenny school to be crowned FAI national soccer champions!
The side from Dunnamaggin scaled the heights when they were became FAI Schools Primary Fives champions at the Aviva Stadium. St Leonard’s had unfinished business as they set off to compete in the ‘A’ Girls Cup at the national soccer stadium - they had appeared three times before, scoring a fourth place finish in the ‘A’ Cup in 2010 and a silver medal in 2015 while also capturing third in 2024 in the same division.
This year’s small girls’ school competition pitted St Leonard’s against Lankill NS from Westport, Tipperary’s Cloughjordan NS, Tipperary (Munster) and Scoil Náisiúnta an Choimín, Dún na nGall (Ulster).
This year, having won well in Kilkenny, South Leinster and Leinster, the side — seven of the eight players returned with mentors Mary Moylan and Mick Lyons — left nothing to chance. The girls trained well, had a challenge match and entered the stadium focused and calm.
With their supporters cheering them on as they took to the field, they faced Munster side Cloughjordan in their opening game. Nerves meant the sides reached half-time goalless. However, with encouragement from their coaches, they emerged a different side, scoring three times to secure a 3-0 win.
Next up was the Ulster side. This was a tight match, a goal from Ruth Moylan separating the sides at full-time, with saves from goalkeeper Meabh O’Sullivan proving vital.
The final match was against Connacht’s Lankill. The girls could see the finish line and played with great determination. They scored four goals, including a super penalty from Keira.
When the final whistle blew, the players and their fans went wild — St Leonard’s were champions of Ireland! The presentation of the cup to joint captains Keira Lyons and Meabh O’Sullivan was followed by the announcement of Meabh as player of the tournament — she had not conceded a goal throughout. There were incredible scenes of huge joy from parents teachers and school friends.
As the arrived back to Dunnamaggin, the bus driver blew the horn to let people know their heroes were back, they were greeted with cheering and clapping — it was a day to remember for the girls, their parents and the school.
St Leonard’s NS - Keira Lyons (joint captain), Meabh O’Sullivan (joint captains), Ruth Moylan, Aoife McCormack, Aimee Hickey, Leah Lahart, Emily O’Neill, Rachel Hurley.
Coaches - Mick Lyons, Mary Moylan.
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