Strong second half leads Pres Kilkenny into final
Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny 2, Carndonagh Community School 1
A strong second half comeback saw the Presentation Secondary School see off the challenge of Ulster champions Carndonagh Community School to book their place in the FAI Schools Junior Girls’ National Cup final.
The Kilkenny girls made a positive start to their semi-final at Oriel Park, with Meadhbh Doherty forcing a brilliant stop from Carn netminder Imogen McCallion after six minutes. They went close again 10 minutes later when Kate Ryan hit the post for the Cats.
Carndonagh held that lead until half-time, but it didn’t take Kilkenny long to equalise. The new half was only eight minutes old when Pres captain Olivia Dunphy saw her corner kick sneak in at the near post.
The Pres took the lead 15 minutes from time when Meadhbh Doherty latched onto a long ball from the impressive substitute Kate Dalton before finishing smartly from six yards out. Carndonagh pressed for an equaliser but couldn’t break down the Kilkenny defence.
The Pres, who have already secured the Senior Girls National Cup, will be looking to add the Junior crown to their trophy cabinet this season. They will face Presentation Athenry, who beat Scoil Mhuire Greenhill 2-1, in the final on Wednesday, March 19. Kick-off in Athlone is at 1pm.
Presentation SS Kilkenny: Isabelle Carroll, Anna Morrissey, Roisin Foley, Hannah Griffey, Maria Ryan, Ellie Barron, Kate Ryan, Olivia Dunphy, Emily Phelan, Meadhbh Doherty, Ellen Treacy. Subs: Brooke Quirke for Treacy, Kate Dalton for K Ryan.
Carndonagh CS: Imogen McCallion, Rachael Doherty, Aoife Doherty, Alannah Curran, Aine McLaughlin, Jamie Lee Collins, Niamh Lafferty, Leona Duffy, Maeve Doherty, Orla Ward, Alannah McLaughlin. Subs: Saoirse Monagle for McLaughlin, Ciara Devine for R Doherty, Holly Fallen for A McLaughlin, Ella McLaughlin for Duffy, Malanie McGoldrick for M Doherty.
Referee: Eamonn Philips (Louth).