Christ King Girls’ crowned All Ireland Senior Champions

UMBRO FAI Schools Senior Girls National Final

Christ King Girls’ SS, Cork 2 (Amanda Budden (8), Megan Connolly (42)) - 1 Alexandra College, Dublin (Deidre Duke (74))

Christ King Girls’ Secondary School from Cork were crowned UMBRO FAI Schools Senior Cup champions yesterday (27 April) at the Regional Sports Centre in Waterford following an enthralling victory over Alexandra College, Dublin.

This was the first time in the Schools history that they achieved such a feat and there were jubilant celebrations when former Schools International Yvonne Cahill stepped up to accept the Cup.

The Munster Champions had a near perfect start to the game with a goal on eight minutes courtesy of Wilton club player Amanda Budden. The underage International swapped her number one keeper’s jersey to star in a midfield role for her School and the change worked dividends throughout the match.

Budden was on hand to slot past Hollywood from close range after good link play with Claire Cooney and Julia White. Fergal O’Leary’s side had the upper hand in the first twenty minutes much to the Leinster ladies frustration.

Within minutes of conceding their first goal, Dave Collins team were denied a penalty opportunity which could have turned the game in their favour but referee Walsh waved play on.

Juliet and Emily Beatty both missed half chances for Alexandra College as the interval approached.

There was a long spell of injury time played in the first period with Alex players experiencing a momentarily lapse in concentration which ultimately led to Cork’s second of the afternoon.

Megan Connolly’s penetrating run was lethal down the wing as her speed was too much for the Dublin defence. Connolly found space in the box and released a thunderous shot on goal from ten yards out leaving Alicia Hollywood stranded in goal.

Alex introduced Grace Conway for Emma Garvey at half time and Conway was soon into the action as she released Meghan Healy in midfield. The Monaghan United player used her physical presence to press forward and she placed a great ball in space for Juliet Beatty to run onto. Beatty was again denied by some solid goalkeeping from Jessica Kavanagh.

Dublin never gave up and their hard work throughout the second half was rewarded with a goal from hockey International, Deirdre Duke. This ensured a nervous few minutes for O’Leary’s side as a late equaliser could have brought the game into extra time. Aisling Burke and Kate O’Donnell were winning possession for the Leinster side but the final ball to the forward line was intercepted frequently by the impressive Yvonne Cahill and Laura Cooney. The pair were on hand to avert the threat of extra time as they controlled the Cork defence. The Cork School held on to the one goal cushion to claim a historic win for the Corkian’s.

Alexandra College: Alicia Hollywood, Rachel Healy, Erika Hinkson, Robin McCartan, Kate O'Donnell, Aisling Burke, Emma Garvey, Deirdre Duke, Meghan Healy , Emily Beatty, Juliet Beatty

Subs: Grace Conway for Emma Garvey (h/t), Cathy McEvoy, Hannah McDermott, Lucy O'Donoghue, Kate Lenehan, Ulrica Madden, Hannah Levins, Victoria Gaskin, Sorcha Dorman for Kate O’Donnell (65), Ceara Dorman

Teacher: Dave Collins

Christ King Girls’ Secondary School, Cork: Jessica Kavanagh, Rebecca Casey, Susan Mullane, Pamela Mackey, Laura Cooney, Yvonne Cahill (Captain), Amanda Budden, Julia White, Claire Cooney, Megan Connolly, Chloe Murphy

Subs: Caroline Sexton for Chloe Murphy (54), Aisling Moore, Sarah Geaney, Hayley Murphy, Dianne Dowling (GK), Siobhain O Mahony, Muireann Murphy, Liz Dorgan, Catriona Mackey, Sinead Duggan, Kelly Humphries O Neill, Ciara O Regan

Teacher: Fergal O’Leary

Referee: Anthony Walsh (Waterford)

To promote the game of Association Football in all schools, contact Diane O'Neill National Administrative Officer Football Association of Ireland Schools at diane.fay@fai.ie or on 01 8999522