U15 Girls Soccer Cup Final
On a cloudy dry Tuesday, PCH U15 girls took on a strong St. Mary’s, Ballina in a Connacht final. A squad of 2nd year girls and two 1st years put on a fine display in front of a wonderfully vocal home crowd.
Captain, Annabelle Kenny, was called on at various stages throughout the match and our back line, Elaina, Hayley (sub: Ruth), Emma and Ava B (sub: Katie O’C) were sturdy and steady against a very fast Ballina forward line.
PCH went 1-0 down from a well-taken penalty. It was a wake-up call to the girls and shortly after this Eleanor Whelan headed the ball into the back of the net from a sublime free kick by Alisha O’Malley.
Alisha then stepped up to take a penalty after a handball in the box. No mistake made and PCH took the lead.
Alannah, Lily D (sub: Lily R) ,Alison, Eda (sub: Katie F) worked tirelessly in the centre of the field and on the wings. Alison and Katie F connected really well and PCH came close on a couple of occasions. Alannah had her work cut out for her marking a very quick opponent but she played a fantastic game and did exactly what was asked of her.
A glorious corner from Eleanor W, with Lily D bringing a defender away from the goal mouth, gave Alisha the opportunity to send a first-class header into the net. 3-1 to Headford and that was how the first half ended.
Eleanor and Alisha always looked dangerous, both playing a superb game despite Eleanor carrying an injury.
Ballina got another goal back in the second half to bring the score to 3-2. A nail-biting last few minutes tested PCH’s resolve but the girls held their nerve and the match ended 3-2.
Ava H deserves a mention despite not playing today – Ava and her never-ending energy and skill was instrumental in getting us to the final. Aisling P (injury), Charlotte and Caoimhe all played and contributed in previous games.
Today’s win was a whole team effort and well-deserved.
Thanks again to our TYs (Grace, Louise, Sean, Gusi (missing his motivational speeches today), and Evan) who have helped mentor these girls and were a great help to Ms. Carey and Ms. Hopkins.
Thanks to everyone who came down and supported this incredible team today – 2nd year made their presence felt with encouraging chants and motivating cheers. Parents and teachers were there to support the girls and there was a great sense of community spirit here in Moyne Villa today.
A tremendous end to an incredibly successful season.
