St. Joseph’s SS, Foxford 2-1 Coláiste Oiriall, Muineachán (AET)

Coláiste Oiriall were defeated in extra time by St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford in the FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup (Under 20, Small Schools) following some frantic extra-time drama in Athlone Town AFC in February 2023.  Éabha Ní Shearraigh side-stepped two defenders to rifle the ball to the top of the net to clinch Oiriall’s only goal. Foxford pulled back a goal before half-time and scored the second vital goal in the second half of extra time to achieve victory for the Mayo school

Coláiste Oiriall was definitely the surprise package of this campaign as it was their first time entering the competition. Seán Ó Mairtín’s side secured the Provincial crown by defeating 4-time National Champions Mulroy College, Milford on penalties following a one-all stalemate. Crá croí do ghirseacha Oiriall ach éacht iontach dóibh agus iad ag imirt sacair le chéile don chéad uair i mbliana.

Coláiste Oiriall served up some brilliant football only to be pipped by the hardworking Connacht stars.  The first real opportunity fell to Coláiste Oiriall stalwart Scarlett Ni Earáin who forced a terrific save from Foxford’s number one Amber Hardy after 19 minutes.

Again, Ni Earáin was instrumental in the breakthrough moment with just a minute of the first half remaining.  Holly Nic Uaid won the ball inside her own half and played in Scarlett Ni Earáin at the half-way line.  The captain made a powerful run taking 3 defenders out as she played a lovely, weighted pass to Éabha Nic Searraigh who side-stepped two defenders to rifle the ball to the top of the net.

The Foxford girls thought they hit the equaliser on 54 minutes, but the goal was disallowed for a handball in the build-up.  The Monaghan outfit had chances to go ahead with Sorcha Ni Dhonghaile coming close as well as goalscorer, NicSearraigh.

Foxford was rewarded with a goal with  ten minutes remaining as a long ball from a kick out was met on the half-way line by Emma Walsh who fired the ball forward to Sotoparra to latch onto. The Captain hooked the ball past the keeper to the far post.  The game ended one apiece to take it to extra time.

The Ulster side saw Scarlett Ni Earáin go on another hazy run three minutes into the first period and she was about to strike when Éabha NicSearraigh popped up to see her piledriver ricochet off the post.

The second half of extra time proved decisive for St. Joseph’s. Four minutes in, it was route one from goalkeeper Amber Hardy to Mila Sotoparra upfront. The youngster saw off two defenders to sweep the ball into the net for her second of the afternoon.  Indeed, Monaghan had chances to equalise late on as Nic Searraigh came close, but Foxford held out for an historic win. A dramatic comeback from a talented group of players.

Coláiste Oiriall were definitely the surprise package of this campaign as it was their first time entering the competition. Seán Ó Mairtín’s side secured the Provincial crown by defeating 4-time National Champions Mulroy College, Milford on penalties following a one-all stalemate. Bhí bliain ar dóigh ag girseacha Oiriall agus seo an chéad bhliain sa chomórtas.  Tá muid iontach bródúil astu.

Foireann: Órna Ní Cheallaigh, Amy Ní Ródaigh, Cliondna Birt, Lauren Ní Mharcaigh, Deirbhla Ní Chianáin, Scarlett Ní Earáin ©, , Abi Ní Chearúlláin, Kerrie-Anne Breathnach, Sorcha Ní Dhonghaile, Éabha Níc Searraigh, Holly Nic Uaid

Ionadaithe: Kate Ní Mearain for Ní Cheallaigh (HT of ET), Hannah Nic Uaid for Holly Nic Uaid (93), Aisling Ní Shuilleabhán, Grace Nic Cormaic, Scarlett Nic Cormaic Aislinn Nic Pháidín,  Fiona Nic Giolla Thuile, Caoimhe Ní Neill