CARNDONAGH Community School were crowned SAFIB Rod Houston Cup Champions for 2019 in Lilleshall on Friday following a 3-1 victory over Welsh outfit Ysgol Glan Clwdy, Saint Asaph.
Conor Doherty’s side were in a commanding position heading into the final game following comprehensive victories over their English counterparts, defeating Crompton House School 4-2 in the opening game on Wednesday.
This was followed up with an impressive 4-0 win over Shenfield High School, Essex.
The game was scoreless after ten minutes with the best chance coming from Ellie Long’s set piece, her effort from 25 yards out smashed off the crossbar.
However, the deadlock was broken four minutes from the interval when Seaneen Crumlish produced a beautifully weighted ball to the feet of the dynamic Ailish Doherty to slot home.
Alana Brennan was on hand eight minutes into the restart to double the Irish girls advantage with a brilliant goal to take it to 2-0.
The Welsh fought to get a foothold on proceedings and their good work was rewarded a few minutes later when Egan Galeandro pulled one back, 2-1.
The contest was wrapped up ten minutes from time when the impressive Ellie Long turned supplier for Ailish Doherty’s second and Carndonagh’s third of the morning.
The Welsh keeper Doran was outstanding throughout the game and her heroics ensured the game ended 3-1 after a pulsating contest.
The other game saw an epic battle between last year’s English Cup finalists with Shenfield High School, Essex yet again overcoming Crompton High School, Oldham 3-2 to secure the bragging rights.
Cadi DORAN of Ysgol Glan Clwyd was named Player of the Tournament and Carol Brown was on hand to present the Nigel Brown Cup to the young goalkeeper who had a sensational campaign over the three days in Lilleshall.
The Carndonagh girls will be celebrating tonight following their sensational performances, amassing 11 goals in 3 games and only conceding 3. A testament to Sue Lafferty and her defensive team. The goal scoring prowess of Ailish Doherty saw her goal tally finish with six while Alana Brennan converted three, two of which were from her weaker peg!
Carndonagh join Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny in the history books as Champions of the British Isle Cup. The Cats having secured the silverware in 2017 while previous contestants Sacred Heart School, Westport (2018) and Ursuline College, Sligo (2016) were runners up. A superb record for Irish schools at this level.
Carndonagh Community School: Samantha McLaughlin, Suzie Lafferty, Ellie Long, Ailish Doherty, Imogen Diver, Seaneen Crumlish, Cora McCaul, Alanah Brennan, Aisling Doherty, Fiona Dohery. Clara Gill, Aoife McCarron, Erin Grant, Niamh Devlin, Jenna Gallagher, Julia Grant, Rachel McLaughlin, Courtney Gallagher
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