Salthll Devon's U17 girls have claimed this season's FAI Cup, after winning 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw with Claremorris at Eamon Deacy Park on Sunday night.
From the opening whistle the home side took control of the tie, but opposition goal striker Amber O’Donnell came close when carving out an effort which whistled past the post from outside the box.
As Salthill managed to control the play in the middle, they manufactured a free kick which from long range flew wide of the Claremorris goal as the Claremorris defence were well marshalled by Saoirse Ronayane and Emma Walsh.
The Galway side continued to make inroads but O’Donnell’s controlled effort brushed the post, while Claremorris on the counter, had an effort stopped by the goalie as both sides were deadlocked at the break.
Both sides started to create more goal chances as both defences suffered in the poor weather. Naoise Heffernan in the Claremorris goal managed to keep out another long-range effort from Kaeiah Tobin, before Claremorris took control but once again the effort, from Bree Hession, was fired straight at the keeper.
However, as the game headed towards the second water break Salthill took the lead against run of play when Rhia Stone managed to find some much-needed composure to hit the back of the net to give her side the lead.
After the final water break it was all Claremorris up. They carved two more half chances before Caoilinn Walsh ran down the wing and drove into the box, but her effort was well saved by Frances Hardy in the opposition goal.
Eventually Claremorris scored the necessary goal through a Bree Hession free to send the game into extra time, and then penalties.
It ensured Salthill prevailed 4-2 on penalty goals from Kaeiah Tobin, Klara Banek, Daisy O’Connell and Rhia Stone.
Salthill Devon: Frances Hardy, Isabel Fahy, Anna Daly, Maria Costello, Klara Banek, Daisy O’Connell (C ), Daria Brennan, Kaeiah Tobin, Elle Brennan, Lauren O’ Donnell, Rhia Stone Subs used: Aoife Summerville for Rhia Stone
Claremorris: Naoise Heffernan, Ashling Cummins, Siomha McNulty, Saoirse Ronayne, Emma Walsh, Jessica Higgins, Amy Cummins, Roisin Horkan (C ), Bree Hession, Caoilinn Walsh, Katie Clarke. Subs used: Jessica Higgins for Clara Higgins, Katie Clarke for Bree Hession.
