Illies lift National Cup
04.10.09
Doherty’s girls romp to
8-0 win in National U11 final
By Simon McGeady, Inishowen
Independent
THE GIRLS of Illies Celtic tasted success at the Umbro
WFAI National Competition in Dublin on Saturday. The
Inishowen girls saw off all-comers on their way to the
final which they won 8-0. Their inspired display
prompted manager John Doherty to declare that ladies'
football in Inishowen is ‘at an all time high,’ and that
his side contained a handful of starlets that can go on
to represent their country in years to come.
The Illies youngsters took the competition by storm,
scoring an impressive 25 goals in seven games against
just three conceded by the Illies keeper Leanne Kelly.
In the opening match, Illies were somewhat tentative,
according to their manager, but still had too much for
the Limerick representatives, winning 3-0. A 4-0 over
the Leinster side in the second group match saw Illies
qualify for the quarter-finals with a game to spare. |
“We played Manulla in the
final group game and were already through. They beat us
2-1 which meant that they topped the group. After that
tie we had a Donegal derby with Fanad in the quarters,
which we won 5-0 and that set up a semi against the
Roscommon team, a game we won 4-1.”
The final was a rematch with the Mayo girls from the
village of Manulla. This time the Illies youngsters made
no mistake, finding the net eight times to be crowned
champions.
“The toughest game was the first match because we were a
bit nervous and wanted to get off to a good start. We
were a bit cagey but were still able to win the match.
Once we got to the quarter-finals the girls played |
 |
without any doubts.”
There were excellent performances from all twelve girls
in the squad. Alison McGonigle bagged an incredible 12
goal while Roma McLaughlin made numerous chances with
her ability on the ball.
There was a big welcome home for the team on Sunday
afternoon as they returned to the Illies with trophy in
hand.
“This result shows how strong ladies football is in
Inishowen. Two years ago an Illies side reached the
quarter-finals at U14 level. After Greencastle reached
the final of the competition at U12 level last year it’s
brilliant to have gone one further,” said Mr Doherty who
added that the win was all the more remarkable since the
team had only ever trained together twice before the
competition.
“This is the first U11 girls side the club has fielded
and Saturday was their first ever competition. But the
girls were eligible to play in the boys U10 blitz
competitions this summer and that has been good
preparation for the girls.”
For full coverage of all your weekend sport, read the
Inishowen Independent. |
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