Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana miss out on Women’s All-Ireland Under-20 title

Scoil Mhuire Buncrana lost out in extra-time in the FAI Schools Senior Girls National Cup final to Presentation Secondary School, Thurles on Monday.

The Buncrana side went into the match trying to go back-to-back in the competition. Scoil Mhuire were immediately under pressure early on with goalkeeper Hollie Ferguson making a great save to deny Thurles the opener. 

Thurles continued the early onslaught with Grace Flanagan having a freekick go just over the crossbar.

Scoil Mhuire responded well though with Bria McGilloway having her effort stopped by opposition keeper Caitlin Shelly. So both sides had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at the break. 

The second half began with both teams tussling for pole position. Thurles continued creating chances with one going wide and another just over the bar within seven minutes. 

Buncrana did well to fend them off while also trying to make something for themselves. After a tight-fought second half and both sides level, the match went to extra time.

13 minutes into extra-time, Thurles found a breakthrough as Molly O’Dwyer netted for the Tipperary side. 

It was a heartbreaking ending for Scoil Mhuire who put in a great effort and tried to make chances of their own throughout.

Scoil Mhuire: Ferguson; Graham, McGee, Deehan, Loughrey, Gill, McDonnell, Loughrey, McGilloway; Doherty, Bradley. 

Presentation, Thurles: Shelly; Maher, O’Dwyer, Dawn, Coppinger, Flanagan, Ryan, Shelly, Breslin; Shorley, Kirwan.