Galway United 1

Cliftonville 0

By Mike Rafferty at The Showgrounds

BEFORE a large travelling support, history was made on Sunday when Galway United Women won a national trophy in their debut season by annexing the Avenir Sports All-Island Cup in impressive fashion at the Sligo Showgrounds.

With the Republic of Ireland in World Cup action, this new competition between teams North and South of the border was set up to give players’ game time following the suspension of the Women’s National League, and the culmination at the weekend was a success for a Galway United side who are in a nice vein of form in a six-match unbeaten run.

Gemma McGuinness, who was returning to her old stomping ground where she played for Sligo Rovers last season, scored a memorable opening half goal for what proved to be the match-winner. On an occasion when other opportunities went abegging, United probably made life hard for themselves by not turning opening half supremacy into more goals.

There was somewhat of a role reversal on the resumption as the Belfast based Cliftonville enjoyed more possession, but for all their supremacy, they seldom threatened the United goal where Jessica Berlin was assured and confident in dealing with all the routine stuff that was sent in her direction.

Obviously the long final whistle brought great joy to all involved with Galway United, as the squad and management celebrated on the pitch. There is no doubt their victory was a worthy one. With half the side populated with talented teenagers and a strong level of experience spread amongst the rest, this team was delivering on the performances they have shown in the Women’s National League all season.

Manager Phil Trill had his strongest starting eleven available and an example of their strength in depth was that they could also introduce two U19 internationals in Nicole McNamara and Rola Olusola during the second half.

Pictured: Emma McGuiness of Galway United in action against Orleigha McGuinness of Cliftonville during the Avenir Sports All-Island Cup Final at the Sligo Showgrouns on Sunday. Photo: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile.