Salerno 6

Coláiste Na Coiribe 1

By Mike Rafferty at Fahy’s Field

Salerno Secondary School were crowned Connacht Junior (U-17) champions in Fahy’s Field on Friday last, as a powerful second half performance allowed them to win with a bit to spare.

Tilly Carroll bagged a hat-trick for the Threadneedle Road side as, after a first-half in which this contest was in the balance, Salerno went on a rich goal blast on the resumption that took them out of sight and in the process qualified to face the Ulster champions in the All-Ireland semi-final on February 24.

It was Conor Killeen and Dan Stephen’s charges who offered the greater go forward momentum from the outset, but for the most part they struggled to get past a Coláiste Na Coiribe back four where Maggie Ní Dhálaigh, Amelia Lynch Spellman, Emily Kavanagh, and Isabelle Ní Mhaonaigh excelled; while behind them goalkeeper Lil Nic Gearailt was the shining light, making a number of smart saves.

A number of players from both teams play side-by-side in the League of Ireland Academy sides of Galway United and Athlone Town, but despite that, the opening exchanges were well contested. It was Carroll who went closest to an early breakthrough as three times in the opening quarter she brought saves from Nic Gearailt.

Holly O’Leary was next to threaten, but her effort was deflected out for a corner; but in contrast, Coláiste Na Coiribe just did not enjoy the same cutting edge in attack. Jasmine Ní Threasaigh, Katie Nic an Adhaistair, Neasa Ní Ghairbhith and Jenna Rose Carroll did enjoy some momentum from midfield, but their opportunities in the last third of the park were limited.

However, they were denied a breakthrough goal on 36 minutes when Cadha Ní Chonghaile applied a smart finish to an Ellen Stenson cross, but an off-side flag ruined the moment. Moments earlier Jenny Rose Carroll made a fine run into the box, but pulled her shot across the face of goal.

In the meantime, Abbie Carroll, Grace Coyle, and Ciara Coyle generally kept Salerno on the front foot as Holly O’Leary and Anna Conway went close to giving them an advantage, before the breakthrough goal arrived on 41 minutes.

Pictured: The Salerno squad that captured the U-17 Connacht Cup last Friday. Back row, from left:  Anna Murphy, Tilly Carroll, Anna Conway, Amber O’Leary, Niamh McGauran, Katie Lynch, Elizabeth Mannion,  Orla Costello, Holly O’Leary, Madison Earley, and Kaylee Burke.