St. Fiacc’s began the 2016 campaign in the County Carlow section winning all matches with 24 goals scored & none conceded. Fiacc’s then progressed to the South Leinster Finals in Bunclody and faced stronger opposition but luckily won all matches again, scoring 11 goals conceding none.
In this years’ Leinster finals, played in atrocious weather conditions, St. Fiacc’s had to wait until the very last game to seal victory! Having won the first match 3-0, they lost match 2 by 2-1. Needing to win their last game they were down 2-0 with 5 minutes gone. Heads did not go down however and these very talented girls showed their determination by fighting back to beat a strong team 5-3.
Goalkeeper Georgina McManus was strong & dependable throughout with defenders Grace Cullen and Jasmine Kinsella well organised and midfielders Kelly O’Neill & Kate McDonald bossing the game. Up front Emma Walker, Teskira Jimoh, Ellen Redmond were clinical in netting when required. Kelly O’Neill & Kate McDonald were the Carlow School’s top scorers.
The Longford representatives Melview NS certainly did themselves proud. After a somewhat nervous opening against South Leinster Champions St Fiaac’s, the girls really got into their stride!
The physically stronger St. Fiacc’s girls coped better with the strong wind and torrential rain to secure a victory. More drama was to follow as Good Council then defeated St. Fiaac’s to leave all teams in the group level on points.
The Melview girls seized their opportunity and played really well in their final game against Good Council. however they no longer had control over their own destiny!
The last game between St. Evan’s and St. Fiaac’s proved nerve wrecking for the girls watching. St. Evan’s took an early 2 goal lead… a victory for them or even a draw would see Melview crowned Leinster champions for the very first time in the school’s history. However the Carlow girls fought back and with the aid of a very strong wind in the second half, they emerged victorious to clinch the title.
We wish them every success in the All-Ireland finals this Wednesday.
St. Fiacc’s NS, Graiguecullen, Carlow: Georgina McManus, Grace Cullen, Kelly O’Neill, Kate McDonald, Jasmine Kinsella, Teskira Jimoh, Ellen Redmond, Emma Walker
Teachers: Miss Nolan & Miss Walsh. Assistant coach: Kevin Bohanna
