Carrigtwohill Community School secured their second National title in recent years overcoming a skilful Salerno Secondary School, Salthill in Ballyingarry AFC, Limerick.

The Cork side had won the Minor ‘B’ Girls Cup (small schools) in 2023 and now add the Junior Girls Cup (large schools) to their roll of honours, all under the stewardship of mentor Daithí Purcell. 

It was an impressive start from the Carrigtwohill school as they netted a brace inside two minutes while a third was notched up just before the break to give them a commanding position with a half hour played.  

But to Galway’s credit, they battled back in the second half and produced more of the chances up front but just couldn’t break the strong Carrigtwohill defence as Maedhbh Carroll, Captain Clodagh Dorgan, and Emily Bernard were in top form throughout. 

Lily O’Connelly who netted a superb hat-trick in their semi-final success over Drogheda crew Our Lady’s College broke the deadlock for Carrigtwohill in the 21st minute of play. A controversial call as the linesman flagged that her long-range effort was deemed to have crossed the line as keeper Katie Lynch scarpered to retrieve the ball in a congested goalmouth. 

Within a minute, Carrigtwohill were two up as Molly DENNIS sliced through the Salthill defence to double the tally. A wonderful manoeuvre from the youngster. 

Salerno student Orla Dunne was on target with her shot, but a last-ditch tackle saw the ball go inches wide of the near post with six minutes of the half remaining. Molly Dennis converted a penalty four minutes from the break to ensure a 3-0 cushion at half-time. 

Salerno were a different unit in the second period and matched Carrigtwohill’s physicality and determination. 

Ruby Carroll grabbed a vital goal back for the Salthill challengers in the 38th minute. Holly O’Leary and Tilly Carroll had half chances from distance as the Cork side defended with their lives. 

Dennis wrapped up a sensational outing for herself when she completed her hat-trick 11 minutes from time with a smart finish past Lynch. The game ending 4-1 to Carrigtwohill. 

Bitter disappointment for the Salerno school as they captured the Minor Cup (Under 15) last season and were hoping desperately to move up the grades.  

A steely Carrigtwohill were fantastic value for money in this season’s Cup endeavours and were worthy winners serving up some delightful football enroute to their trophy lift.

No doubt Purcell will be hatching plans for a hat-trick of victories himself for next season! 

Carrigtwohill Community School: Emily Bernard, Teagan O’Sullivan, Ellie O’Shea, Clodagh Dorgan, Maedhbh Carroll, Rachel Barrett (Kayla Kidney Swart 69), Amelia Sheehan, Olivia O’Sullivan, Lily O’Connell, Molly Dennis, Kinga Prajsnar.

Substitutes Not Used: Aisling Kennedy, Megan Walker, Sarah Kelleher, Taylor Harris, Kayla Kidney Swart, Kara Fitzgerald, Erica Dorney.

Extended Squad: Kaelyn O’Sullivan, Niamh Seymour.

Teacher: Daithí Purcell & Nora Cronin.

Salerno Secondary School, Salthill: Katie Lynch, Ruby Carroll, Anna Murphy, Ava Costello, Niamh McGauran (Avarose O’Gorman 69), Abbie Killeen, Ana Conway (Orla Costello 65), Ciara Coyle, Holly O’Leary, Orna Dunne (Grace Coyle 46), Tilly Carroll.​​​​​​​

Substitutes Not Used: Emily Jean Killeen, Amber O’Leary, Kayleigh Burke, Rachel O’Grady.

Extended Squad: Madisson Earley, Elizabeth Mannion, Lauren Costelloe, Anna Fiorentini, Lily Stone, Amy McCallig, Emily Watson, Danielle Earley, Roisin Heinz Ward.

Teacher:| Rachel Morrisey.

Coach: Conor Killeen.

Referee: Ed Darcy (Limerick).