Republic of Ireland win Bob Docherty Cup

THE Republic of Ireland have won the 2018 Bob Docherty Cup with a comeback victory over England this afternoon.

Lydia Hudson broke the deadlock on 29 minutes to put England ahead after some persistent pressure on the Irish back four, but it was a different story in the second half.

The equaliser came on 44 minutes when Muireann Devaney fired in a sensational effort, and it was no more than the Irish deserved at that stage.

Better was to follow as Erin McLoughlin headed home a Shauna Brennan cross just 10 minutes later to fire Ireland into the lead, one which they wouldn't surrender over the closing stages.

The Republic of Ireland and England went into the game with two wins each, the former having accounted for Scotland (4-0) and Northern Ireland B (5-0) and the latter having seen off Northern Ireland A (2-1) and Wales (2-0). It really was a winner-takes-all scenario at Ulster University, Jordanstown, this afternoon.

It's the first time Ireland have won the Under 15 girls international tournament since 2010. That squad featured Sarah Rowe of St. Mary's Secondary School, Ballina, while this year's group had two from Mayo - Kate O'Dowd, who attends St. Nathy's College, Ballaghaderreen, and Emer O'Neill, a student at St. Louis Community School, Kiltimagh.

Additionally, the management set-up includes head coach Richie Berkeley of Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh, a former Castlebar Celtic coach, and performance analyst Emma Mullin, a former Castlebar Celtic and Ballinrobe Town player.