Claremorris girls claim provincial Under 17 crown

CONNAUGHT UNDER 17 GIRLS CUP FINAL

Claremorris 1

Athenry 0

CLAREMORRIS held off a late barrage from Athenry to win the Connaught Under 17 Girls Cup last Sunday morning in Solar 21 Park.

The Galway side very quickly showed they would be a danger throughout the match but Claremorris soon grew into the game. Seven minutes in and a corner from Alyssa Murphy found Roisin Horkan who powered a header home.

The girls on green dominated the rest of the half but couldn't add to the opener.

The second half saw Athenry take the initiative but were kept at bay by an outstanding defence led by player of the match Siomha McNulty. Time was running out and Alyssa Murphy and Bree Hession forced some fine saves from the Athenry goalkeeper.

There were jubilant scenes at the final whistle as Claremorris celebrated a hard earned but well deserved win over a terrific Athenry side.

Afterwards Claremorris Under 17 girls manager Ger Ronayne paid tribute to his side.

"Having been together since they were Under 12 and having won multiple county league and cup doubles, it was great to see the girls show their potential and win a provincial competition.

“The heart and courage shown to go again after narrowly missing out on provincial and national honours last year is great testament to this squad. Every one of the squad contributed to winning the Connacht Cup and can be rightly proud of themselves."

Claremorris: Naoise Heffernan, Isobel Philips, Emma Walsh, Siomha McNulty, Saoirse Ronayne, Caoilinn Walsh, Ashling Cummins, Amy Cummins, Bree Hession, Roisin Horkan (captain), Alyssa Murphy, Emma Higgins, Katie Clarke, Eabha Finnerty, Cara Higgins, Jessica Higgins, Emily Foy, Alisha Slattery, Mary Ann Ward, Ruby Jennings, Alana Kelly, Ebony Gruba.