Joy on the double for Connolly Celtic schoolgirls

Connolly Celtic schoolgirls celebrated double cup victories this week after their U-12 and U-14 teams won their cup finals against Lifford FC at the weekend.
There was some consolation for Lifford when they had a comprehensive win over Shannon Town in the U-16 final.
Bright sunshine was the order of the day at the County Grounds in Doora for three girls’ cup finals on Saturday and Sunday.

Connolly Celtic 3  Lifford 1

On Saturday, the Connolly Celtic U-12 squad, trained by Dympna Dillon and Samantha Coote, had an impressive 3-1 win with goals from Eimear Keane (2) and Fia Coote. Connolly Celtic had several early opportunities to score before Eimear Keane broke the deadlock on 20 minutes with an excellent left-foot shot from the edge of the area. Lifford equalised within minutes, however, as the Connolly defence failed to clear under pressure, leaving the score 1-1 at half-time.
Lifford began the second half the better before Martina Keane set up a goalscoring chance for Fia Coote, who applied a great finish to the Lifford net on 40 minutes. Connolly keeper Ashling Clancy twice saved superbly to keep Connolly ahead before another strike from Eimear Keane on 50 minutes ensured victory for her team. Connolly finished the game strongly and were worthy winners as the final whistle sparked great celebrations. Captain Juliette Killeen collected the trophy on behalf of the team, while goalkeeper Ashling Clancy was awarded the player of the match.
Connolly Celtic: Ashling Clancy; Leona Grace, Juliette Killeen, Emma Hickey, Eimear Kennedy, Eimear Keane, Fia Coote, Caoimhe Carmody, Martina Keane, Chloe Neylon, Áine Keane.
Subs: Emma Pyne, Isobel Killeen, Laura Devitt, Shauna Byrnes, Theresa Pyne.
Lifford: Kate McGuinness, Clare Hanrahan, Ciara Shea, Leah Sullivan, Niamh Howard, Shannon O’Donovan, Ciara Duggan, Chloe Barry, Kayleigh Rushe, Oileann Legaron-Lyons, Jessica Heneghan, Caoimhe Whelan, Rebecca Walsh, Robin Kirwin, Sarah Dickens, Mia Devitt, Melissa Shanahan.

Connolly 3  Lifford 1

The U-14 girls, trained by Seanie Cregan, needed extra-time in their final with Lifford on Sunday. Goals from Chloe Moloney (2) and Ciara Hickey helped them complete a double over the Ennis club.
The game was scoreless at full-time, despite both sides creating many chances, with Connolly Celtic enjoying most of the possession. Abigail Connellan had a great chance to score for Connolly early in extra time but failed to hit the target.
All the goals came in the second period of extra time, Chloe Moloney scoring Connolly’s first from the penalty spot. Ciara Hickey doubled their lead shortly afterwards with a brilliant header but Lifford responded almost immediately through Chloe Barry to keep them in the game.
However, Chloe Moloney had the final say with her second goal minutes from time. Kiah Baker captained the side while Abigail Connellan was awarded the player of the match trophy.
Connolly Celtic: Ashling Clancy; Rebecca Doohan, Kiah Baker, Abilail Connellan, Rebecca Cahill, Ciara Hickey, Daire Keane, Chloe Maloney, Chloe Devitt, Lorna Galvin, Aobhainn McCabe, Gráinne Cooney, Eadhaoin Hennessy, Martina Keane, Fia Coote, Eimear Kennedy.
Lifford: Áine Nash, Orlaith Nash, Marese Hayes, Alanna Blake, Ciara Whelan, Chloe O’Neill, Nina Jablonska, Becky Blake, Sarah Mullins, Sadbh Malone, Serena Maloney, Shannon O’Donovan, Chloe Barry, Muireann McAuliff, Ella Chambers.