Two Mayo players involved in Ireland's latest win in Bob Docherty Cup
Ballina's Keeva Flynn and Ballyheane's Emma Duffy saw gametime as the Republic of Ireland schools backed up their remarkable performance which saw them defeat a formidable English side 4-1 by overcoming a hardworking Northern Ireland outfit 4-3 yesterday afternoon in their penultimate game of the Bob Docherty Cup.
Richard Berkeley’s side were 3-0 up inside the first seven minutes with an opening goal less than 90 second in from Colaiste Iognaid, Galway pupil Emily Fitzgerald who shot from outside the box on her left peg. And this was followed up moments later by a magnificent brace from St. Anne’s SS, Tipperary scholar Leah McGrath. Her second was courtesy of a well placed corner from Coláiste an Chraoibín, Fermoy grad Kiera Sena.
The North were hoping to bounce back from falling to a four nil defeat to England in their opening game on Sunday and it took them awhile to gather momentum as Eva Myles grabbed one back to make it 3-1 inside 24 minutes.
Captain Hannah Healy forced a wonderful save from the Northern Ireland keeper while Kiera Sen’a set-piece just before the interval hit the woodwork and Healy dragged her rebounded effort inches from the post. It ended 3-1 at half-time.
Sophie McKnight reduced the deficit to just one when she converted a long range effort with the bounce deceiving Hollie Homan in goal to make it 2-3 with just four minutes of the second period played.
Gracie Conway forced a brilliant save from Homan on 44 minutes as the Republic found their shooting boots again. Five minutes on, Kiera Sena got on the score-sheet with a super goal following a long ball from Homan. McGrath picked it up at midfield and sent a delightful through ball into Sena’s path as the Fermoy star got past the keeper to poke the ball into an empty net, 4-2.
With the Republic absorbing the Northern Ireland pressure, the final few moments were frantic and the Northern Ireland crew brought it back to 3-4 in additional time with a beautiful strike from Rhiana Breento take the gloss of the scoreline.
Ireland will play Scotland in the final tomorrow morning (Thursday) at 11 a.m.