Mayo school advance to All-Ireland final after penalty shoot-out

St. Joseph’s SS, Foxford 0

Carrigtwohill Community College 0

(AET)

(Foxford won 5-4 on penalties)

ST. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, came through a tense penalty shoot-out following a scoreless draw in extra time to see off Cork outfit Carrigtwohill Community College in Ennis to advance to the FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Girls National Cup Final (Under 14, Small Schools).

Foxford netminder Erin Dootson managed to save a penalty and also convert one in a dramatic sudden death showdown, with Caoimhe Noone coming forward to unleash the sixth and winning spot kick, with Ryan Merchant’s crew finally managing to overcome their talented opponents 5-4 to advance to the national cup final.

The game was played in far from ideal conditions and chances were limited in an entertaining encounter as Carrigtwohill’s Amelia Sheehan, Kinga Prajsnar and Aisling Kennedy impressed.

The Munster side were linking up well but the St. Joseph’s defence held the line to clear any danger in the early exchanges with Dootson, Shauna Breslin and Deidi Killeen performing heroics.

The best chance of the game came midway through the second half. Shauna Breslin had a fabulous strike on target but Carrigtwohill’s Lily Burke Curley pulled off a marvellous save to deny the Foxford captain.

Carrigtwohill also had a chance for the match winner late on, but Dootson saved comfortably from an effort on the edge of the box.

Both 'keepers were impressive throughout as neither side could break the deadlock, with Foxford just narrowly coming through in the end.

The national cup final is down for decision on Wednesday, September 27.

St. Joseph’s Secondary School: Erin Dootson, Emily McHugh, Aoife Kenny, Deidi Killeen, Abbie O’Brien, Caoimhe Noone, Sarah Gallagher, Amy McHugh, Aoibhe McConneloghue, Shauna Breslin, Ciara Connick.

Subs: Katie Ruddy, Laoise Doherty, Tiffany Moyles, Clodagh Lawless, Lily Rowland.

Teacher: Ryan Merchant.