Coonagh Aisling



Coonagh(4) Aisling(1)

U14 League Final


Coonagh Utd U14 Winners
The final of the LWSSL Umbro u14 girl’s soccer league took place last Sunday evening 27th June at the splendidly appointed Aisling-Annacotty grounds between the holders, Coonagh Utd and Aisling-Annacotty. On a fine evening, a wonderful game was served up by both sides and even though Coonagh did eventually run out 4-1 winners, it does not reflect the efforts of a highly motivated and competitive Aisling side. The first half was a very close affair, both sides were evenly matched, creating a number of chances but each side spurned the chance to take the lead. Coonagh’s defence, ably martialed by goalkeeper Hannah Bermingham, held the Aisling attack at bay and despite the best efforts of Megan Foley, Aoife Hogan and Caroline Crotty, the lead goal just would not come for Aisling-Annacotty . Coonagh were always dangerous on the break through Paulina Szmist but good defensive work from Caoimhe Lyons and Kate Feeney of Aisling kept their goal intact . The first half closed with Aisling-Annacotty’s best chance of the first half , a superb free-kick from Sarah Shortt hitting the Coonagh cross-bar and bouncing over, much to the relief of the Coonagh defence . A different Coonagh team seemed to take the field for the second half with Rebecca Foley scoring the lead goal within two minutes of the re-start. The killer goal came two minutes later when Coonagh’s lead was doubled after a fine solo effort by Paulina Smizst. Coonagh had moved their efforts up a gear and the Aisling girls were just not able to respond. Coonagh were at this point in the ascendancy and with the midfield dominance of Aoife and Jane Wilson ably assisted by Laura O Neill , it came as no surprise when Paulina Szmist supplied the pass for ace goalscorer Aoife Wilson to notch the third goal . Aisling tried their best to get back into the game through their midfield trio of Sarah Khan, Aine Mooney and Grace Donovan but it was difficult to breach the Coonagh back four of Keelin Shanahan, Laura O Connor, Sinead McNamara and Colette McNamara is such fine form. As the game moved into its last quarter, the Coonagh strike partnership of Rebecca Foley and Becky Danaher were causing problems for the hard pressed Aisling defence. Emma Guinane came on a replacement for Rebecca Foley and didn’t take long for Emma to add to her season’s tally by scoring the fourth and final Coonagh goal. To their credit Aisling kept plugging away looking for the consolation goal they so richly deserved. They were rewarded when Megan Foley scored after good work from Selina Hyde and Laura Phelan. As the game entered its last few minutes , all the girls who had contributed to a wonderful season for Coonagh Utd , Jane Kirwan , Orla Shiel , Emma O Brien and Lisa O’Callaghan came on to make their contributions to this fine victory. At the final whistle, Coonagh Utd ran out deserved winners of the 2010 u14 LWSSL Umbro title on a 4-1 shoreline. It is only fair to note the display of Jane Wilson, who , as man of the match , was once again outstanding for her team. Amidst great excitement and celebration, the cup was presented by FAI Munster Women’s Development Officer, Carol Murphy, to the inspirational Coonagh Utd captain, Colette McNamara who sportingly called for three cheers for Aisling-Annacotty. Coonagh Utd : Hannah Bermingham , Keelin Shanahan , Laura O Connor , Sinead McNamara , Colette McNamara , Aoife Wilson , Jane Wilson , Laura O Neill, Paulina Szmist , Rebecca Foley , Becky Danaher, Emma Guinane , Jane Kirwan , Orla Shiel , Emma O Brien and Lisa O’Callaghan . Aisling-Annacotty : Kate Feeney , Aoife Hogan , Megan Foley , Caroline Crotty , Sarah Shortt , Sarah Khan , Selina Hyde , Grace Donovan , Jennifer Cummins , Laura Phelan , Caoimhe Lyons and Aine Mooney . The LWSSL underage committee would like to thank all the players, their parents and all the clubs who participated in this year’s u14 competition; Coonagh Utd, Aisling-Annacotty, Regional Utd, Moyross and Corbally Utd. This year’s competition has seen some great football and reflects the development of the game in Limerick city and environs. The committee would also like to wish Colette McNamara of Coonagh Utd all best as she participates in this year’s Gaynor cup competition and also wish Kate Mcevoy of Coonagh Utd a speedy recovery after her recent injury. Finally, the LWSSL underage committee would like to thank Paddy Collins and the Limerick Referees Association for their help and professionalism throughout the competition.

Aisling U14 Runners Up