Girls UNDER 16
The Aisling Annacotty U16 girls made club history by winning the first ever girls trophy as they beat Murroe in a dramatic and keenly contested U16 League Cup final.
It was a beautiful evening for football as the two teams settled into the game after a nervous first few minutes. Aisling Annacotty had comfortably beaten Murroe in the league earlier in the season but it was evident straight away that Murroe were going to make this final a very competitive encounter. Both teams fought hard to gain control of the game with Aisling Annacotty struggling to play their usual fast paced game on a pitch more suitable for grazing than playing football. However, a few minutes before half-time, another fine cross from Captain Emma Donohoe was controlled by Finn Pearse who finished superbly for the 1stgoal of the match. Unfortunately, Murroe struck back straight away just before the half-time whistle as a thru ball was latched onto by Cara Griffin whose fine shot into the far right corner left goalie Abby McCarthy with no chance of a save.
The 2ndhalf was just as competitive as fine defensive play from our back line ofÍde Ní Ifearnáin, Charlie Hanrahan, Sarah Cleary and Anna Carr was needed to keep player of the match Cara Griffin in check. A couple of fine saves from Abby kept the game deadlocked while excellent midfield play from Rachel O’Dell, Emma, Aisling Doran and Amy Keogh created several chances for our side. Laoise Ni Aodha worked tirelessly up front but was kept at bay by the very deep defensive alignment employed by Murroe. Emer Ryan and Ciara Kelly came on as subs and gave their all to ensure the sides remained level. A shot from Emma Donohoe looked to be the match winner but the crossbar denied us victory in regulation time.
Extra time was fraught with tension as both sides pushed to score the winning goal. Laura Donaghy came on to provide extra fire power up front. Each team had their chances but the goalies did well to keep the score at 1-1.
And so, it was left to a penalty shootout to decide the outcome of the match. Emma Donohoe stepped up first and coolly shot into the corner to put our side ahead. With Abby being very active on her goal line, the 1stMurroe player shot just over the cross bar. Charlie Hanrahan then increased the lead when her shot just eluded the Murroe keeper. After the next 2 players narrowly missed their shots, Cara Griffin got Murroe back to 2-1 with an unstoppable shot into the corner. Abby McCarthy restored the lead with a finely struck shot that flew past the keeper. When the next Murroe player failed to find the back of the net, the Aisling Annacotty players were finally able to celebrate their first trophy for the club.
Acknowledgement must be given to the tremendous encouragement given by our supporters on the side-line throughout the match. The coaches Mike McCarthy, Ronan Hanrahan and John Kelly are to be thanked for all the time and effort they put in throughout the year to enable the team to achieve a successful end to the season. The other players on the panel Ally Reeves, Aoibhinn Hayes, and Katie Murphy all made vital contributions in the semi-final win over Kilmallock as this cup was won through the efforts and hard work of the entire team.
Under 13
Under 13A
Last week was a week of mixed fortune for our 13A team. First up on Wednesday evening was Fairview in the semi-final of the u13 Premier Cup. Aisling Annacotty despite dominating possession struggled to create clear scoring chances in the final 1/3 of the pitch during the match which finished 1-1 after extra time, John Ryan scoring the Annacotty Goal. The semi-final was decided by the lottery of the Penalty shoot out with Fairview prevailing to win 5-4 on penalties and advance to the Final.
On Friday evening our injury ravaged under 13 squad travelled to Athlunkard for a top of the table clash against Corbally who have kept pace with Aisling all season. In the first 15 mins, it looked like the Cup Semi result was affecting the players and we conceded an early goal. This goal only served to wake our players from their slumber and they immediately took control of the game and Leon Kirrane scored before the break to leave it 1-1 at half time. The second half saw Annacotty in complete control and further goals from Paul Maloney and Conal O'Duinn saw us run out 3-1 winners.
U13 Squad C had a great battle against Parkville FC in the Semi-final away in Knockalisheen on Friday 5th May. Captain Max Hoare lead Aisling off to an attacking start. Then a lovey pass by Conor Gaving to Darren Diaze foot sending it straight to the back of the net. Shortly afterwards another goat by Darren put us 2-0 ahead. Giving us a strong position early in the match. Aisling dominated the first half till nearer the end Parkville scored a goal 2-1 at half time. in the second half both sides played hard with Parkville counter attacking putting our defence under pressure. Both sides had chances to score but Shane Twomey made confident saves and got voted man of the match by his team mates. The whistle blew and Aisling are now through to the Final Cup Match {Score 2-1}.
Under 12
A word of congratulations to our Under 12 team who have won the Limerick District Premier League.
League Tables Results from Junior, under 17s/18s and schoolboys matches and league tables can be checked on: www.limerickjuniorsoccer.com
www.limerickdistrictschoolboyleague.net
For girls: U18s play in LWSSL
http://www.lwssl.com/temp/underage/u18lg.php
U12/14/16 play LCDUL
http://www.limerickcountysoccer.com/competition.aspx?oId=1003&id=1847#.WCg9AbS6ChA
Goalkeeper Coaching
Goalkeeping Coaching with Eamonn Doyle continues on Mondays on the Astro at the following time slots:
Up to the age of 14 – from 5 – 6pm
For ages 15 to Senior Level – from 6 – 7pm.
