South Sligo school show their class to reach National Cup final

Coola Post Primary School from South Sligo were comprehensive 3-0 winners over Midleton College of Cork in the FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup semi-final showdown in Maree Oranmore earlier this week.

Coached by Geevagh native, Eamonn Bruen, Coola had the game wrapped up midway through the first half when they made a blistering start to proceedings.

The winners opened their account with just seven minutes on the clock after a nice header from Ciara Gilligan fell to the feet of Leah Mullaney, who managed to slot home in a congested goalmouth.

Seconds after the re-start, the Connacht champions doubled their tally as Aoibhin Doherty had a lovely strike to slot past the diving Midleton goalkeeper, Ellie O’Leary.

Coola’s third and decisive goal came midway through the half as Hayley Mullaney finished neatly.

Coola keeper Hannah Dargadon was called into action just before the break as she denied Cassie Boullier with an excellent stop.

The Sligo girls went into the break with a hat-trick of goals to their credit.

It was a more even affair in the second period as a result of some tactical changes to the Midleton set-up.

Aoibhin Conlon had a lovely darting run down the left flank early in the second half but she ran out of gas as she struck the ball and only managed to hit the side-netting.

O’Leary produced a wonderful save to deny the impressive Orlaith Scanlon on 68 minutes.

Allie and Dani Stuart played well for Midleton but the Coola defensive partnership were too strong for the Cork advancement as they helped Hargadon keep her clean sheet.

Bruen and his talented crop of players will be hoping they can add to their trophy tally with a National Senior ‘B’ Cup up for grabs.

They will take on Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair in the showpiece on Wednesday, January 29th, in Monaghan United FC.

COOLA POST PRIMARY SCHOOL, SLIGO: Hannah Hargadon, Ava Lyons, Ava Duggan, Aoibhinn Conlon, Grainne Smith, Leanne Galvin (captain), Orlaith Scanlon (captain), Hayley Mullaney, Leah Mullaney, Ciara Gilligan, Aoibhin Doherty.

Subs used: Aine Mostyn for L. Mullaney (79 mins).

Subs not used: Abbie McTiernan, Amy Brehony, Clodagh Hannon, Aaleasha Sweeney, Katie Gilligan, Aisling Dwyer.

Teacher: Eamonn Bruen