WEST Cork players made their presence felt as Cork claimed a second consecutive All-Ireland LGFA U14 Platinum title.
It took a full squad effort and four goals to overcome Armagh but the Cork U14s got the job done and became All-Ireland champions for the second year in a row, winning 4-8 to 2-11 at St Brigid’s GAA grounds in Kiltoom, Roscommon on Saturday.
Amid sometimes awful weather conditions, two Éirinn Coppinger (Rosscarbery) goals along with Aoife O’Connell’s (Lisgoold) 1-2 and Abigail Fenton’s (Watergrasshill) 1-1 helped the Rebels get over the line.
Katie Whelton (Castlehaven), Caoimhe McCarthy (Ballincollig), Ciara O’Brien (Youghal) and Annie McElroy (St Val’s) were also on the winners’ scoresheet.
For Cork U14 manager Jenni Fouhy, this victory was the culmination of hard work and dedicated effort from her panel and management team.
‘We are absolutely thrilled to bring the cup back to Cork,’ Fouhy told The Southern Star.
‘Anytime you win an All-Ireland, it’s always a good feeling.
‘At the start of the year, when you set your stall out, this is where you want to be. All year long we kept going until the final whistle. I suppose the girls’ grit and determination is what got them over the line.
‘The work that our strength and conditioning coach Ellie Coughlan put in really helped us in those last 15 minutes. That endurance was so necessary as Armagh are a formidable side.’
Rosscarbery’s Éirinn Coppinger celebrates Cork’s win with her parents, Ray and Tara.The Cork U14 manager was equally effusive in her praise of those behind the scenes who helped her young squad become All-Ireland champions.
‘Obviously, we would like to thank all the parents and supporters who travelled as it was a long journey and biblical rain at the very end,’ Fouhy added.
‘My management team has been exceptional all year and I’m very thankful for all their hard work.’
A cracking encounter was level at 2-1 to 1-4 after 20 minutes with Aoife O’Connell and Abigail Fenton green flags answered by a Lilymae Mackin goal.
Éirinn Coppinger’s converted penalty sent the Rebels in 3-1 to 1-5 ahead at the break. Another Coppinger goal increased Cork’s advantage to seven points after 37 minutes.
Their Ulster opponents dug deep, and Olivia Gray’s goal made it 4-8 to 2-9 close to the end.
Amid high tension, two late Armagh points left three between the sides as time ticked down. Cork held on to win, and captain Annie McElroy lifted the trophy before wild scenes of celebration.
The victorious Cork squad, management team and supporters ended up in Kilmurry, the hometown of St Val’s captain Annie McElroy, on Saturday evening.
‘St Val’s went above and beyond for us. The girls got an amazing welcome back,’ Fouhy commented.
‘Winning an All-Ireland final is a special moment for any footballer. We have to remember that these girls are only 13 or 14-years-old. They are the youngest age group to wear the Cork inter-county jersey.
‘No one knows what emotions they are going through on the day of an All-Ireland final. Being honest, they took it all in their stride against Armagh and showed maturity beyond their years.
‘Moving forward, there is absolutely no reason any of these girls cannot represent Cork again.
‘Every one of the girls, and not just those who played in Saturday’s All-Ireland final, have been exceptional throughout the year. They’ve really stood up when they’ve needed to.
‘We wish them all the best with their clubs for the rest of the year.’
So, at the conclusion of an All-Ireland winning campaign, this year’s West Cork LGFA U14 representatives can be proud of their contributions.
Throughout a lengthy season, Cara Daly (Ibane Ladies), Chloe Walsh (Dohenys), Éirinn Coppinger, Róisín O’Sullivan (both Rosscarbery), Eve O’Sullivan, Milana Collins, Nicole Sullivan, Ruby Humston (all O’Donovan Rossa), Katie Whelton (Castlehaven) and Lauren Young (Kinsale) made their collective presence felt.
Scorers
Cork: E Coppinger 2-1 (1-0 pen); A O’Connell 1-2; A Fenton 1-1; K Whelton (f), C McCarthy (f), C O’Brien, A McElroy 0-1 each.
Armagh: F Bell 0-6 (2f); O Gray 1-2; L Mackin 1-0; C Murphy, M O’Neill, C Murphy 0-1 each.
Cork: Orla Finn (Castlemagner); Nicole O’Sullivan (O’Donovan Rossa), Sarah Heron (Lisgoold), Chloe Walsh (Dohenys); Aoife O’Connor (St Catherines), Blaíthin Cronin (Naomh Fionbarra), Eve O’Sullivan (O’Donovan Rossa); Milana Collins (O’Donovan Rossa), Annie McElroy (St Vals); Aoife O’Connell (Lisgoold), Caoimhe McCarthy (Ballincollig), Ciara O’Brien (Youghal); Cliona Hurley (Bride Rovers), Abigail Fenton (Watergrasshill), Katie Whelton (Castlehaven).
Subs: Beth Hegarty (Fermoy), Éirinn Coppinger (Rosscarbery), Ruby Humston (O’Donovan Rossa), Molly Philpott (Dromtarriffe), Amelia O’Donovan (Watergrasshill), Cara Daly (Ibane Gaels).
Armagh: A Byrne; C Morgan, K Kelly, M Fox; EM McGrane, C Murphy, A Breslin; K Ferris, C McKeever; O Gray, M Campbell, M O’Neill; E Brito, L Mackin, F Bell.
Subs: L Doyle, G Daly, Z Awada, A McGrattan, A Carbery, S McParland, K Kelly, EM McGrane, LL Fitzpatrick, G Clarke, O Gray, C Murphy.
Referee: A Clogher (Roscommon).