Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair lift Junior B Girls Ulster Schools  title

Hat-tricks from Maria Ní hFídhinn and Maria Ní Ghallachóir helped Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair to a comfortable 6-0 win over St Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs, in the Ulster Junior B Girls final on Tuesday. 

Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair 6-0 St Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs 

All of Gaoth Dobahir’s goals came in the first half at Leckview Park, Letterkenny but St Catherine’s did well to keep the game competitive after half-time. 

St Catherine's Vocational School, Killybegs 

In near freezing conditions, St Catherine’s actually started the brighter, applying early pressure and creating a chance for Clara McGuinness in the first minute. 

The opening exchanges were back and forth with counterattacks being launched at either end.  

But Pobalscoil soon came into their own with the first clear chance, a half volley from Maria Ní Ghallachóir going just wide. 

On nine minutes, Maria Ní hFidhinn opened the scoring for the eventual winners after a fine through ball from Mary Anne Nic a Bhaird. 

The Killybegs scholars responded by pressing high and a clearance from goalkeeper Roisin Ní Chasaide was intercepted by Sarah McGuinness whose shot deflected off the keeper. 

The ball bounced goalwards but Ní Chasaide did well to recover and divert the danger.  

On 13 minutes, Pobalscoil won a freekick after a high boot from Sarah McGuinness was penalised.  

On 24 minutes, Mary Anne Nic a Bhaird set up another great chance which her teammate Maria Ní Ghallachóir slotted home to make it 2-0.  

Just a minute after the game restarted, Ghaoth Dobhair piled on the pressure resulting in Maria Ní hFidhinn placing the ball just over  St Catherine’s goalkeeper Sarah Hegarty for her second of the game. 

St. Catherine’s did their best to move up the pitch with good passing between Clara and Sarah McGuinness but Ghaoth Dobhair won the ball back. 

Both goalscorers were then involved in helping make it 4-0 as Ní hFidhinn bagged her hat-trick. 

Back-to-back goals from Maria Ní Ghallachóir then saw her also bag a hat-trick as Pobalscoil wrapped matters up inside a fine first-half. 

St Catherine’s - to their credit - never gave up with winger Heidi McHugh winning a corner after a good battle with defender  Neasa Nic Phaidin. 

Referee Colm McConigley blew for the break shortly after and Ghaoth Dobhair were in a comfortable place at half-time.

The second stanza was much more competitive than the first with the Killybegs girls upping the ante. 

It opened with Ghaoth Dobhair’s Aíne Ní Fhearraigh having her effort saved after a corner delivery by Nic a Bhaird. 

St Catherine’s then turned around and created three chances in as many minutes but, unfortunately, nothing came from that endevour. 

Ghaoth Dobhair reverted into consolidation mode during the remainder and, in the end, were worthy winners in Letterkenny. 

 They will now progress on to the All-Ireland semi-finals. 

Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair: Roisin Ní Chasaide; Neasa Nic Phaidin, Emma Nic Cumhaill, Maria Ní hFídhinn, Fia Nic Giolla Chomhaill; Aoibhin Ní Chasaide, Hannah Nic Phaidin, Eva Ní Dhuibhir, Mary Anne Nic a Bhaird; Aoife Nic Aoidh, Maria Ní Ghallchóir, Brianna Ní Fhearraigh,  Eibhlin Ní Bhaoill, Cara Ní Dhochartaigh, Clara Nic Suibhne, Maria Ní hFídhinn, Lily Nic Ruairt, Eva Ní Luadhg, Blaithin Ní Bhaoil,  Áine Ni Fhearraigh.

St Catherine’s Vocational, Killybegs; Sarah Hegarty, Rebecca McClafferty, Michaela Murray, Aisling Hegarty, Kayla Boyle; Etain Gatins, Kate O’Neill, Zara Dornan; Sarah McGuinness, Clara McGuinness, Heidi McHugh,  Lisa Cunningham, Layla Dornan, Emily McBrearty, Rachel Dornan, Nicole Murphy, Chloe Lowther, Caoimhe Ganigan, Amy Rawdon.

Referee: Colm Mc Conigley