Brave effort from Raphoe's Royal & Prior who fall short in Senior Cup semi-final

Two second-half goals from Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny ensured a tight victory over Donegal side Royal & Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe in Oriel Park, Dundalk.

Kilkenny were comfortable on the ball and enjoyed spells of good possession in the first half. Olivia Dunphy and Katie Grace were lively for the Leinster kingpins but just couldn’t convert given their opportunities in front of the goal.

Raphoe had a dogged determination with Sally Lynch, Amy Moore, and Kerry McCready in fine form for the Raphoe side as it remained goalless at the interval.

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The opening goal came eight minutes into the restart, courtesy of a penalty as Meadhbh Doherty duly converted to her right leaving McCready no chance. 

Kilkenny was limited to shots from distance midway through the half while Raphoe was chasing that elusive equaliser with Moore and Lateef combining well.

In the latter stages of the match, Raphoe pushed forward at every opportunity however they were caught on the break.

Kilkenny’s second came three minutes into added time with Emily Phelan finishing neatly to kill the game off. 

Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny will face off against old foe Coláiste na Coiribe of Galway in this season’s FAI Schools Senior Girls National Cup Final, which is due to take place on Wednesday, February 12 (1.0).

The sides last met in the U-15 Minor Cup showdown two years ago with the Galway girls snatching an added-time winner to take the title 2-1 in Birr Town that afternoon. 

Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny: Ellie Moran; Niamh Davis, Aoibhe Ryan, Hannah Griffey, Tara Roche; Sophie Meagher, Emily Phelan, Olivia Dunphy, Meadhbh Doherty; Rachel Phelan, Katie Grace. Subs Used: Ellen Tracey for Grace (56)

Royal & Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe: Kerry McCready; Hannah Goudu, Brooke Johnston, Cara Eaton, Kelsey Parke; Amy Moore, Olivia Maxwell, Sally Lynch, Cliodhna Gildau; Amy Lafeef, Emily Maxwell. Subs Used: Aimee McNulty for E Maxwell (68), Nakita Frizelll for Parke (73)

Referee: Eamon Philips (Louth)