Donegal fall just short in U16 Shield final against North Tipperary

Donegal’s U16 girls put up a valiant fight but narrowly missed out on silverware as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against North Tipperary in the Shield final.

The match began at a slow pace, with Donegal creating the first real opportunity when Shaelagh Brannigan connected with a Shauna Doohan cross, only for the North Tipp defence to clear the danger. The opposition responded with a chance of their own, but Donegal goalkeeper Mary Bridget McGeever comfortably gathered the effort.

Donegal continued to press, coming closest when a misjudged cross from Doohan struck the post. Moments before half-time, Michaela Hannifan latched onto a well-weighted through ball from Aisling Duffy, but her shot was well saved by the North Tipp goalkeeper.

The second half saw Donegal push forward once again, with Hannifan denied by a crucial block from a defender. However, North Tipperary gradually grew into the game, testing Donegal’s defensive resilience. Kaycie Gallagher and Eva Diver stood firm at the back, while McGeever remained alert, producing a strong save from a long-range strike.

North Tipp nearly broke the deadlock when a looping shot rattled the crossbar, serving as a warning sign. The decisive moment came when a clearance from the Donegal defence unfortunately deflected off a North Tipp player and into the net, leaving Donegal trailing.

Despite the setback, the Donegal girls showed great determination, immediately pushing for an equaliser. Aoise Lenihan came agonisingly close, sending her effort just wide of the post.

The final whistle brought disappointment, but the Donegal squad can take immense pride in their performance, battling to the very end. Special credit goes to coaches Sinead Kelly and Syria McGeever, who led their team superbly throughout the campaign.

Donegal squad:

Mary B McGeever (Mulroy Academy), Naoise Gillespie (St Catherine’s FC), Shaelagh Brannigan (Drumbar Utd), Eva Diver (Gweedore Utd), Michaela Hannafin (Drumbar Utd), Bronagh Gallen (Finn Valley Ladies FC), Elianne McFadden (Gweedore Utd), Kaycie Gallagher (Mulroy Academy), Caoimhe Gallagher (Keadue Rovers), Bronagh Hegarty (St Catherine’s), Aoibhinn Callaghan (Mulroy Academy), Aisling Duffy (Mulroy Academy), Emma McNulty (Drumbar Utd), Aoife McGee (Gweedore Celtic), Sinead McLoughlin (Lagan Harps), Aoise Lenihan (Illistrin FC), Grace McBride (Bonagee Utd), Shauna Doohan (Glenea Utd), Cate Cameron (Kilmacrennan Celtic), Amy McAteer (Mulroy Academy).