Donegal U12 Girls claim SFAI Inter-League Shield title

The Donegal U12s claimed the Interleague Shield after a composed and confident performance against a strong Limerick Desmond side in Kilkenny on Sunday. 

Donegal started brightly, with early chances falling to Alison Mbuli and Emily McMahon, both narrowly missing the target. Their pressure paid off just after the water break when a series of corners, expertly delivered by Deava Diver, culminated in Mbuli heading home the opening goal to make it 1-0. 

Limerick responded well, testing Donegal goalkeeper Kate Shields with a dangerous free kick that she tipped onto the crossbar. Donegal had chances to double their lead before the break through Alannah McNulty, following excellent link-up play by Klara Lafferty and Fiadh McGinley, but the Limerick keeper stood firm. 

In the second half, Donegal resumed control with Catherine Caldwell and Eadaoin McMenamin causing problems for the Limerick defence. Despite Limerick’s growing presence in the game, defenders Amanda Caldwell, Clara Ward Duffy, and Ava Price held strong. 

Donegal’s second goal came once again from a corner. Enya Logue whipped in a superb delivery, which found Mbuli in the box for her second of the day. 

Limerick pressed late on, but Donegal’s defence, including Lydia McLaughlin, Aoibhe Gibson, Aoibhinn Hegarty, and Niamh McNulty, remained solid. Forwards Lucy Peoples and Evana Roulstone applied excellent pressure high up the pitch, preventing Limerick from building any momentum. In the dying moments, Kerry Wade bravely punched away a dangerous ball to preserve Donegal’s clean sheet. 

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It was a true team effort, with every player contributing to a well-earned victory. Congratulations to coaches Daniel Doherty, Brid McGinty, and the entire squad on bringing the Shield back to Donegal. 

Joint Players of the Match for Donegal were Mbuli, who was a constant threat up front, scoring both goals, and Clara Ward Duffy who was solid and composed in defence throughout.

Donegal Squad: 

Kate Shields (Milford United), Kerry Wade (Letterkenny Rovers), Amanda Caldwell (Lagan Harps), Lydia McLaughlin (Letterkenny Rovers), Clara Ward Duffy (Dunfanaghy Youths), Deava Diver (Milford United), Ava Price (Bonagee United), Enya Logue (Gweedore Celtic), Klara Lafferty (Cappry Rovers), Catherine Caldwell (Lagan Harps), Emily McMahon (Lagan Harps), Eadaoin McMenamin (Cappry Rovers), Alannah McNulty (Drumbar United), Alison Mbuli (Cappry Rovers), Fiadh McGinley (Dunfanaghy Youths), Aoibhe Gibson (Letterkenny Rovers), Aoibhlinn Hegarty (Kilmacrennan Celtic), Lucy Peoples (Milford United), Evana Roulstone (Raphoe Town), Niamh McNulty (Finn Valley Ladies FC), Aisling Alcorn (Dunfanaghy Youths), Amelia Gallagher (Bonagee United), Aoife Gallagher (Drumbar United), Lauren Doogan (Keadue Rovers), Lucy McGarrigle (Drumbar United), Mollie Tinney (Raphoe Town), Muireann Gallagher (Drumbar United), Natalia Zabillo (Letterkenny Rovers), Aine Bovaird (Kildrum Tigers).