Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana win dedicated to Rocco McGinley - Paddy Carr

Scoil Mhuire Buncrana boss Paddy Carr has dedicated the school’s FAI Schools Senior Girls National Cup decider win to the memory of Rocco McGinley. 

Rocco - who sadly passed away in February following a lengthy battle against a rare brain tumour - was a pupil at the school. 

And speaking to the Inish Times, boss Carr says Rocco McGinley was in everyone’s thoughts before, during and after the side’s historic win. 

“We’ve been through a tight few weeks there, we lost poor, young Rocco McGinley,” he said. “It was lovely to get the result and it was lovely to also see some of his mates at the match and, of course, their smiles after. 

“We’re all still thinking of Rocco, his friends and his family. This will lift spirits a little and it’ll bring a wee buzz back to the school after what everyone has been through. And the girls - they are great credit to their school, clubs and families. 

“They’ve achieved something really special as a group. 90 minutes plus extra time, that’s some going. But to be the ones that kept their cool in the shootout, they deserve all the praise they’re getting”.  

Scoil Mhuire and opponents St. Attracta’s Community School could not be separated in normal or extra time despite their best efforts as the spot kick showdown emerged.

The experienced Loughrey duo, Jodie and Keri, both converted their penalties but the Sligo scholars’ second effort was saved brilliantly by Hollie Ferguson.

However, the drama continued with Buncrana’s third penalty taker Niamh Harkin denied to bring the scoreline to two apiece after three. The tension continued to mount as Leah Deehan converted but St Attracta’s fourth strike was again stopped by Ferguson to make it 3-2.

And with Ciara McGee duly slotted home their fifth the Buncrana girls were All-Ireland champions. 

“Penalties are always a dramatic way to win it,” said Carr. “There was little or nothing between the sides throughout, like we expected it to be. I suppose you have to give Hollie Ferguson great credit for her heroics in the shootout. 

“Hollie is a class act and I’m sure she’ll go places in the not too distant future. She’s that good. Our back four hasn’t conceded a goal in the last three games. We’ve been very hard to break down. To be fair to them all, they’ve been magnificent”. 

He added: “Myself, the management and the girls would like to thank everyone for their support. We received so many messages and even the likes of BodyWorks Performance and Recovery, up in Buncrana, they were very supportive”.