Mayo girls aim for Gaynor glory

The first week of June is once again upon us and, from an underage soccer point of view, that can mean only one thing – the Gaynor Cup Tournament in University of Limerick (UL).

This very prestigious competition takes place at the same time every year where every county in Ireland will be represented on county teams (with some counties doubling up) at U14 level (2010 born girls).

Twenty Mayo girls, along with their coaches, boarded a bus from the county town last Friday morning to make the trip south to Limerick. The tournament is staged on the fabulous sporting grounds of UL. This will be their base until the conclusion of competition on Friday afternoon.

The format of the Gaynor Cup this year is seven groups of four teams with each team playing the other in a round robin format before taking part in the knockout stages which is determined by group placings.

Mayo are second seeds and kick-off their campaign against locals Limerick District today (Monday) at 4pm. This is followed by the final two matches today Tuesday against NERL at 10am and Waterford at 4pm.

This group of players have been together since last October and have put in a massive effort over the past eight months.

Speaking prior to departure Head of Delegation John Flanagan was looking forward to the competition.

“We have an unbelievably good record in this Premier National competition for girls. Since 2019 we have won each of the four grades Cup, Bowl, Shield and Trophy and our girls always give a fantastic account of themselves year in, year out.

“This squad has already won an SFAI Inter-League National competition earlier this year and hopes are high for how they will do in the cut and thrust of a tournament where sometimes you must play two games in the one day hence the need for a squad with lots of depth in it.

“We are fortunate too that six of the girls, Aoibheann McGreal, Sive Flanagan, Ava Mitchell, Emily Coleman, Caoimhe O’Donnell and Grace Mulroy were all part of the Michael Collins-managed squad that won the Gaynor Trophy last year so they will bring that precious experience with them.” Mayo: Aoibheann McGreal (Westport United), Caoimhe Kitching (Claremorris), Grace Cunnigham (Ballina Town), Katie Flynn (Ballyvary Blue Bombers), Beth Murrihy (Snugboro United), Sive Flanagan (Claremorris), Kayla Helly (Conn Rangers), Ava Mitchell (Kiltimagh/Knock United), Emily Coleman (Conn Rangers), Anna Meaney (Westport United), Ry-Lee Burke (Ballinrobe Town), Leagh Kilcullen (Castlebar Town), Saoirse McGing (Westport United), Anna Burton (Manulla), Caoimhe O’Donnell (Killala), Lucy McDermott (Claremorris), Grace Mulroy (Manulla), Saoirse Reynolds (Westport United), Maya Benson (Kilmurry Youths Soccer Club), Kaja Jelinska (Castlebar Town).

Coaching Staff: John Flanagan (Head of Delegation), John Hennelly (Manager), Martin McGreal (Assistant Manager), Melissa Devaney (coach), Amy Dunleavy (coach), Susanne Cunnane (coach), Emma Gibbons (Physio), Zoe Flanagan (Kit Person).