Clinical Crossmolina girls claim the cup in thrilling final
Crossmolina, 2026 Mayo under-19 girls cup champions. Picture: Deirdre Ryan
Crossmolina were crowned Mayo under-19 Girls Cup champions on Friday evening in Celtic Park in what was a competitive, end-to-end game throughout. Westport United played some very skilful football but in the end, Crossmolina proved to be the more clinical side.
Westport started the match as the dominant force. The first chance of the game fell their way - a long range shot from Aoife Meaney, which sailed over the crossbar. A few minutes later United’s Ruby Brennan played a lovely ball over the Crossmolina defence to striker Kate Maloney, but goalkeeper Leah Hopkins got there first.
The Coveys failed to take their early opportunities, and they were punished. With a quarter of an hour played, Hannah McHugh sent a low, powerful cross into the Westport box from a corner, and Claire Hegarty directed the ball into the back of the net, scoring the first goal of the encounter.
Westport created numerous chances to snatch an equaliser in the following ten minutes, but they weren’t converted. A header from Maud O’Reilly, and shots from Katie Hughes and Kate Maloney, all went wide.
Despite United having the momentum, Crossmolina once again nicked a goal on the break. After a long ball was pumped up to striker Emma Sheridan, Sheridan beat her defender, chipped the ball over the goalkeeper, and headed it in. An incredible piece of skill, and Crossmolina doubled their advantage.
Emma Sheridan was incredible for the whole ninety minutes - she was the focal point of the Crossmolina attack, and her pace in behind the Westport defence was a major asset for the eventual victors.
With ten minutes left in the first half, Westport finally found the back of the net. Shortly after taking a long range shot which was saved by Leah Hopkins, Westport’s Katie Hughes found herself bearing down on goal. This time she stayed composed and slotted her effort under Hopkins and into the net to cut the deficit in half.
United pushed for the leveller before half-time, but they found themselves a goal down going into the second half.
The second period was a scrappier affair, with Westport dominating possession, and Crossmolina waiting for their moment to counterattack. Both sides tried to get in behind the opposition defence, and both goalkeepers were routinely called into action to intercept through balls.
Westport had shots on goal from Katie Hughes and substitute Rheanna Hoban, but they were thwarted by solid Crossmolina defending. United got very close to equalising when one of their corners led to pandemonium in the Crossmolina box, but the ball was eventually cleared.
Crossmolina had chances on the break, but these were dealt with expertly by Westport goalkeeper Lauren Cusack, who swept up a lot of ball throughout.
The second half was an even contest, and it took a moment of magic to find a breakthrough. With ten minutes left, Crossmolina’s Claire Hegarty - from well outside the eighteen-yard box - lobbed the ball over Lauren Cusack and into the goal. This incredible piece of play from Hegarty put her side firmly on the path to victory, and Crossmolina held on to their two-goal lead to clinch the Cup.
Crossmolina: Leah Hopkins, Bridie Gough, Ruth Jordan, Ally Gallagher, Amy Doherty, Hannah McHugh, Niamh Hegarty, Claire Hegarty, Emma Sheridan, Ella Connell, Sara Mulligan. Sub used: Ailbhe Doyle.
Westport United: Lauren Cusack, Claire Ryan, Anna Meaney, Saoirse McGing, Lauren Maloney, Ruby Brennan, Maud O’Reilly, Aoife Meaney, Kate Maloney, Katie Hughes, Emily Grady. Subs used: Katie Moran, Rheanna Hoban, Kate McGing.
REF: Phillip O’Brien Gleeson
