Manulla claim the Rumley three-in-a-row
Manulla, Rumley Cup winners 2025. Pictures: Cillian Staunton
Manulla have retained the Tommy Rumley Cup for a third consecutive year, defeating Castlebar Town 4–3 on penalties after a fiercely contested 0–0 draw that stretched across 110 minutes of football in Milebush on Sunday.
After a couple of years of domination from Manulla, Castlebar Town claimed the league title last week and went into this game in search of a league and cup double. However, it was an impressive performance from Manulla, who deservedly took the title.
In a match full of intensity, defensive resilience, and moments of individual brilliance, neither side could find the breakthrough in regular or extra time, setting up a tense penalty shootout that saw Manulla hold their nerve to secure the silverware.
The game opened at a blistering pace. Castlebar’s Louise Dowling was a threat from the outset, testing the Manulla defence with her pace and movement. However, Manulla were dealt an early blow when Lauren McLellan was forced off with an injury just nine minutes in.
Katie Gibbons emerged as a key figure for Robert Fletcher’s side, producing two outstanding goal-line clearances in the first half to deny Castlebar from a pair of dangerous corner kicks. The Dowling sisters, Louise and Cliodhna, combined well in attack for Castlebar but couldn’t convert their possession into clear-cut chances.
Despite the high tempo, neither side managed to carve out a truly decisive opportunity in the first half, with both defences expertly organised and disciplined in their shape.
Manulla came out stronger after the break, dominating large spells of possession and pinning Castlebar back into their own half. Aoife Brennan went closest for the reigning champions, narrowly missing the target with a free kick in the 58th minute. She came close again eight minutes later with another set-piece effort, but Castlebar goalkeeper Kira Bright was equal to it, pulling off a brilliant save.
Substitute Anna Mae Clarke added a spark to the Manulla front line, working tirelessly to press the Castlebar defence. Amy Dowling, meanwhile, stood firm at the back for Castlebar, delivering a composed and commanding performance to help her side withstand the Manulla pressure.
Standout performances from Stacey Freyne and Jennifer Dempsey in defence also gave Manulla a solid foundation to build from, but the elusive goal continued to evade both teams as the final whistle sounded.
Extra time brought with it a renewed sense of urgency. The best chance came in the seventh minute of the first period when Cliodhna Dowling broke through on goal, only to be denied by a superb reflex save from Manulla goalkeeper Lisa Nally.
As fatigue set in, the second period of extra-time saw fewer chances, with both teams visibly tiring and cautious not to make a costly error.
With the sides still locked in a stalemate, the cup final headed to penalties. Manulla showed composure and confidence under pressure, converting four of their spot kicks. Ella Vahey, Stacey Freyne, Aoife Brennan, and Hannah Prendergast all found the net from the spot to give Manulla a 4–3 win in the shootout, securing the Rumley Cup in honour of their clubman Tommy Rumley.
