Westport Community Games soccer aim for national success
Westport Community Games girls under-15 team with the winners trophy.
The Westport Community Games under-15 girls soccer team won gold in the Connacht finals in Tuam Celtic last month.
The girls met Sligo’s Ballymote in the semi-final. It was 0-0 after full-time, and even after extra time, the teams couldn't be separated, and penalties were needed. Still, after five penalties, it remained tied and sudden death had to come into play, with Westport emerging victorious.
Next up an hour later, a final versus Galway champions, Clarinbridge. Westport got a quick first half goal, scored by the brilliant left foot of Kate McGing.
Westport were really finding their feet by half-time and when the second half started, Westport was quickest out of the traps, with a Claire Ryan going in over the goalkeeper from 40 yards out to extend their lead. Westport was in the driving seat, but Clarinbridge played some excellent football, putting Westport under immense pressure in the last 10 minutes.
Clarinbridge got a penalty and made in 2-1 with less than five minutes left on the clock. They hit the Westport woodwork three times to deny themselves the equaliser only to get a penalty awarded to themselves with minutes left on the clock.
The Westport goalkeeper, Jane Moran, who was brilliant all day, pulled off an amazing save to give the Westport girls their Connacht title.
A special go to coaches Maureen Durkan and Ann Caine, medic Mary Casey and all their family and friends who travelled to Tuam to support them.
They are wished the very best of luck when they travel to Carlow next Sunday, August 24, for the National Finals.
Squad members: Jane Moran, Ellie Mai Keane (c), Eila Casey (c), Lauren Munro, Slaney O'Driscoll, Claire Ryan, Grace Bourke, Kate McGing, Aoife Durkan, Aimee McNamara, Lauren Conway, Emily Fahy, Abby Lee Horkan. Absent on the day due to holidays, May Duckett, Sadhbh McGauley & Violet O'Malley.
