Munster Senior Cup

Limerick FC  1 - 3  Cork Women's & Schoolgirls' Soccer League

12 September 2009

Super Blue Limerick Ladies miss out on Munster Senior Cup Final spot

This game played on Sat last at the Limerick Desmond League grounds in Clounreask, Askeaton, took place in brilliant sunshine, perfect for the spectators but not so good for the players – so much so that the game had to be stopped occasionally for water breaks.

Limerick started the game brightly and was unlucky not to take the lead after 5 minutes when after good work on the right by Michelle Clancy who found Gillian Purcell free just inside the box only for her shot to sail over the bar. After this Cork settled down and began to come more into the game with the Limerick goalkeeper Aine McCormack and the defence of Sinéad Leahy, Joan Ryan, Jenni Lyttle and Avril Clancy being kept busy. Although Cork had more of the ball at this point there were not too many clear cut chances being created other than a few corners and free kicks which were ably defended by Limerick. Gradually the Limerick girls got back into the game with the midfield of Sheila McAteer, Deirdre O’Doherty, Kiara Hannon and Claire Coughlan getting more into the game and pushing the Cork defence back deeper. The half finished, with first Katie McCarthy from the Cork Ladies firing over, and then Cork having to defend for the last action of the half when Sinéad Leahy played the ball smartly inside to Gillian Purcell who in turn found Michelle Clancy but for Irish U19 International Zoe Murphy to get back for the crucial block when it appeared Limerick were likely to score. 0-0 at half time.

The second half commenced with Limerick bringing on their first sub with Sinéad Cusack replacing Sheila McAteer who had picked up an injury towards the end of the first half. Cork started the better in the second half were quickly into their stride with shots from Val Leahy and Shauna McCarthy being just wide of the mark. Again Limerick were forced into a change with Ann Marie Leahy replacing Avril Clancy who was suffering from dehydration such was the heat this game was being played in. Limerick’s first clear chance of the second half came after Claire Coughlan found Gillian Purcell who in turn found Sinéad Cusack just outside the box wide on the right. Sinéad cut inside but unfortunately her curling left foot shot found the hands of the Cork keeper Marie Barrett. Cork were first to break the duck when after 58 minutes they caught the Limerick defence stretched and Katie McCarthy found the top corner of the net with a perfect strike from just outside the box. Limerick kept their heads up and good work down the right with Sinéad Cusack and Kiara Hannon created space for Michelle Clancy only for her effort to be well saved by the Cork keeper. Eventually Limerick got their reward in the 70th minute when from a corner on the right which was initially cleared only for Kiara Hannon to get a second chance to fire in a telling cross, this time for Susan O'Brien to run onto and get the final touch into the back of the net. With the game at 1-1 and the girls tiring from the intense heat chances were few. Cork went in front again in the 85th minute when some good work down the right resulted in Shauna McCarthy scoring from Val Leahy’s cross. With time running out and Limerick players pushing forward in search of an equaliser the inevitable quick clearance by the Cork defence fell to Katie McCarthy who ran on to score her second and Cork’s third goal to seal off the game in the 88th minute. Cork now go on to play the winners of Aisling Annacotty and Limerick Desmond League in the Final.

The Limerick Women's & Schoolgirls' Soccer League would like to thank the Limerick Desmond League for the use of their excellent facilities and Limerick FC reps Joe Sweeney (Physio), Trevor Beacom (Kit Man), Ron Byrne (Match Programme) and Kieran Judge for their assistance on the day.

Limerick: Áine McCormack, Sinéad Leahy, Avril Clancy, Jenni Lyttle, Joan Ryan, Sheila McAteer, Deirdre O'Doherty, Kiara Hannon, Claire Coughlan, Michelle Clancy, Gillian Purcell.
Subs: Sinéad Cusack, Ann-Marie Leahy, Laura Hogan, Shona Ryan, Carol Hickey, Laura O'Connor, Ellen Butler.

Cork: Marie Barrett, Aileen O'Leary, Mary Barrett, Emma McCarthy, Zoe Murphy, Yvonne Cahill, Tanya McGown, Donna O'Leary, Val Leahy, Katie McCarthy, Shauna McCarthy.
Subs: Eimear Knightly, Catherese Fahy, Amy McCarthy

Match Report: Trevor Lyttle