North Tipperary U19 Cup Final

Ballymackey U19 Girls travelled to Templemore to take on BT Harps in the North Tipperary U19 Cup Final. Ballymackey started the match brightly, taking the game to the hosts and applying early pressure. Despite their dominance, they failed to capitalise and a moment of miscommunication in defence gifted BT Harps the opening goal.

To their credit, Ballymackey reacted superbly to the setback and went in search of an equaliser. Amber DeLewis caused the Harps defence endless problems, proving almost impossible to contain. Three Harps players were booked in attempts to stop her, including one incident where DeLewis was clear through on goal on the edge of the box, one-on-one with the goalkeeper, only to be hauled down from behind and denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.

With Seonaid McGuigan pulling the strings in midfield, Ballymackey continued to attack and were desperately unlucky in the first half, twice striking the right-hand upright as they searched for an equaliser.

The breakthrough finally came in the second half when LilyKate Kenneally scored directly from a wicked, inswinging corner. Ballymackey pushed hard for a winning goal, but the crossbar and some outstanding goalkeeping from BT Harps kept them at bay, leaving the game level at the end of normal time.

Extra time followed, with Ballymackey pressing relentlessly, particularly in the second period as they laid siege to the Harps goal. Despite going agonisingly close on several occasions, they were unable to find the decisive goal and the final was settled by a penalty shootout.

Ballymackey carried their confidence into the shootout, with no shortage of volunteers stepping forward. Those selected delivered under pressure, securing victory with a penalty to spare.

Commiserations to a gallant BT Harps side who pushed the game all the way, and congratulations to them on their new astro pitch, a fantastic asset for North Tipp football.

The manner of Ballymackey’s performance was as pleasing as the result itself. Outstanding football was played by all 15 girls who togged out, making it difficult to single out individuals. However, LilyKate Kenneally and Nikola Zarina were exceptional, defending resolutely while also playing a key role in Ballymackey’s possession play. Special mention also goes to Isabella Meehan, who earned her first medal with Ballymackey.

Squad: Ava O Rourke, Nikola Zarina, Emma Nolan, Shauna Egan, LilyKate Kenneally, Olivia Fitzpatrick, Isabella Meehan, Sadhb Connolly, Thia McCarthy, April Slevin, Seonaid McGuigan, Sophia O Meara, Anna Lee, Aoibhinn Delaney, Amber DeLewis and Erin Wakefield (inj)