Tuesday the 10th of March saw the Junior team take on their nemesis, Teresians in a bid to claim the Junior 1 Leinster league title for the first time in history here on the Green.
Having suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of this skilful Teresians side during the season, the Junior team came out looking for nothing but victory and certainly took the Teresian side by surprise with their strength and agility.
Busloads of Loreto supporters bounded into Three Rock Rovers, lining the side of the pitch, face paint and banners at the ready for the one o’clock tip off. Spirits were high and excitement grew as the junior team put up a fantastic performance in the first half. A strong defence line was held with the help of the powerful strike of Lauren Murphy, firing the ball the length of the pitch to her forwards. The work rate of both Loreto and Teresians was high and the skilful Sophie Dolan created many opportunities for her team but they were defended with strength as the forwards made every effort to make a dent in the score line before the halftime whistle.
The match remained scoreless at half time but after a confident word from coaches Kate and Cillian, the junior team returned to the pitch to embark on the second half of their challenge. Captain Sarah Torrans, unfortunately out of action due to injury, urged her team on from the side-lines and watched as her younger sister Nicola Torrans stepped in on the right wing using her speed to drive the ball up the line. Short corners were awarded in our favour yet despite all efforts the tough second half came to an end with the score remaining nil all.
Following two scoreless extra-time five minute halves the match resorted to penalties. A quiet confidence crept in throughout the Loreto supporters and team as we looked to our goalkeeper, Eibhinn Linehan to take us over the final hurdle. With such an experienced and confident goalie on our side and five extremely capable penalty takers selected hopes were high. Supporters fell silent and tension grew as the penalties got underway.
Goals were converted by Sophie Dolan and amazingly, first year player, Katie-Rose Barry, leading The Green to a truly unbelievable victory!
This incredibly achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of coach Kate Collins-Smith and sports Co-ordinator Cillian O’Riordan, to whom we are extremely grateful.
The entire school community are overjoyed and immensely proud of our Junior 1 panel. It is certainly a match which will go down in history.
A huge congratulations to the entire team:
Sarah Torrans (Captain), Lauren Murphy (Vice Captain), Eibhinn Linehan, Eva Fullen, Sophie Dolan, Sarah Murray, Eimear O’Connor, Leah O’Reilly, Claire Whelan, Katie-Rose Barry, Nicola Torrans, Rachel Lynch, Emma Deeley, Suzanne Masterson and Abby Coakley.
Kate Fullan 5M