Finalists confirmed for Girls 5s finals

Published: Mon 18 Mar 2024, 12:53 PM

Last updated: Thu 21 Mar 2024, 1:29 PM

PRIMARY 5S

An amazing total of 2080 pupils took part in the Meath qualifiers of the FAI Primary 5s tournament over the last two weeks, writes Paul Holland.

It took 618 games over 10 full days to complete the first stage of this nationwide competition.

A total of 260 teams (boys and girls) battled it out on the All-Weather pitches at the MDL Navan, with the winners now advancing to the County Finals on 17th April at the same venue.

GIRLS SMALL SCHOOLS

Drumconrath NS were convincing winners of Group 3 as they cruised to wins over Cortown, Bellewstown, Kilmainhamwood and Moynalvey. Captain Sophie Tighe played a leader's role starring in goals, in defence and also in midfield. Defender Moira O'Connor was outstanding while Ava Hickey, Niamh McCluskey and Marianne McMahon were the main goalscorers, scoring 23 goals and winning all seven matches. Greta Skackaite, Ella Flanagan and Brighid McGowan all worked very hard for Austin Hickey's charges to secure a place in the finals for the second year in succession.

Drumconrath NS Girls who qualified for the County Finals in the FAI Primary 5s

Kilbeg were equally impressive in Group 6 with deserved wins over Newtown, Castletown, Dunsany and Mount Hanover. Goalkeeper Hazel O'Connor was consistent between the sticks and was strongly supported by Kathia Farrelly and Anna Gaffney in defence. Midfielders Úna Uradnikova, Cora Rogan and Síofra Donlon excelled in both attacking and defensive duties in each match. Strikers Abbie Jackson and Ruby Purfield delivered the goods with some cracking goals.

Kilbeg NS Girls who qualified for the County Finals of the FAI Primary 5s

Heronstown Girls started well with a 3-1 victory over Navan Educate Together. Goalkeeper Molly Carolan pulled off some superb saves while the defence was well marshalled by Sadhbh Callaghan, Sophie Bradley and Sophie Woods. In midfield Molly Timmons Sheehy and Grace Loughran were skilful and tireless throughout as they linked well with forwards Laoise Finnegan and Lara Dillon. A win and two draws was enough to send Heronstown through to the deciders for the first time.

The Heronstown NS Girls 'A' team which advanced to the Meath County Finals of the FAI Primary 5s in Section A for small schools

Killyon topped Group 2 in the qualifiers and progressed to the playoffs ahead of Carlanstown, Heronstown B and Mulhussey B. The girls, managed by Áine Mulchrone, also rotated goalies with some fantastic saves coming from Lauren Fennessy, Holly Coleman and Hazel Larrissey. Alice Gilsenan and Robyn Losty scored most of the goals with Millie Duignan providing some brilliant passes. Substitutes Ayda Joyce and Niamh O’Gorman played their part in securing their place in the Meath Finals.

The Killyon NS Girls who advanced to Meath County Finals of the FAI Primary 5s in Section A for small schools

GIRLS MEDIUM SCHOOLS

Yellow Furze NS progressed to the County finals with wins over Kilcloon, Dangan and Carnaross in the group stages. The Beauparc girls were worthy winners of the playoffs ahead of Gaelscoil Eanna (Navan) and Athboy. Goalkeeper Alicia Healy was solid throughout while defenders Lily Ward and Katie Concannon were consistent and well organised. Lucy Hynes, Zara Finnegan and Lucy Davis worked their socks off in midfield while Anna Mai Burke and Cara Power led the line with fine finishing and tireless running.

The Yellow Furze Girls team which advanced to County Finals of the FAI Primary 5s in Section B for small schools

Gaelscoil na Bóinne Trim advanced to the Meath Finals after an impressive six wins from six games. Strong performances against Yellow Furze NS, Gaelscoil na Mí and Dangan NS saw the Trim girls qualify top of their group in the morning session with three clean sheets for goalkeeper Shona Nic Gafraigh and defenders Ella Ní Scannláin and Aoife Ní Riabhaigh.The crucial victory in the afternoon session game against a strong Gaelscoil na Rithe team and after going 1-0 down it was two goals from the excellent Síofra Ní Thoirealaigh that saw them clinch victory. Caoimhe Ní Fhearail, Clíona Ní Chuaigh and Isabelle Nic Íomhair were all in fine goal scoring form throughout the day and all three were on the scoresheet against Rathbeggan NS and Coole NS in the final two games.

Gaelscoil na Bóinne (Trim) Girls who advanced to County Finals in Section for medium sized schools

In testing wet conditions, Bohermeen topped Group 3 after beating Kildalkey A, Wilkinstown B and Mulhussey B and advanced to the finals for the second successive year. The second stage payoffs saw them through ahead of Ard Rí, Boyerstown and Ballivor.

The wins throughout the day were built on a very solid defence of Kayla Coyne and Lily Reilly who also provided a threat going forward. Goalkeeper Ella Weldon proved an excellent shot stopper and her distribution was outstanding. Eva Casserly pulled the strings in midfield and was a constant goal threat while Holly-Rose McDonnell was on the end of many fine attacking moves.The girls also emulated the success of the boys in advancing to the finals.

Bohermeen Girls who progressed to the County Finals of the FAI Primary 5s

Kentstown girls also managed to match the success of their boys’ team as they too qualified for the County finals. In Group 4 they topped the group after impressive wins against Kildalkey B (3-0) and Bohermeen B (3-1) and Moynalty(2-1) in a thrilling encounter.

Kentstown Girls who advanced to the FAI Primary 5s finals

GIRLS LARGE SCHOOLS

A total of 27 teams from 16 large Meath schools took part in this section with St Paul’s Ratoath, St Stephen’s Johnstown, Scoil Bhríde Cannistown and Mercy Convent Navan qualifying for the Meath finals