Kilbeg finish fourth at National finals in the Aviva
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Kilbeg NS's Una Uradnikova in action against Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail, Moville, Donegal in the National Primary 5s finals at the Aviva Stadium.Image 2 of 3
Kilbeg NS's Abbie Jackson was her side's top scorer in the Aviva.Image 3 of 3
The Kilbeg NS team that finished fourth at the National Finals of the FAI Primary 5s at the Aviva Stadium Dublin with Ronan O’ Connor (coach) and Siobhan Caplice (teacher).This year has been a fantastic one for the girls from Kilbeg NS, a small school in north Meath, as they won three finals in the small schools section of the FAI Primary 5s, a nationwide five-a-side tournament, writes Paul Holland.
Firstly they emerged victorious from the Meath qualifiers, then they won the North Leinster title, before being crowned Leinster champions and in the process reaching last week’s National finals in the magnificent surroundings of the Aviva Stadium in Dublin .
The seven girls from Kilbeg had the luxury of togging out in the same dressing room as legends such as Katie McCabe and Troy Parrott before walking out of the famous Aviva tunnel to the soundtrack of the Champions League anthem. This was the magic of a dream which had turned into reality for the team coached by Ronan O’Connor.
The first of three games kicked off against Munster champions Clonern NS from Tipperary. The game was tight throughout and even though Cloneen took the lead through a thunderbolt free kick, Abbie Jackson equalised with a superb strike from 20 yards. Kilbeg worked hard with Una Uradnikova and Kate Crosby to the fore. With one minute remaining 'keeper Hazel O’Connor pulled off a wonderful triple save but couldn't keep the fourth shot out, as the Meath girls lost by 2-1.
After a short interval, the Kilbeg girls lined up again, this time against Gaelscoil Cois Feabhaill from Donegal. The Ulster champions dominated the first half and were slick with their passing and movement and clinical with their finishing as they raced into a 6-1 lead at half-time. Kilbeg improved in the second half with Abbie Jackson scoring two fine goals but lost out by 3-6 to the eventual champions.
Kilbeg's final game was against Lankill NS from Mayo with the result having a deciding influence on who topped the group to win the National title. Lankill were joint top with Gaelscoil Cois Feabhaill and needed to win to be victorious.
The confidence gained from the last game proved to be crucial for Kilbeg as they started the game with intent and purpose. Kate Crosby and Abbie Jackson caused havoc in the defensive third with Una Uradnikova and Kayla Weldon steady and reliable throughout.
However Kilbeg conceded a soft penalty in the early stages. The lead only lasted a few seconds when Abbie Jackson slotted home to level it up with her fourth goal of the day. Top scorer Jackson scored again with an excellent finish into the bottom right corner and the game finished 2-1 to Kilbeg after incredible heroics from goalkeeper Hazel O’Connor and substitute defender Kaylah Farrelly.